Test cricket is the oldest and most challenging format in the game. It tests a cricketer’s skill, patience, temperament, and consistency over long periods. Throughout history, many exceptional batsmen have graced this format, but how do we rank them fairly. One of the best ways is by looking at Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings a measure that considers a player’s performances, opposition strength, consistency, and match impact.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings, giving you a detailed look at their careers, achievements, and stats.
List of 10 Most Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings
10. Sir Garfield Sobers
Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as the best all rounder in cricket history, but even as a pure batsman, he was exceptional. His Test rating of 938 shows his class with the bat. He could bat in any situation, adapt to conditions, and score heavily against all types of bowling Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
His highest Test score of 365 not out was a world record at the time and stood for over 30 years.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | West Indies |
| Matches | 93 |
| Innings | 160 |
| Runs | 8,032 |
| Batting Average | 57.78 |
| 100s / 50s | 26 / 30 |
| Highest Score | 365* |
| Career-High Rating | 938 |
9. Sir Vivian Richards
Sir Vivian Richards redefined batting with his fearless approach. He played without a helmet and destroyed world class bowling attacks with his aggressive stroke play. His career-high rating of 938 proves how dominant he was during the late 1970s and 1980s Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
Richards could change the course of a match in a single session, making him one of the most dangerous players of all time.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | West Indies |
| Matches | 121 |
| Innings | 182 |
| Runs | 8,540 |
| Batting Average | 50.23 |
| 100s / 50s | 24 / 45 |
| Highest Score | 291 |
| Career-High Rating | 938 |
READ MORE: Top 10 T20 Wicketkeepers with the Most Iconic Catches of All Time
8. Sir Clyde Walcott
Sir Clyde Walcott was part of the iconic “Three Ws” of West Indies cricket, along with Weekes and Worrell. He was known for his attacking style and match winning abilities. With a peak rating of 938, he was among the most feared batsmen of the 1950s Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
Walcott played a major role in establishing West Indies as a cricketing powerhouse.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | West Indies |
| Matches | 44 |
| Innings | 74 |
| Runs | 3,798 |
| Batting Average | 56.68 |
| 100s / 50s | 15 / 14 |
| Highest Score | 220 |
| Career-High Rating | 938 |
7. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara combined style with substance. He was one of the most graceful left handers in the modern era and Sri Lanka’s most prolific batsman. With a peak rating of 938, Sangakkara excelled in all conditions and was a consistent run scorer throughout his career Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
He was also a wicketkeeper and captain, adding to his value as a complete team player.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Matches | 134 |
| Innings | 233 |
| Runs | 12,400 |
| Batting Average | 57.40 |
| 100s / 50s | 38 / 52 |
| Highest Score | 319 |
| Career-High Rating | 938 |
6. Peter May
Peter May was a symbol of calmness and class in England’s batting during the 1950s. His peak rating of 941 reflects his ability to absorb pressure and perform in critical moments. He was a dependable batsman and an inspirational captain who brought out the best in his teammates Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
May was especially known for his performance against strong attacks from Australia and West Indies.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Matches | 66 |
| Innings | 114 |
| Runs | 4,537 |
| Batting Average | 46.77 |
| 100s / 50s | 13 / 22 |
| Highest Score | 285* |
| Career-High Rating | 941 |
5. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was a leader and a fierce competitor. He was the backbone of Australia’s powerful lineup during their golden years. With a peak rating of 942, Ponting was known for scoring runs under pressure, especially in big matches like World Cups and Ashes Tests Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
He had a sharp cricket brain and was equally comfortable attacking or defending depending on the match situation.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Matches | 168 |
| Innings | 287 |
| Runs | 13,378 |
| Batting Average | 51.85 |
| 100s / 50s | 41 / 62 |
| Highest Score | 257 |
| Career-High Rating | 942 |
4. Sir Jack Hobbs
Known as the “Master,” Sir Jack Hobbs was one of the first superstars in cricket. He was elegant, technically sound, and known for scoring runs in any condition. With a career rating of 942, Hobbs played between 1908 and 1930 and built an unmatched reputation Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
His famous partnership with Herbert Sutcliffe helped England dominate during tough phases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Matches | 61 |
| Innings | 102 |
| Runs | 5,410 |
| Batting Average | 56.94 |
| 100s / 50s | 15 / 28 |
| Highest Score | 211 |
| Career-High Rating | 942 |
3. Sir Len Hutton
Sir Len Hutton was a pillar of England’s batting from the 1930s to the 1950s. He had a technique that helped him survive and score runs even on difficult pitches. With a peak rating of 945, Hutton played many match winning and match saving knocks, most famously his 364 against Australia in 1938 Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
He also captained England and laid the foundation for their strong batting culture.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Matches | 79 |
| Innings | 138 |
| Runs | 6,971 |
| Batting Average | 56.67 |
| 100s / 50s | 19 / 33 |
| Highest Score | 364 |
| Career-High Rating | 945 |
2. Steve Smith
Steve Smith transformed from a leg-spinner to one of modern cricket’s finest batsmen. He reached a career-high rating of 947, the highest for any active player of the 21st century. Smith is known for his unorthodox technique, incredible hand eye coordination, and ability to dominate bowlers even in tough conditions Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
His record, especially in Ashes series, shows his ability to rise in high-pressure matches.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Matches | 105 |
| Innings | 185 |
| Runs | 9,514 |
| Batting Average | 59.60 |
| 100s / 50s | 32 / 39 |
| Highest Score | 239 |
| Career-High Rating | 947 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Iconic Shots in T20 Cricket
1. Sir Donald Bradman
Sir Donald Bradman stands alone in cricket history. With a peak ICC Test rating of 961, he is miles ahead of any other batsman. Bradman played from 1928 to 1948 and averaged an unbelievable 99.94 in Test cricket. His dominance in a low-scoring era, often against the best bowlers in the world, remains unmatched Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.
Bradman’s consistency, ability to build big scores, and knack for rescuing Australia in tough situations made him a national hero during the Great Depression and beyond.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Matches | 52 |
| Innings | 80 |
| Runs | 6,996 |
| Batting Average | 99.94 |
| 100s / 50s | 29 / 13 |
| Highest Score | 334 |
| Career-High Rating | 961 |
These top 10 batsmen have all reached extraordinary heights in Test cricket, and their Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings reflect their dominance and consistency. While Sir Donald Bradman stands far ahead, others like Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara have also left lasting legacies.
The ICC ratings system allows us to compare players across different generations fairly, highlighting their impact in world cricket. Whether it’s technique, mental strength, or match-winning abilities, these legends have set benchmarks that future players will strive to reach Greatest Test Batsmen by Career High ICC Ratings.