Stuart Broad picks 10 Greatest Batsmen in Test Cricket, Virat Kohli removed from summit

Former England pacer Stuart Broad recently participated in an entertaining challenge where he was asked to rank ten international batters without knowing the full list in advance. Broad was given one batter’s name at a time and had to decide their position without the option to change it later.

England fielded an inexperienced bowling unit in the first Test of the five-match series against India, following the retirements of Stuart Broad and James Anderson. Broad ended his illustrious career after the 2023 Ashes, having claimed 604 wickets. He played his final Test at The Oval against Australia.

Stuart Broad Retired as the Fifth-Highest Wicket-Taker in Tests

Stuart Broad ended his Test career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the format. He took 604 wickets in 167 matches at an average of 27.68. Broad focused solely on red-ball cricket in the later stages of his career.

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His ability to swing the ball both ways and extract movement off the pitch made him a constant threat, especially in English conditions. Broad was particularly effective against left-handers, using the around-the-wicket angle to great effect. He is second among pacers in the all-time Test wicket-takers list.

After retiring, Broad took up his first coaching role as a consultant with South Africa during the ICC World Test Championship Final against defending champions Australia. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, South Africa defeated Australia to lift their maiden WTC title.

Stuart Broad Ends Up Placing Joe Root Above Sachin Tendulkar in Top 10 Test Batters

According to a user on X (formerly known as Twitter), Broad was asked to pick the top 10 all-time Test batters in a blind ranking challenge. During the broadcast of the 1st Test, Broad was given names one at a time and had to assign each batter a rank from 1 to 10 without knowing who would come next.

There was no video available to confirm the exact order in which the names were presented to Broad during the challenge. Here's Stuart Broad's blind ranking for the Top 10 All-Time Test Batters below:

1. Joe Root. 2. Sachin Tendulkar. 3. Ricky Ponting. 4. Virat Kohli. 5. Alastair Cook. 6. Steve Smith. 7. Kumar Sangakkara. 8. Kane Williamson. 9. Jacques Kallis. 10. Chris Gayle.

Stuart Broad's blind Ranking for Top 10 All Time Test Batters:

1. Joe Root.
2. Sachin Tendulkar.
3. Ricky Ponting.
4. Virat Kohli.
5. Alastair Cook.
6. Steve Smith.
7. Kumar Sangakkara.
8. Kane Williamson.
9. Jacques Kallis.
10. Chris Gayle. pic.twitter.com/lcuBb3KK8s

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 21, 2025

Sachin Tendulkar Remains the Highest Run-Scorer in Test Cricket History

Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-getter in Tests, with 15,921 runs in 200 matches, including 51 centuries. Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, and Joe Root have all crossed the 13,000-run mark. Alastair Cook retired as England’s highest run-scorer before Joe Root surpassed his tally.

Joe Root and Steve Smith have dominated red-ball cricket in the modern era. Root has scored 13,006 runs, while Smith boasts an impressive average and remarkable conversion rate.

Kane Williamson, known for his calm presence and consistent performances at home, has become the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup. Virat Kohli recently retired with over 9,000 runs and 30 centuries. Chris Gayle had moments in Tests, including two triple centuries.

Also read: Mark Wood announces England comeback a day after India belt English bowlers