Contributed by: Yashwant Kumar
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is a prestigious tournament that brings together the best Test-playing nations in a two-year cycle. One of the most vital aspects of the championship is the performance of the batsmen, who play a crucial role in accumulating runs and setting up strong totals for their respective teams. Batsmen are of paramount importance in Test cricket as they form the backbone of a team’s innings. Throughout this fiercely contested tournament, several top-class batsmen showcased their skill, resilience, and ability to score big runs under challenging conditions. The WTC cycle from 2021 to 2023 witnessed some exceptional batting displays, with several batsmen showcasing their skills and determination. In this article, we will delve into the performances of the top run-getters in the WTC cycle 2021-2023. These players not only etched their names in the annals of Test cricket history but also left an indelible mark on the WTC 2021-23 with their batting prowess. Ultimately, the success of a team in Test cricket heavily relies on the performance and resilience of its batsmen.Here is the list of top run-getters in the WTC cycle 2021-23.
1. Joe Root (England)
Joe Root, the English batsman led the team from the front with his exceptional batting performances throughout the WTC cycle for England. He emerged as the highest run-scorer, amassing 1883 runs in 22 matches at an impressive average of 53. Root’s consistent contributions with the bat played a significant role in England’s success in the tournament.
2. Usman Khawaja (Australia)
Khawaja scored 1618 runs from just 16 matches in this WTC Cycle. Khawaja’s ability to anchor the innings and build substantial partnerships has been valuable to Australia in the longer format of the game. His solid technique and temperament have often allowed him to weather tough conditions and play pivotal innings for his team.
3. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar scored 1527 runs from 14 matches. He scored most of these runs in Pakistan. In the WTC 2021-23 cycle, Babar Azam has been a vital component of the Pakistani team’s batting lineup. He has displayed his class and skill in various series, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s journey in the championship
4. Marnus Labuschange (Australia)
The youngster scored 1514 runs from 19 matches he has played. Throughout the WTC cycle, Labuschagne has showcased his remarkable technique, concentration, and hunger for runs. His ability to occupy the crease for long periods and tire out opposition bowlers has been invaluable to the Australian team. Overall, Marnus Labuschagne’s performances with the bat have been vital to Australia’s success in the WTC cycle.
5. Steve Smith (Australia)
One of the GOATs in this format scored 1252 runs from 19 games. Smith’s contributions to Australia’s success go beyond his performances. His presence in the batting lineup has provided assurance and confidence to the team. His experience and ability to handle pressure situations have guided Australia to crucial victories, especially during challenging situations. Smith’s versatility and ability to adapt to different situations have made him a key player for Australia in the WTC cycle.
6. Jonny Bairstow (England)
He scored 1236 runs from just 15 matches. He scored at a healthy strike rate. The dynamic English batsman has brought an attacking and aggressive style of play to England’s batting lineup. His aggressive mindset and ability to dominate bowlers have been particularly effective on home soil, where he has displayed his range of strokes and powerful hitting.
7. Travis Head (Australia)
Head scored 1208 runs from the 17 matches he has played. Travis Head has showcased his defensive skills with resolute shot selection, anchoring the Australian innings in the WTC 2021-2023 cycle. His contributions as a reliable middle-order batsman have been instrumental in setting up strong totals for the team. He can adapt his game according to the match situation and accelerate the scoring rate when required.
8. Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan opener has scored 1054 runs from just 14 games. As the lone warrior, Karunaratne has shouldered the responsibility of leading the batting lineup and has shown immense resilience and determination. Despite the challenges faced by the Sri Lankan team, Karunaratne has stood tall, showcasing his solid technique and ability to occupy the crease.
9. Litton Das (Bangladesh)
Litton Das has scored 1024 runs in the WTC cycle 2021-23. Liton Das has been a key batsman for Bangladesh in the WTC 2021-23 cycle. He has been a valuable contributor in setting up challenging totals for Bangladesh. Das’s performances have often been instrumental in providing momentum to the team and shifting the game in their favour
10. Kraigg Brathwaite (West Indies)
Kraigg Brathwaite’s batting in the WTC 2021-23 cycle has been steady and reliable for the West Indies. Brathwaite’s patient approach and solid defence have helped lay a strong foundation for the West Indies batting lineup. He scored 994 runs from 13 games in the WTC cycle 2021-23.