Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler have sparked a fresh debate among cricket fans after ranking the top 10 Test batsmen of the 21st century. Sachin Tendulkar claimed the number one position, while Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli found himself at the bottom of the list in 10th place.
The ranking was discussed on the For The Love Of Cricket podcast, where the two England cricket stars compared some of the greatest batters they had watched and faced during their careers. The final list features three Indian legends, two Australian greats, two South African stars, one player each from England and Sri Lanka, and a West Indies icon.
While Tendulkar’s position at the top reflects his extraordinary record in Test cricket, Kohli’s ranking is likely to attract the most attention from Indian fans. The former India captain enjoyed an outstanding red-ball career, becoming one of the defining Test batters of his generation.
Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler’s top 10 Test batsmen ranking
The list brings together players from different eras, each known for a distinctive batting style and remarkable achievements in the longest format. Here is the final ranking discussed by Broad and Buttler.
| Rank | Player | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar | India |
| 2 | Brian Lara | West Indies |
| 3 | Steve Smith | Australia |
| 4 | Joe Root | England |
| 5 | Ricky Ponting | Australia |
| 6 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka |
| 7 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa |
| 8 | AB de Villiers | South Africa |
| 9 | Rahul Dravid | India |
| 10 | Virat Kohli | India |
The presence of three Indian players underlines India’s contribution to Test cricket over the past two decades. However, placing Kohli below Dravid and the other eight names makes the selection particularly interesting, considering Kohli’s impact on India’s performances overseas and his role in shaping the team’s aggressive approach to Test cricket.
Why Sachin Tendulkar tops the list
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in Test history, with 15,921 runs in 200 matches at an average of 53.78. His record includes 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. His ability to adapt to different conditions, handle world-class bowling attacks and sustain excellence across a 24-year international career makes his position at the top difficult to challenge.
Tendulkar’s career spanned several generations of bowlers, from the fast attacks of Australia and the West Indies to the finest spinners in world cricket. He delivered consistently in home conditions and on challenging overseas tours, establishing a benchmark that remains central to discussions about the greatest Test batters.
For Broad, a former international fast bowler who spent years competing against elite batters, judging players also involves considering the pressure they created at the crease. The podcast’s ranking was not simply a table of career run totals; it reflected the hosts’ experiences, preferences and views on batting greatness.
Brian Lara and Steve Smith complete the top three
2. Brian Lara
The former West Indies captain takes second place. Lara scored 11,953 runs in 131 Test matches, including 34 centuries. His extraordinary 400 not out against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score in men’s Test cricket. His elegant stroke play and ability to dominate bowling attacks made him one of the most entertaining batters of his era.
3. Steve Smith
Australia’s Steve Smith occupies third place. His unconventional technique, intense concentration and remarkable consistency have made him one of the most difficult batters to dismiss in modern Test cricket. His record against leading bowling attacks, particularly in high-pressure series, has strengthened his reputation as a modern great.
Smith’s position ahead of several celebrated names highlights how highly the hosts rated his performances. Unlike many traditional batters, Smith has built his success around unusual movements and exceptional judgment of length, proving that an unconventional method can deliver outstanding results at the highest level.
Joe Root and Ricky Ponting make the top five
4. Joe Root
Root is England’s only representative in the top 10. Still active in Test cricket, he has accumulated more than 14,000 runs and continued to add to his tally. His consistency, adaptability and ability to score heavily against different bowling styles make him one of the leading batters of the current era.
Root’s fourth-place finish is notable because his career is still in progress. Further runs and centuries could strengthen his historical standing, although comparing an active player with retired legends always involves some uncertainty.
5. Ricky Ponting
Ponting scored 13,378 Test runs in 168 matches, with 41 centuries. As one of Australia’s most successful former captains, he combined attacking stroke play with the temperament required to perform in major contests. His achievements during Australia’s dominant years make him a strong inclusion in this ranking.
Sangakkara, Kallis and de Villiers earn their places
Kumar Sangakkara takes sixth place after an outstanding career for Sri Lanka. He scored 12,400 Test runs in 134 matches at an average of 57.40, including 38 centuries. His balance, timing and ability to build long innings made him one of the most dependable batters of his generation.
South Africa’s Jacques Kallis occupies seventh place. With 13,289 Test runs, 45 centuries and substantial contributions with the ball, Kallis offered extraordinary value as an all-rounder. His batting record alone would make him a serious candidate for an all-time list, while his bowling adds another dimension to his legacy.
AB de Villiers is ranked eighth. Known for his creativity and adaptability across formats, de Villiers also delivered impressive performances in Test cricket. His ability to switch between patient defence and attacking strokes made him a distinctive presence at the crease.
The inclusion of both South Africans reflects their different strengths: Kallis brought durability and consistency, while de Villiers offered exceptional range and innovation.
Rahul Dravid at No. 9, Virat Kohli at No. 10
9. Rahul Dravid
Often called The Wall, Dravid scored 13,288 runs in 164 Test matches, including 36 centuries. His defensive technique, patience and ability to bat for long periods made him one of India’s most dependable players. He was particularly valued for his performances in difficult overseas conditions.
10. Virat Kohli
Kohli completes the list after scoring 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85. His record includes 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries and seven double centuries. He announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, leaving behind a significant legacy as a batter and captain.
Kohli’s tenth-place finish may surprise fans who remember his best years in Test cricket. He scored centuries in Australia, England, South Africa and other challenging conditions, while helping India become a more competitive force away from home. His leadership also encouraged a stronger emphasis on fitness, fast bowling and an aggressive approach to the longest format.
However, rankings such as this are inevitably subjective. A player’s position can depend on whether the emphasis is on career statistics, peak performance, consistency, match-winning innings or the difficulty of facing particular bowlers.
Dravid’s ninth-place position will also invite debate. His higher career run tally and exceptional defensive ability give supporters plenty of reasons to argue that he deserved a better position. Equally, Kohli’s supporters can point to his remarkable peak and influence on modern Indian Test cricket.
Why this ranking will spark debate among cricket fans
The most interesting feature of the Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler top 10 Test batsmen ranking is the mix of generations and playing styles. Tendulkar and Lara represent two of the finest batting traditions of their era, while Smith and Root demonstrate how modern players continue to redefine consistency in Test cricket.
The ranking also raises an important question: should longevity outweigh a player’s peak, or should match-winning performances carry more weight than career totals? There is no universally accepted answer, which is precisely why these lists generate so much discussion.
For Indian supporters, having Tendulkar at number one is a major highlight. At the same time, Kohli’s position at the bottom and Dravid’s ninth-place finish are likely to remain talking points.
Ultimately, the list reflects the opinions of two experienced England cricketers rather than an official ICC ranking. Every player on it has made a compelling contribution to Test cricket, and reasonable fans can disagree about the order.
Stay tuned to ROKOCRICKET for more cricket news, rankings, player records and the biggest stories from the world of cricket. Subscribe and join the conversation: do you think Virat Kohli deserved a place higher than 10th, and who would be your number one Test batter of the 21st century?
