Test cricket is the oldest and most prestigious format of the game. It is also the ultimate test of a batsman’s skill, stamina and temperament. To score a century in test cricket is a remarkable feat but to score a double century is even more extraordinary. Only a few batsmen in the history of the game have achieved this milestone more than once, and they are rightly regarded as cricket legends.
In this comprehensive listicle we are going to pay tribute to the batsmen who have scored the most 200s in test cricket and look at their records, achievements and legacy. We will list down the top 10 players who have scored the most 200s in test cricket and also share some interesting facts and statistics about their record-breaking performances.
We will also discuss why these players are considered as the record-breaking players and cricketing legends by fans and experts alike. Without further ado, let’s get started!
The Top 10 Batsmen with the Most 200s in Test Cricket
Here is the the table of players with details who have scored the most double centuries in Test cricket as of early 2024:
| Player | Double Centuries | Span | Matches | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DG Bradman (AUS) | 12 | 1928-1948 | 52 | 6996 | 99.941 |
| KC Sangakkara (SL) | 11 | 2000-2015 | 134 | 12400 | 57.41 |
| BC Lara (ICC/WI) | 9 | 1990-2006 | 131 | 11953 | 52.881 |
| WR Hammond (ENG) | 7 | 1927-1947 | 85 | 7249 | 58.451 |
| V Kohli (IND) | 7 | 2011-2024 | 113 | 8848 | 49.151 |
| DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 7 | 1997-2014 | 149 | 11814 | 49.841 |
| MS Atapattu (SL) | 6 | 1990-2007 | 90 | 5502 | 39.021 |
| KS Williamson (NZ) | 6 | 2010-2024 | 98* | 8533 | 55.051 |
| V Sehwag (ICC/IND) | 6 | 2001-2013 | 104 | 8586 | 49.341 |
| Javed Miandad (PAK) | 6 | 1976-1993 | 124 | 8832 | 52.571 |
1. DG Bradman (AUS) – 12 double centuries
The first and the undisputed name on this list is none other than the cricket legend, Sir Donald Bradman. The Australian batting maestro holds the record for the most double centuries in test cricket with 12.
He also has the highest average of 99.94, which is widely regarded as the greatest achievement in any major sport. Bradman was a master of the game, who dominated every bowling attack he faced. He scored his highest score of 334 against England in 1930, which included a record-breaking 309 runs in a single day.
He also scored two triple centuries and six scores between 150 and 199. Bradman is undoubtedly the greatest cricketer of all time and a cricket icon for generations to come.
2. KC Sangakkara (SL) – 11 double centuries
The second spot on this list goes to another cricket genius, Kumar Sangakkara. The Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman scored 11 double centuries in his illustrious test career, which spanned from 2000 to 2015. Sangakkara was a prolific run-scorer, who amassed 12,400 runs at an average of 57.40.
He was also a graceful and elegant stroke-maker, who could play all around the wicket. His highest score of 319 came against Bangladesh in 2014, which was also his second triple century. Sangakkara was a cricket maestro, who also excelled in ODIs and T20Is. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen and wicket-keepers of all time.
3. BC Lara (ICC/WI) – 9 double centuries
The third place on this list belongs to another batting legend, Brian Lara. The West Indian left-hander scored 9 double centuries in his remarkable test career, which lasted from 1990 to 2006.
Lara was a flamboyant and aggressive batsman, who could destroy any bowling attack with his sublime skills. He holds the record for the highest individual score in test cricket, an unbeatable 400 not out against England in 2004.
He also scored another quadruple century, 375 against England in 1994, which was the previous record. Lara was a record-breaking player, who also holds the record for the most runs in a single test match, 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994. Lara was a cricketing legend, who inspired millions of fans with his passion and flair.
4. WR Hammond (ENG) – 7 double centuries
The fourth position on this list is occupied by another cricket icon, Walter Hammond. The English right-hander scored 7 double centuries in his glorious test career, which spanned from 1927 to 1947.
Hammond was a powerful and stylish batsman, who could dominate any bowling attack with his range of shots. He scored his highest score of 336 not out against New Zealand in 1933, which was also the highest score by an English batsman until Alastair Cook surpassed it in 2015.
