Introduction
Cricket’s history and traditions date back to the 1800s. One record that stands out is the most balls faced in a match or series. This record shows a batsman’s consistency, endurance, concentration, and focus.
This article takes a look at the record across different formats: Test matches (five days) and One Day Internationals (one day). It examines who held the record, their highest numbers, and how other great batsmen compare. Lastly, it looks at modern cricket’s trend of aggressive batting, making it harder to set such records.
Top 10 Batsmen with Most Balls Faced in ODIs
Cricket is a game that requires patience and resilience. The top batsmen who have faced the most balls in ODIs are proof of this. We’ll look at the players who have faced the most number of balls from top to bottom. We’ll also cover some fascinating stats concerning these top batsman such as their batting averages, total runs scored, and more. Let us begin!
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is the leader of the pack when it comes to balls faced in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He faced a mammoth 23,704 balls in his 463 ODIs from 1989 to 2013. His impressive stats include 14 centuries, 83 half-centuries and 15,310 runs with an astounding average of 49.17.
He was a part of India’s World Cup and Champions Trophy teams and was one of the main reasons for their success. His batting technique was beyond reproach; be it swing, seam or spin, he had a solution for every delivery. He was renowned for his aggressive batting style and power hitting, enabling him to hit boundaries even against the best bowlers. His ability to keep up with scores against challenging bowling attacks makes him one of the greatest batsmen India has ever seen.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid is a former Indian cricketer who was an integral part of the team for over two decades. He is widely considered as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
He holds some records impossible to eclipse. For example, he faced 43058 balls in 217 ODIs – the most ever. His remarkable 180* off 153 deliveries against Sri Lanka in 2005 is known as one of the greatest knocks in ODI history.
His strike rate in ODIs was only 73.74. This implies his ability to bat for long periods. He also kept the scoreboard ticking for his teams even when wickets were falling elsewhere.
His impressive tally was 10,889 runs from 343 innings in ODIs with 12 centuries and 82 fifties. In Test cricket he made 17040 runs from 286 innings with 36 centuries and 63 fifties, and a strike rate of 55.93!
His amazing ability to bat for long periods and accumulate crucial runs for India earned him the nickname ‘The Wall’!
Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene is a Sri Lankan cricketer. He has played in 448 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 550 Test matches. He scored over 10,000 runs in both formats. He has made 35 centuries in Tests and 22 hundreds in ODIs.
Mahela faced 17,681 balls in ODIs. His average per inning is 42.18. His best score was 144 against England at Lord’s in 2006. He scored 4 centuries during that series. He hit 611 fours and 178 sixes to produce 4975 ODI runs. He scored 10 centuries and 34 half centuries with a strike rate of 72.26.
Mahela also bowled. He took 78 wickets from 101 bowling innings. His slow left-arm deliveries showed his all-round ability to bat and bowl.
Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara is a cricket legend. He is one of the best batsmen Sri Lanka has ever seen. He holds the record for most balls faced in ODIs, with 24,183. He helped Sri Lanka win the 1996 World Cup. His highest ODI score was 128 not out against Zimbabwe in 2006.
Sangakkara has been praised for his technique and power. Everyone from fellow players to commentators have respected him. He was captain of Sri Lanka between 2009 and 2011. He then founded the MCC Young Cricketers program, which helped unearth some of Sri Lanka’s brightest stars.
He retired from ODIs in 2015. But he still inspires cricketers with his disciplined batting style and gentlemanly manners. People call him a ‘living legend‘.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Sanath Teran Jayasuriya was a Sri Lankan cricketer and former captain of the national team. He played in the 1996 World Cup winning squad, and was considered one of the most destructive batsmen of his time. He is widely recognised as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
In terms of individual records, Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for the most balls faced (17,461) by a batsman in ODI cricket since his debut against Australia at Colombo (RPS) on 28 Feb 1989. His ODI stats include:
- Most matches played: 445
- Most runs scored: 13,430
- Highest score: 189*
- Most tons scored: 28
- Most fifties scored: 68
- Maximum balls faced: 17,461
His performances have been impressive in both ODIs and Tests, in which he amassed 6,973 runs from 110 matches, with 14 centuries and 46 fifties, and a highest score of 340*.
