Steve Smith has 9,999 Test runs – which elite 14 are in the 10,000 club?

Archie Starkey 05 Jan 2025

Steve Waugh scored many of his Test runs as Australian captain.

Australia may have clinched a 3-1 series victory over India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but Steve Smith fell agonisingly shy of joining an elite club.

Having started his innings on 9995 runs it looked set fair for Smith to reach the 10,ooo run milestone but was dismissed for just four runs leaving him stranded on 9,999.

The former Australian skipper will have to wait until the series in Sri Lanka later this month for his latest effort at joining the most prestigious of Test cricketers.

But which players have already secured legendary status in the sought-after 10,ooo club?

14. Younis Khan – 10,099 Test runs

A leader of Pakistan’s batting for well over a decade, including a remarkable 313 against Sri Lanka.

13. Sunil Gavaskar – 10,122 Test runs

Considered India’s first great batsman, Gavaskar was the first-ever player to join the 10,000 club.

12. Steve Waugh – 10,927 Test runs

Ground out an incredible volume of runs during Australia’s dominant era while leading the side.

11. Allan Border – 11,174 Test runs

Laying the foundations for Australia‘s dominance in the 1990s whilst becoming the first to reach 11,000 runs.

10. Mahela Jayawardene – 11,814 Test runs

Known for his ability to dominate bowling attacks and is a stylish strokemaker.

9. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 11,867 Test runs

Despite his unorthodox technique, his unwavering focus allowed him to thrive in even the toughest of conditions.

8. Brian Lara – 11,953 Test runs

With a career full of exquisite cover drives and record-breaking feats, the West Indian’s dominance redefined the art of Test batting.

7. Kumar Sangakkara – 12,400 Test runs

An unwavering ability to anchor and control innings sealed the Sri Lankan’s place as one of the great Test match batters.

6. Alastair Cook – 12,472 Test runs

During a tough period for England, Cook’s technique and resilience provided valuable runs which made him one of his country’s greats.

5. Joe Root – 12,972 Test runs

With the most Test runs from an active cricketer, it remains to be seen how far Root can go on the all-time list.

4. Rahul Dravid – 13,288 Test runs

A combination of temperament, scoring and resistance was a staple of ‘The Wall’s” versatile India career.

3. Jacques Kallis – 13,289 Test runs

Along with his colossal 13,289 Test runs, Kallis also took 290 wickets and is the greatest all-rounder of all time for South Africa.

2. Ricky Ponting – 13,378 Test runs

Fearless and aggressive, Ponting’s batting alongside his leadership helped elongate the dominant era of Australian cricket.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 15,921 Test runs

With a record-breaking 51 Test centuries, Tendulkar’s longevity and ability to score at will make him the greatest.