Hammond was also a brilliant fielder and a useful bowler, who took 83 wickets in tests. Hammond was a sports icon, who is considered as one of the finest batsmen and all-rounders of all time.
5. V Kohli (IND) – 7 double centuries
The fifth spot on this list goes to another cricket superstar, Virat Kohli. The Indian captain and right-hander has scored 7 double centuries in his ongoing test career, which started in 2011. Kohli is a modern-day master, who has excelled in all formats of the game with his consistency and versatility.
He has scored over 20,000 international runs at an average of over 50 in tests, ODIs and T20Is. He has also scored his highest score of 254 not out against South Africa in 2019. Kohli is a cricket genius, who has led India to many historic victories at home and abroad. He is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen and captains of the current era.
6. DPMD Jayawardene (SL) – 7 double centuries
The sixth place on this list belongs to another Sri Lankan great, Mahela Jayawardene. The right-handed batsman scored 7 double centuries in his splendid test career, which lasted from 1997 to 2014. Jayawardene was a classy and elegant batsman, who could play all kinds of shots with ease and grace.
He scored his highest score of 374 against South Africa in 2006, which was also the highest partnership in test cricket, 624 with Sangakkara. Jayawardene was a cricket legend, who also captained Sri Lanka to the 2007 World Cup final and the 2014 World T20 title. He is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen and leaders of all time.
7. MS Atapattu (SL)- 6 double centuries
The seventh spot on this list goes to another Sri Lankan star, Marvan Atapattu. The right-handed opener scored 6 double centuries in his impressive test career, which spanned from 1990 to 2007.
Atapattu was a solid and reliable batsman, who could play long and patient innings with his sound technique and temperament. He scored his highest score of 249 against Zimbabwe in 2004, which was also his sixth consecutive century in tests.
Atapattu was a cricket record-holder, who also captained Sri Lanka to the 2003 World Cup semi-final and the 2006 Champions Trophy final. He is widely regarded as one of the best openers and captains of all time.
8. KS Williamson (NZ) – 6 double centuries
The eighth position on this list is occupied by another cricket phenomenon, Kane Williamson. The New Zealand captain and right-hander has scored 6 double centuries in his ongoing test career, which started in 2010.
Williamson is a brilliant and versatile batsman, who can adapt to any situation and condition with his skill and intelligence. He has scored over 14,000 international runs at an average of over 50 in tests, ODIs and T20Is. He has also scored his highest score of 251 against West Indies in 2020.
Williamson is a cricket master, who has led New Zealand to the 2019 World Cup final and the inaugural World Test Championship title. He is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen and captains of the current era.
9. V Sehwag (ICC/IND)- 6 double centuries
The ninth spot on this list goes to another Indian legend, Virender Sehwag. The right-handed opener scored 6 double centuries in his explosive test career, which lasted from 2001 to 2013.
Sehwag was a fearless and destructive batsman, who could change the course of any match with his aggressive approach and audacious shots. He scored his highest score of 319 against South Africa in 2008, which was also the fastest triple century in test cricket, off just 278 balls.
He also scored two other triple centuries, 309 against Pakistan in 2004 and 293 against Sri Lanka in 2009. Sehwag was a cricket entertainer, who also excelled in ODIs and T20Is. He is widely regarded as one of the most devastating batsmen and openers of all time.
10. Javed Miandad (PAK) – 6 double centuries
The tenth and the final spot on this list belongs to another Pakistani great, Javed Miandad. The right-handed batsman scored 6 double centuries in his legendary test career, which spanned from 1976 to 1996.
Miandad was a gritty and resilient batsman, who could play under pressure and challenge any bowling attack with his determination and skill. He scored his highest score of 280 not out against India in 1983, which was also the highest score by a Pakistani batsman until Younis Khan surpassed it in 2015.
Miandad was a cricket hero, who also captained Pakistan to the 1992 World Cup title and many memorable victories at home and abroad. He is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen and captains of all time.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 players who have scored the most 200s in test cricket and have shown their cricket greatness to the world. They have shown us what it takes to score big runs in the toughest format of the game and inspired generations of cricketers and fans with their skill, passion and dedication.
They have inspired millions of fans and aspiring cricketers with their cricket records and iconic cricket moments. They have left a lasting legacy in the game and have earned their place in the hall of fame of cricket.
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