Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad and senior batter Jos Buttler have sparked a fresh debate among fans after putting together their list of the top 10 men’s Test batters of the 21st century, featuring Virat Kohli.
They discussed the biggest names they had watched and faced since 2000 and ranked them from 10 to 1. Broad and Buttler’s joint list includes legends from India, Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, England, and the <a href="https://cricket.international/ecb-open-to-funding-west-indies-test-to-keep-england-womens-ashes-preparation-on-track/" title="ECB Open to Funding <a href="https://cricket.international/where-to-watch-3rd-t20i-zimbabwe-women-vs-west-indies-women-live-streaming-details/" title="Where to Watch 3rd T20I – Zimbabwe Women vs West Indies Women? Live Streaming Details”>West Indies Test to Keep England Women's Ashes Preparation on Track”>West Indies.
Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, and several other modern greats feature, but Sachin Tendulkar gets the No. 1 spot. Earlier, Shoaib Bashir to retain ECB contract despite falling down England’s Test pecking order.
10. Virat Kohli
Speaking on their YouTube channel ‘For The Love Of Cricket,’ Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler have picked the Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli at No. 10 despite his huge impact on Test cricket.
The former India captain finished his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He also scored seven double centuries in his most loved format.
During his peak, Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowling attacks made him one of the biggest stars of his generation in Test. He retired from Test cricket in May 2025.
9. Rahul Dravid
India’s legendary batter Rahul Dravid, who was known as The Wall for his resilience, came in at No. 9. The former Indian head coach has 13288 runs in 164 Tests at an average of 52.31 to his name. Dravid has also smashed 36 centuries and 63 fifties in the format.
His strong defense and patience made him one of the toughest batters to dismiss, especially during long Test matches. Dravid’s ability to wear down bowling attacks
8. AB de Villiers
South African batting great AB de Villiers was ranked eighth by the English duo during the debate. He scored 8765 runs in 114 Tests at an average of 50.66, with the help of 22 centuries and 46 fifties.
His ability to play shots all around the ground made him one of the most exciting batters of his era. Amid this, Kagiso Rabada returns to bowling, South Africa wait on final fitness call ahead of 1st Test vs Australia.
7. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis took the seventh spot. The South African legend made 13289 runs in 166 Tests at an average of 55.37, hitting 45 centuries and 58 fifties. He also scalped 292 wickets in the longest format of the game. He is considered among the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen.
Kallis had a near-flawless defensive technique, extraordinary concentration, the ability to anchor or accelerate in any conditions, incredible mental toughness under pressure, and highly effective medium-fast bowling that made him one of the dangerous players of his generation.
6. Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka’s legendary batter Kumar Sangakkara was picked at the sixth spot by Broad and Buttler. He scored 12400 runs in 134 Tests at an outstanding average of 57.40, with 38 centuries and 52 fifties.
5. Ricky Ponting
Legendary Australian batter Ricky Ponting came in at No. 5. He scored 13378 runs in 168 Tests at an average of 51.85, including 41 centuries and 62 fifties.
4. Joe Root
England’s modern batting icon Joe Root was ranked fourth by his teammates. Root has already scored more than 14000 test runs and has over 30 Test centuries, making him one of the greatest batters ever in the traditional format of the game.
3. Steve Smith
Australia’s senior batter and former captain Steve Smith was ranked at No. 3. Smith’s unusual technique and incredible consistency have made him a nightmare for bowlers. Smith has scored more than 10000 test runs and has over 30 centuries to his name in the format.
2. Brian Lara
West Indies legend Brian Lara took second place. Lara scored 11953 runs in 131 tests at an average of 52.88, with 34 centuries and 48 fifties. His record also includes the famous 400 not out, the highest individual score in Test cricket to date.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
India’s greatest ever batter, Sachin Tendulkar, was the clear No. 1 choice for both Buttler and Broad. The Master Blaster has 15921 massive runs to his name in 200 Tests at an average of 53.78. He smashed 51 centuries and 68 fifties. His tally is still a world record.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