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, famously known as “the Prince of Kolkata,” is regarded highly as one of India’s best batsmen. He captained the Indian team from 2000-2005, bringing it to its peak. Ganguly achieved 11363 balls faced in 311 matches, making him tenth-highest in history and second-highest in Indian players.
He began his ODI career in 1992 facing West Indies and retired after 18 years in 2008. His average score was 40.7 per innings, and he had 4 centuries and 46 half centuries with a strike rate of 73. On top of that, he even managed to take 5 wickets with an average bowling score of 34.8.
It is obvious that Ganguly was an extraordinary cricketer, and held much respect during his time as captain of the national side, even outside India.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, fondly known as MSD, is the most experienced batsman in ODI history. He has faced an incredible 30,473 balls in 307 innings. This is more than any other batsmen!
MSD was successful with India, especially when batting at the end of the match. Nonetheless, he’s maintained a top average of 50.57. This puts him amongst the greatest ODI players.
The quickness with which he reads and adjusts to situations made him one of the best finishers cricket has seen. His 5 centuries and 32 fifties demonstrate this.
MS Dhoni is a renowned cricketer, and it’s no wonder he tops this list with great numbers. As yet, there’s no retirement on the horizon from Tests or ODIs, so MSD will stay at the top for years to come!
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq is an amazing Pakistani cricketer. He debuted in 1991 and played more than 300 ODIs and 120 Test matches. He scored plenty of centuries in both ODI and Test cricket, including a 37-ball century against New Zealand in 1996–97.
Inzamam is sixth on the list of players who faced most balls among batsmen in ODIs. He faced 6,791 balls in 98 innings over 15 years. Even under pressure, Inzamam played well and rotated strike. He also mastered the scoop shot, which changed the game for him often. This helped him achieve a feat of maximum balls faced.
Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis is a cricket legend, known as one of the greatest all-rounders. He played 166 Tests and 328 ODIs for South Africa from 1995 to 2014. He scored 25,534 runs across both formats! In ODIs alone, he faced 16,108 balls – the third highest in history. He was the first batsman to bat over 10,000 deliveries. Kallis made 11,579 runs with an average of 45.26. He lasted more than 50 overs against an attack 151 times!
Kallis is among the top 10 batsmen with the most balls in their careers:
- Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 20559
- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 18100
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 16108
- Dilshan Tillakaratne (Sri Lanka) – 15686
- Rahul Dravid (India) – 15457
- Andrew Symonds (Australia) – 14781
- MS Dhoni India – 13587
- Sourav Ganguly (India)- 13441
- Sanath Jayasuriya( Sri Lanka)- 13040
- Marvan Atapattu( Sri Lanka)- 12112
Brian Lara
Brian Lara is a renowned former West Indies cricketer. He is second in the list for most runs scored in ODIs. His record for most balls faced in ODI cricket stands at 3768 balls over 295 matches from 1990-2007. With 9944 runs, an average of 40.17 and a strike rate of 73.29 he is among the top 10 batsmen with most balls faced in ODIs.
He was famous for his electric victory laps after centuries and powerful shots like the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. He holds two world records – highest individual score both domestically and internationally – 501 not out while playing first-class cricket against Warwickshire in 1994, and 400 not out against England at Antigua in 2004.
Lara revitalized West Indian cricket after decades of inconsistency, following Clive Lloyd’s retirement from captaincy in 1985. His name is etched among the greats of cricket even though he retried close to the end of his career.
Top 10 Batsmen with Most Balls Faced in Tests
Cricket is a sport where batsmen need strength and perseverance. Hard-hitting is not all that matters – they must face a lot of balls and tire out the opposition. In this article, we will list the top 10 Test batsmen who have faced the most balls. We’ll discuss each batsman, the number of balls faced, and the significance of facing many balls in Test cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar reigns supreme when it comes to the most balls faced in Test cricket. He faced a whopping 31,258 balls in 200 Test matches over a 24-year long career. His 15,921 runs with a peak score of 248 not out earned him an average of 53.78.
The Indian batting maestro’s fame skyrocketed with his 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries against some of the most renowned cricketing nations like Australia, England, South Africa and Pakistan. He was also the recipient of several awards, including ‘Man of the Match’ (15 times), ‘Player of the Series’ (three times) and ‘Man of the Series’ (four times).
