Test cricket, the pinnacle of the sport, has witnessed some remarkable batting performances throughout its storied history. Among the many achievements that grace the records books, the feat of scoring a double hundred stands tall as a testament to a batsman's skill, patience, and endurance. In this article, we delve into the elite group of cricketers who have etched their names in cricketing folklore by amassing the most double hundreds in Test cricket.
Leading the pack is the legendary former Australian captain and top-order batsman, Sir Donald Bradman, with a record-breaking tally of 12 double hundreds. Let's explore the top 10 batsmen who have left an indelible mark on the history of Test cricket.
| Rank | Batsman | Country | Double Hundreds | Matches | Innings | Career Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donald Bradman | Australia | 12 | 52 | 80 | 1928-1948 |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 11 | 134 | 233 | 2000-2015 |
| 3 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 9 | 131 | 232 | 1990-2006 |
| 4 | Virat Kohli | India | 7 | 82* | 139 | 2011-2019* |
| 5 | Wally Hammond | England | 7 | 85 | 140 | 1927-1947 |
| 6 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 7 | 149 | 252 | 1997-2014 |
| 7 | Marvan Atapattu | Sri Lanka | 6 | 90 | 156 | 1990-2007 |
| 8 | Virender Sehwag | India | 6 | 104 | 180 | 2001-2013 |
| 9 | Javed Miandad | Pakistan | 6 | 124 | 189 | 1976-1993 |
| 10 | Younis Khan | Pakistan | 6 | 118 | 213 | 2000-2017 |
1. Donald Bradman (Australia) - 12 Double Hundreds:
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Sir Donald Bradman, the epitome of batting excellence, dominates the list with his awe-inspiring tally of 12 double hundreds. The former Australian captain and right-hand top-order batsman reigned supreme during his career from 1928 to 1948, amassing these monumental scores in 52 matches and 80 innings. Bradman's unrivaled consistency and unmatched technique make him a true icon of the sport.
2. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 11 Double Hundreds:
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Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper and veteran left-hand top-order batsman, stands second on this prestigious list. Known for his elegant stroke play and unwavering determination, Sangakkara recorded 11 double hundreds in 134 matches and 233 innings spanning from 2000 to 2015. His ability to navigate challenging situations and accumulate mammoth scores solidified his reputation as one of the game's greats.
3. Brian Lara (West Indies) - 9 Double Hundreds:
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The charismatic former West Indies captain and left-hand top-order batsman, Brian Lara, finds himself in the third position. Lara's scintillating stroke play and audacious shot selection propelled him to score 9 double hundreds in 131 matches and 232 innings from 1990 to 2006. His ability to single-handedly dismantle bowling attacks cemented his status as one of the most exciting batsmen to watch.
4. Virat Kohli (India) - 7 Double Hundreds:
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Indian captain and right-hand top-order batsman Virat Kohli has etched his name among the elite with his remarkable tally of 7 double hundreds. Known for his immaculate technique and fierce determination, Kohli achieved this feat in 82 matches and 139 innings during his career from 2011 to 2019*. With several years of cricket still ahead of him, Kohli has the potential to climb even higher on this esteemed list.
5. Wally Hammond (England) - 7 Double Hundreds:
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Wally Hammond, the former England captain and right-hand middle-order batsman, is positioned at number five on this illustrious list. Hammond's stylish stroke play and impeccable timing led him to score 7 double hundreds in 85 matches and 140 innings from 1927 to 1947. His contributions to English cricket left an indelible mark on the game.
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6. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 7 Double Hundreds:
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Another Sri Lankan luminary, Mahela Jayawardene, takes the sixth spot with his impressive tally of 7 double hundreds. Known for his solid technique and ability to construct big innings, Jayawardene achieved this feat in 149 matches and 252 innings during his career from 1997 to 2014. His calm demeanor and unflappable nature made him a vital asset to the Sri Lankan team.
7. Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka) - 6 Double Hundreds:
Marvan Atapattu, the former Sri Lankan right-hand opening batsman, holds the seventh position on this esteemed list. Atapattu showcased his remarkable batting skills by notching up 6 double hundreds in 90 matches and 156 innings from 1990 to 2007. His gritty performances at the top of the order set the foundation for Sri Lanka's success.
8. Virendra Sehwag (India) - 6 Double Hundreds:
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Known for his explosive batting style and fearless approach, former Indian right-hand opening batsman Virendra Sehwag occupies the eighth spot with 6 double hundreds to his name. Sehwag's aggressive stroke play and remarkable hand-eye coordination enabled him to achieve this feat in 104 matches and 180 innings from 2001 to 2013. His ability to dominate bowling attacks made him a fan favorite.
9. Javed Miandad (Pakistan) - 6 Double Hundreds:
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Javed Miandad, the former Pakistan captain and right-hand middle-order batsman, secures the ninth position with his tally of 6 double hundreds. Miandad's tenacity and ability to grind out big scores set him apart, as he achieved this feat in 124 matches and 189 innings from 1976 to 1993. His never-say-die attitude made him a true match-winner.
10. Younis Khan (Pakistan) - 6 Double Hundreds:
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The illustrious list concludes with former Pakistan captain and right-hand middle-order batsman Younis Khan, who also scored 6 double hundreds during his career from 2000 to 2017. Known for his resolute technique and ability to perform under pressure, Younis achieved this feat in 118 matches and 213 innings. His contributions to Pakistani cricket will be remembered for generations to come.
Conclusion:
The journey to scoring a double hundred in Test cricket is a monumental task that requires immense skill, temperament, and endurance. The top 10 batsmen on this list have showcased their mastery of the game, leaving an indelible mark on cricketing history.
From the unmatched brilliance of Sir Donald Bradman to the modern-day prowess of Virat Kohli, these cricketers have enthralled fans around the world with their remarkable performances.
As the game of cricket continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if any new names join this elite club of double centurions in the future.
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