Top 10 The Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test Cricket History

Test cricket is known for its patience, skill, and strategy. But what truly makes it thrilling are the one-on-one rivalries between a brilliant batsman and a top bowler. These epic duels define careers and create unforgettable moments. In this article, we count down the Top 10 Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test history – based on the most runs scored by a batsman against a single bowler. Get ready to relive some of the most powerful head-to-head stories in cricket!

List of Top 10 The Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test Cricket History

10. Brian Lara vs Shane Warne – 501 Runs

Brian Lara, the Caribbean genius, had an unforgettable rivalry with legendary Aussie spinner Shane Warne. Lara attacked Warne like few could, showing supreme confidence and timing.

In 20 innings, Lara scored 501 runs, including several attacking innings that broke Warne’s rhythm. Despite being dismissed 7 times, Lara dominated large parts of their battles. Truly one of the most entertaining Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test cricket.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
B.C. Lara	S.K. Warne	20	774	501	7	71.6

9. Jack Hobbs vs Arthur Mailey – 501 Runs

England’s Jack Hobbs, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, faced Australian spinner Arthur Mailey in some classic Test battles. Hobbs had superb technique and great patience, which helped him counter Mailey’s spin and bounce.

Across 12 innings, Hobbs scored 501 runs, showing his ability to score heavily in tough conditions. This early-era duel is remembered as one of the Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test history.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
J.B. Hobbs	A.A. Mailey	12	813	501	9	55.7

8. Allan Border vs John Emburey – 504 Runs

Allan Border, Australia’s rock in the 1980s, was known for his fighting spirit. He had a memorable rivalry with England’s off-spinner John Emburey in several Ashes series.

Border scored 504 runs in 23 innings, with an astonishing average of 100.8, being dismissed just five times. His calmness under pressure and strong defensive game made this one of the most dominant Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
A.R. Border	J.E. Emburey	23	1189	504	5	100.8

7. Allan Border vs Ian Botham – 506 Runs

Border also battled England’s all-rounder Ian Botham, one of the most fiery characters in cricket. Botham’s aggressive bowling met Border’s solid resistance.

In 28 innings, Border made 506 runs, proving that patience and technique can counter raw energy. This competitive matchup easily qualifies among the Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test cricket.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
A.R. Border	I.T. Botham	28	1245	506	12	42.2

6. Herbert Sutcliffe vs Clarrie Grimmett – 515 Runs

Herbert Sutcliffe, a tough English opener, had a strong rivalry with Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett. Sutcliffe’s focus and ability to play long innings stood out.

He faced Grimmett in 17 innings and scored 515 runs, often batting for hours with full concentration. This classic duel is a perfect example of the Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test history from the 1930s.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
H. Sutcliffe	C.V. Grimmett	17	1748	515	7	73.6

5. Graham Gooch vs Kapil Dev – 517 Runs

England’s opener Graham Gooch often had to face India’s greatest fast bowler Kapil Dev. Gooch combined power and patience, especially when Kapil was swinging the ball.

In 19 innings, Gooch managed 517 runs, despite Kapil’s 11 dismissals. Their rivalry brought many close moments and is regarded as one of the top Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test cricket.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
G.A. Gooch	Kapil Dev	19	960	517	11	47.0

4. Kumar Sangakkara vs Saeed Ajmal – 531 Runs

Kumar Sangakkara was a class act against spin, and his battle with Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal proved it. Ajmal’s mystery spin didn’t trouble Sanga much.

In just 13 innings, Sangakkara smashed 531 runs, averaging a massive 132.8. He read Ajmal’s doosras better than most. It was a masterclass and a true gem among the Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
K.C. Sangakkara	Saeed Ajmal	13	1224	531	4	132.8

3. Cheteshwar Pujara vs Nathan Lyon – 571 Runs

Cheteshwar Pujara is known for his ability to wear down bowlers, and Nathan Lyon, Australia’s top spinner, knows it well. Their battle has shaped many India-Australia series.

Pujara faced Lyon in 21 innings, scoring 571 runs while being dismissed 13 times. His calm temperament and textbook defense make this one of the grittiest Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test cricket.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
C.A. Pujara	Nathan Lyon	21	1296	571	13	43.9

2. Virat Kohli vs Nathan Lyon – 573 Runs

Virat Kohli, the modern master, enjoys the challenge of facing off against Nathan Lyon. Their rivalry has produced some of the finest moments in recent Test matches.

Kohli scored 573 runs in 25 innings, being dismissed just 7 times, averaging 81.9. His mix of defense and attacking strokeplay kept Lyon guessing, making this a classic entry in the Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test list.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
V. Kohli	Nathan Lyon	25	1106	573	7	81.9

1. Steve Smith vs Stuart Broad – 577 Runs

At the top of the list is Steve Smith vs Stuart Broad, one of the most talked-about rivalries in modern Ashes history. Smith’s quirky technique and fierce determination helped him score big runs against Broad repeatedly.

In a long duel spanning 32 innings, Smith piled up 577 runs, often frustrating Broad with his unbreakable concentration. This matchup is the ultimate example of the Best Batsman vs Bowler Rivalries in Test cricket.

Batsman	Bowler	Innings	Balls Faced	Runs	Wickets	Average
S.P.D. Smith	S.C.J. Broad	32	1101	577	11	52.5

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