Tendulkar set the record against South Africa at Eden Gardens in November 1997, at the age of 24. This impressive feat stayed unbeaten throughout his career until his last Test match against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 14 November 2013. Here, he completed a century with 114 and added multiple international hundreds, most runs ever and the only player to play over 200 Test matches to his list of achievements. Despite his retirement, he shall always remain one of the greatest batsmen to have ever graced the field or TV screens!
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid takes the 6th spot in the list of batsmen who faced the most balls in Tests. He faced 28719 balls during his 16-year career and his average against right-arm spin was an impressive 87.45.
He also stands 4th for most runs in Tests. He scored 13288 runs with 36 hundreds, and his highest score was 270 against Pakistan in Multan, 2004. His main fielding position was slip or short leg and he has taken 109 catches – the 4th highest among all cricketers in history.
Dravid is a big part of Indian cricket history. He has broken many records and propelled India in many situations. He rightfully earns his place as one of the greatest Test batsmen of all time with his amazing skills and unshakeable determination.
Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis, the South African cricketer, is one of the greatest ever. He has a great batting and bowling record. He tops the list of most balls faced in Test cricket with 28692 runs from 166 matches. Mohammad Yousuf, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara follow him.
Kallis helped South Africa become one of the top teams in world cricket. His batting at the end was invaluable to his team. He was a success in all three formats. He holds the second-best strike rate in T20s games at 125%. He has 11862 runs in ODI Cricket, second on the run aggregate list.
Kallis will be remembered always for his incredible contribution to the game.
Alastair Cook
Alastair Cook, the ex-England captain, tops the list of batsmen having faced the most number of balls in Test cricket. He has faced 41,616 deliveries, making him the only one to surpass 40,000.
Cook made his debut against India at Nagpur in 2006 and subsequently captained England in both tests and ODIs for a decade. He shattered records with 33 centuries and 57 fifties, and 12,472 runs before retiring from Tests in 2018 after scoring a double century against India at the Oval.
His achievement is even more impressive since he has only played 161 matches, unlike others who have played up to 200 matches for their countries.
Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene, a Sri Lankan cricket player has faced a whopping 28,024 balls in his Test career! He was an amazing right-handed batsman and one of the all-time greats. 149 Tests and 11794 runs with an average of 49.84 make him stand fourth in the list of batsmen who have faced the most balls in their Test careers.
He is beaten by Jaques Kallis (25820 deliveries), Sachin Tendulkar (31,258 deliveries) and Alastair Cook (29121 deliveries). Jayawardene is also among the top ten batsmen with the highest runs in Tests. His 11794 runs rank him 9th.
Moreover, he holds the record for being the only batsmen to have faced 10 or more balls in every single innings he has ever played. He also holds the record for second highest individual score (374*) by a Sri Lankan batsman after Kumar Sangakkara, scored at the Colombo Test in 2006 against South Africa.
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting! The former Australian cricket captain is famous for his distinction of facing the most number of balls in Test Cricket – 33104, in 168 matches and 773 innings. His career featured 41 Test centuries, and 62 half-centuries. Ponting was part of the golden era of Australia, where he led the team to multiple victories. He then scored 257 against India in 2003, an awesome 9-hour marathon innings. In 2012, Ponting retired from international cricket, leaving a legacy that few can beat.
Ponting is the first-ever batsman to reach 30,000 Test runs. His 13378 runs mark makes him one of the greatest batsmen in Test Cricket history. Recently, Steve Smith broke Ponting’s record for the highest run scorer for Australia in 2021.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the former West Indian international cricketer, is ranked 10th on the most balls faced in tests by a batsman list. He faced a total of 16,991 balls in his test career from 1994-2015.
He is a Guyanese cricketer of Indian origin and was also the former captain of the West Indies cricket team. He is highly rated as one of the greatest batsmen ever to have played cricket and was even an ICC Player of the Year in 2008.
Chanderpaul is known for his perseverance and determination, famously quoting, “I don’t want to be just another and want to be remembered for my hard work, determination and resilience.” He holds many records, including being the highest run-scorer from a single Test match victory, with a score of 203 runs against South Africa in the 2005/06 season.
