Which wicketkeepers have scored the most Test runs?

Archie Starkey 07 Nov 2024

Adam Gilchrist was a huge asset behind and in front of the stumps.

Having a wicketkeeper with a solid pair of hands is essential to a nation’s success in Test cricket.

Whether it is taking catches, quick-thinking stumpings or cat-like reflexes, the position is an invaluable part of the team.

However, scoring runs is such a key part of staking your claim as your country’s number-one option behind the stumps.

The most legendary wicketkeepers in the history of the sport have mastered the combination of scoring runs and being impenetrable with the gloves.

Here are the top 9 all-time wicketkeepers with the most runs in Test cricket…

7. Ian Healy – 4,356 runs for Australia

Healy’s Test career spanned from 1988 to 1999, lasting 119 matches.

His surprise call-up to the Test side in ’88, having not played much grade cricket, was justified as he scored four tons and 22 half-centuries while making 395 dismissals.

6. Alan Knott – 4,389 runs for England

In addition to his stellar first-class career with Kent, Knott had a 14-year Test career for England ending in 1981.

He averaged 32.75 runs over 95 Test matches, scoring five centuries for his nation. He contributed 269 dismissals with the gloves.

5. Andy Flower – 4,404 runs for Zimbabwe

Arguably the greatest Zimbabwean cricketer and former England coach. His record as a wicketkeeper-batter was impeccable.

Flower has reached fifth in the all-time list with a Test career lasting only 63 matches with a colossal average of 51.54. Despite his nation playing less Test cricket, he still managed to nail 12 centuries and 27 fifties.

4. Alec Stewart – 4,540 runs for England

Nicknamed ‘The Gaffer’, Stewart lived up to his name by making the gloves his own between 1990 and 2003 for England.

He played 133 Test matches, averaged 39.54 and scored a huge 45 half-centuries. The Englishman’s 277 dismissals complimented his batting prowess.

3. MS Dhoni – 4,876 runs for India

An Indian icon across all three formats, Dhoni still makes the top three despite calling his Test career quits five years before his limited overs retirement.

90 matches, an average of 38.09 and a top score of 224 cemented his legendary status in India; he may well have topped the list had he not bowed out the Test stage so early.

2. Mark Boucher – 5,515 runs for South Africa

The South Africa star’s small frame did nothing to hinder his Test cricket success during his 15-year career.

He played a massive 147 matches at an average of 30.30 runs while offering 555 dismissals behind the wickets.

1. Adam Gilchrist – 5,570 runs for Australia

‘Gilly’ was revolutionary for the Australia side with his destructive run-scoring pedigree, making him the highest-scoring Test wicketkeeper of all time, with his record looking untouchable for some time.

His record total came in just 96 matches at an average of 47.60. He won three World Cups with his nation and is highly regarded as one of the best across all formats.