Players With 4000+ Runs And 200 Wickets In Test Cricket 

Test Cricket is, unarguably, the toughest format in Cricket. Excelling in the longest format of the game requires great technique and mental toughness. In the history of Test Cricket, we have been seen some wonderful players gracing the field. There have been batsmen who have scored a plethora of runs and hit centuries. Likewise, there have been bowlers who have picked several wickets and recorded a number of five and ten-wicket hauls.

Amidst all that, what has been rare is the number of all-rounders, who have managed to score runs as well as pick wickets for the team. In Test Cricket, it isn’t easy to play as a proper all-rounder while representing an international team. Every team wishes to have all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball as he provides a great balance to the side.

Having said that, the fans have had the pleasure of witnessing some of the all-rounders, over the years, who have managed to excel in all facets of the game in Test Cricket. They have been equally adept with both bat and ball. The following is a list of 6 players who have scored more than 400 runs and picked 200 wickets in Test Cricket.

Players With 4000+ Runs And 200 Wickets In Test Cricket

6. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan is unarguably one of the best all-rounders in modern-day cricket. He is currently an integral part of the Bangladesh team across formats. The former Bangladesh skipper has made a significant contribution with both bat and ball for Bangladesh over the years.

Shakib Al Hasan’s big break in Test came in the match against New Zealand in 2008, where he claimed figures of 7 for 36. It is the best figure by a Bangladeshi bowler to date.

He has been one of the prolific run-scorer for Bangladesh, over the years. Shakib has played 59 Tests and has managed to score 4029 runs at an average of close to 40. Besides, Shakib has picked 215 wickets at an average of 31.3

5. Daniel Vettori

For those of you who don’t know, Daniel Vettori is the youngest cricketer to play for New Zealand in Test Cricket. He made his Test debut in 1996-97 at the age of 18. Add to that, Vettori is New Zealand’s most-capped Test cricketer, having played 113 Tests. Daniel Vettori was a vital cog in New Zealand’s team across formats.

He was New Zealand’s best spinner during the early 20s. Vettori wasn’t the greatest turners of the ball. He was rather known for his accuracy, flight, and guile. In his Test Cricket Career, he picked 362 wickets in 113 Tests at an average of 34.37.

Considering the fact that Vettori played most of the Test matches in conditions that weren’t helpful for spinners, Vettori’s record is indeed commendable. Apart from his bowling exploits, Vettori also scored 4531 runs at an average of 30.01.

4. Ian Botham

Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, Ian Botham represented England Cricket Team in both Tests as well as ODIs. Ian Botham helped his team win a number of matches with all-round exploits. During his peak years, he was England’s not only best bowler but was also the best batsman.

His performance in the 1980 Ashes series remains one of the biggest highlights of his career. In his illustrious cricketing career, he played 102 Tests for England. The legendary all-rounder scored 5200 runs and picked 383 wickets with the ball, including 27 five-wicket hauls.

3. Kapil Dev

India’s World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev is easily India’s best all-rounder in the history of the game. He was awarded The Wisden Indian player of the Century and is also the ICC Hall of Fame member. Under his leadership, India won their first-ever World Cup in 1983.

Kapil Dev spearheaded a bowling attack for India during his playing days and was a power-hitter lower down the order. The Indian fast bowler had the ability to trouble the batsmen by swinging the ball both ways.

Kapil Dev boasts of an outstanding record in Test Cricket. He scored 5304 runs in 131 Tests at an average of 31.1, including 8 centuries. With the ball, the legendary cricketer picked 434 wickets, including 23 five-wicket hauls.

2. Garry Sobers

Former West Indies cricketer, Garry Sobers is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. He was one of the few cricketers who were excellent in all departments of the game. Sobers made his first-class debut at the age of 16 in 1953.

The following year, he found himself making his debut in West Indies Test team. During his initial years, he used to play mainly as a bowler before the team decided to send him up the order sometime later.

Sobers recorded his maiden Test century in 1958 against Pakistan. Overall in his illustrious Test career, Garry Sobers played 93 Tests and managed to score 8032 runs at an average of 57.78. Besides, he took 235 wickets with the ball at an average of 34.03.

1. Jacques Kallis

Unarguably, South Africa’s greatest all-rounder of all time, Jacques Kallis finds himself at the top of the list. Kallis is a rare cricketer who managed to score more than 10,000 runs in Tests and also picked more than 250 wickets. Kallis currently holds the record for scoring the most runs for South Africa in Test Cricket.

In 165 Tests, he managed 13,206 runs at an average of 55.25. Kallis was one of the most consistent performers for South Africa across formats. He scored his 45^th century in what was his last Test match played against India in 2013.

As far as his bowling goes, Kallis picked 292 wickets, including 5 five-wicket hauls. In the year 2013, he was also named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the year.