Shivnarine played 164 Tests, making him 8th most capped player in Tests ever. He scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37, becoming 11th most prolific run scorer in tests ever with 30 centuries and 66 fifties (most 50+ scores by any batsman). His delivery style has been compared to some of the legendary players, like Allan Border and Sachin Tendulkar, due to its technical correctness.
He also scored 5 century partnership partnerships with Chris Gayle, setting a world record of having spent the highest time on crease (1020 minutes) at the second wicket with Gayle. During this time, they set the West Indies record of 624 runs stand against Zimbabwe in the 2009/10 season, contributing 92 off 319 balls and 393 min innings, respectively.
Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and politician. He’s renowned as one of the finest batsmen of his generation, as well as one of the greatest in cricket history.
Sangakkara faced 30,103 balls in 134 matches over 15 years (2000-2015). He scored 12,400 runs with an average of 57.40, including 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries. He holds the record for most century-half century combinations among all batsmen. Additionally, he shares the joint record for most catches as a wicket-keeper in a Test innings (7) with Adam Gilchrist. He also holds the record for most double centuries scored in consecutive test matches (4).
In 2014, Sangakkara amassed 1603 runs from 6 Tests against Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. He scored 1114 runs at an average of 185 against Pakistan in UAE. He’s one of only five players with more than 10,000 Test runs while leading their side as captain, despite captaining only 20 test matches. In the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, he was awarded “Man of the Tournament” with 362 runs from 7 Matches.
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar is a name to be remembered! He was the first Indian cricketer to score more than 10,000 runs in Test cricket. He was one of few to have hit a century in both a One Day International and a Test match in one year.
Gavaskar’s defensive technique against pace bowling attacks, especially on tough pitches, earned him recognition. He faced 22,177 balls in 125 Test matches, making him one of the top ten batsmen with most balls faced in Tests ever.
- His 10,000 runs were scored at a remarkable average of 50.14.
- He hit 71 centuries and stayed at the crease for 663 hours – third highest among batsmen who faced more than 20 thousand balls while batting.
- Gavaskar also took 1252 wickets – eighth in the world – due to his never-give-up technique which enabled him to survive difficult pitches as well as play long innings without being caught out by bowlers or fielders.
Brian Lara
Brian Charles Lara was one of the best batsmen of all time. He held multiple batting records, such as his highest test score of 400 which has never been exceeded. He’s the only batsman who ever achieved individual scores in the 90s, 100s, 200s, 300s and 400s. Plus, he faced 30,422 balls in tests, the most ever!
Lara played for the West Indies from 1990 to 2007, and is now the president of the Cricket West Indies. In tests, he scored 11,953 runs with an average of 52.88. And in ODIs, he scored 10,405 runs with an average of 40.17.
He holds many records, like:
- most number of centuries (21) while batting second
- most first-class runs in a year (1,912)
- scored more than 1,000 runs 8 times in Tests, including 6 seasons with more than 2,000 runs each.
It’s certain that Brian Lara deserves his place among the greatest batsmen who’ve ever played for the West Indies, or even the world!
Conclusion
Rahul Dravid and Brian Lara share the record for the most balls faced in a cricket match. Dravid faced 495 balls in a Test match against Pakistan, before he was out by a googly from Danish Kaneria. In an ODI, Lara faced 212 balls in his unbeaten innings of 116 runs against South Africa.
Dravid and Lara’s performance show the importance of proper planning and patience on the crease; this gives batsmen results even after facing many balls. It also boosts their team’s morale and earns respect from opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who has faced the most balls in an ODI and Test cricket match?
A: Sachin Tendulkar has faced the most balls in an ODI and Test cricket match. He faced 664 balls during an innings in a Test match against South Africa in 2010 and faced 393 balls in an ODI match against South Africa in 2010.
Q: What is the highest number of balls faced in a Test match?
A: The highest number of balls faced in a Test match is 664 balls by Sachin Tendulkar during an innings against South Africa in 2010.
Q: What is the highest number of balls faced in an ODI match?
A: The highest number of balls faced in an ODI match is 393 balls by Sachin Tendulkar during an innings against South Africa in 2010.
