The Border-Gavaskar trophy between India and Australia will be played from November 2022 and that team, India has already announced the squad. It will be a five-match Test series for both the teams where both the teams will try to win more games to make it into the final of the World Test Championship Final. In the history of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, many great batters have played for both teams and have scored ample runs in their kitty.
In this article, we will talk about the Top 10 batters with the most runs in the history of the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Known as the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar leads the run-scorers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 3,262 runs in 34 matches. His impressive performances were crucial for India, and he took on Australian stars like Shane Warne, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath with confidence. Tendulkar’s highest score of 241* came in Sydney during the 2003-2004 series, where he played a patient and controlled innings. With an average of 56.24 in the Border-Gavaskar games, Tendulkar has smashed nine centuries and sixteen half-centuries.
2. Ricky Ponting
Australian great Ricky Ponting comes second after Tendulkar in this series, with 2,555 runs over 29 matches. Known for his powerful, aggressive style, Ponting often played well against Indian spinners. His top score of 257 in Melbourne during the 2003-2004 series showed his strong batting ability. His average of 54.36 and a strike rate of 57.70 show his balanced style, mixing caution with the attack. Ponting has got eight centuries and twelve fifties against India in the history of red-ball cricket.
3. VVS Laxman
Few players raise their game against one specific team, but VVS Laxman did just that against Australia. With 2,434 runs in 29 matches, Laxman is known for his elegant and calm approach. His unbeaten 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 is legendary, helping India make a famous comeback. Laxman’s 49.67 average includes six centuries and twelve half-centuries, showing his knack for building partnerships and setting up big scores. Whether in India or Australia, he was often the backbone of India’s batting lineup.
4. Rahul Dravid
Widely known as “The Wall”, Rahul Dravid scored 2,143 runs over 32 matches. His patience and technique helped him take on Australia’s fierce bowlers. While playing with a strong temperament, Rahul Dravid played some marvelous innings against Australia. One of his best innings was his 233 in Adelaide in 2003-2004, where he led India to a memorable win. Though his average of 39.68 isn’t as high as some others, Dravid’s two centuries and thirteen fifties often came when the team needed stability.
5. Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke was a key batter for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar games, with 2,049 runs in 22 matches. He combined style and skill, and his highest score of 329* in Sydney in 2012 is proof of his batting talent. Clarke’s average of 53.92 and a strike rate of 56.57 show his ability to score runs quickly and dominate bowlers. With seven centuries and six fifties, Clarke often turned games in Australia’s favor. As the captain of the team, he played with a positive intent on both Indian and Australian soil.
6. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara has become one of India’s most reliable batters against Australia. His 2,033 runs across 24 matches show his traditional style and his highest score of 204 highlights his patience. Known for his solid technique, Pujara’s average of 50.82 in the series reflects his skill at staying on the pitch for long periods. His five centuries and eleven fifties have helped wear down the Australian attack, especially in games in Australia.
7. Virat Kohli
A modern-day cricket star, Virat Kohli has played a crucial role in India’s success against Australia. The former Indian captain has scored 1,979 runs in 24 matches. Known for his aggressive and intense style, Kohli has the highest score of 186 runs against the opponent. With an average of 48.26 and a strike rate of 52.25, Kohli’s aggressive scoring keeps the pressure on bowlers. He has scored eight centuries and five fifties in the Border-Gavaskar games, and his passion often inspires his teammates. As captain, Kohli led India to big wins in Australia, making him one of the series’ most influential players.
8. Matthew Hayden
The opener of the Australian cricket team Matthew Hayden scored 1,888 runs across 18 matches against India. His highest score of 203 reflects his ability to take on India’s bowlers with strength and confidence. Hayden’s average of 59.00 and a high strike rate of 65.92 show his fast-scoring pattern. With six centuries and eight fifties, Hayden was a consistent force at the top of Australia’s order.
9. Steve Smith
Steve Smith has changed the game when it comes to batting against India. He has scored 1,887 runs over 18 matches. His unique technique and adaptability make him tough for Indian bowlers to dismiss. Smith’s highest score of 192 and an impressive average of 65.06 show his skill at making big scores. With a strike rate of 52.79, Smith balances caution with controlled scoring. His eight centuries and five fifties have given Australia a strong edge, especially in games where he handles India’s spin attack with confidence.
10. Virender Sehwag
Known for his fearless style, the Indian opener Virender Sehwag was always exciting to watch, scoring 1,738 runs across 22 matches in the Border-Gavaskar series. Sehwag’s top score of 195, achieved at a quick pace, shows his attacking mindset, often going for runs from the very first ball. With an average of 41.38 and a blazing strike rate of 75.20, Sehwag has three centuries and nine fifties against Australia.
