The Greatest International Batsmen Of All Time: Debating who are the greatest batsmen of all time is always fascinating and it can often be hard to compare across eras due to different bowlers.
However, when taking into account averages adjusted for conditions, Sachin Tendulkar stands out as the greatest opening batsman ever.
1. Don Bradman
Don Bradman was one of the greatest international batsmen ever to grace a cricket ground, known for his skill, longevity and influence as one of its premier international batsmen. His technique consisted of excellent vision, rapid thought processes and footwork combined with powerful yet controlled swing. After making his first-class debut against England at Adelaide Oval in 1928-29 and scoring centuries in both innings against them both times, he was selected for their Ashes series and given first Test status a month later.
Bradman performed more in line with expectations during Australia’s second win at Lords. On the final day, before lunch he scored 231 before lunch – this innings was described by many commentators as technically flawless.
World War II interrupted his playing career, yet he returned to lead Australia on their 1947-48 tour of England and later retired after leading them in their last Test match of 1948 Ashes series. Later he wrote his memoir Farewell to Cricket while becoming a respected stockbroker and company director.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar stands as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. Beginning his playing career at age 11, Tendulkar represented Mumbai domestically and India internationally for 24 years – scoring more than 34,000 international runs during this time and amassing an astounding collection of statistics that earned him recognition from both Test and ODI cricket formats; receiving numerous honors along the way including being recognized as 2010 International Cricket Council Batsman of the Year by his peers.
His talent and skill were instantly apparent from day one, quickly earning him legendary status thanks to his dominance both at home and away. On tour in South Africa in 1996/97 he put on an outstanding batting display against some tough bowling; scoring 169 runs against some tight bowling that led India downhill that day and eventually leading them down the wrong path in defeat.
His powerful runs elevated him beyond cricket to become a national hero in India. Near the end of his playing days, he led India to victory at the 2011 World Cup before receiving India’s highest civilian award–the Bharat Ratna–in recognition of his contributions to sports.
3. Sir Walter Hammond
Hammond first played 10 First-Class matches for Gloucestershire between 1920 and 1922, quickly establishing himself as one of the finest batsmen around. A member of Marylebone Cricket Club’s touring party to the West Indies from 1925-26 impressed enough for England to select him the following year.
Hammond was one of the greatest county cricket players of the 1930s and was ultimately appointed captain of England, though due to illness he did not tour that season. Though not considered among cricket’s greatest leaders, Hammond nevertheless gained great respect from those in his field.
Hammond served in the Royal Air Force during World War II and spent much of his time stationed in South Africa, although occasionally making appearances for England in 1946-47 and captaining them on an Australia tour that proved disastrous due to arthritis and personal issues he was not at his best but displayed glimpses of brilliance with an innings of 79 in the final Test that showcased some old brilliance.
4. Brian Lara
Brian Lara was more than an incredible batsman; he was also an icon of resilience, hope and inspiration to an entire generation. Born into a family of 11, Brian was an extraordinary natural athlete who quickly rose through West Indies cricket ranks from youth cricket playing alongside Carl Hooper as youth cricket team mates to eventually being chosen to join national under-14 squad and continuing his impressive run over many years.
In 1994, he managed to break two of cricket’s most celebrated records when he scored an innings of 375 against England and an innings of 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham shortly thereafter – beating Garfield Sobers’ previous mark and becoming only first-class cricket history’s only quintuple hundred batsman ever.
After suffering several lean patches, he recovered his form and scored tons against every Test-playing nation. In 2001, he made history by becoming the only batsman ever to score two double centuries in consecutive Test matches; scoring 216 against Sri Lanka and 200 not out against Australia; this remarkable display of consistency underlines his genius.
5. Sir Garfield Sobers
Sobers was one of the greatest players ever to grace cricket. Starting his first-class cricket career at 16 and making his Test debut a year later – initially as bowler but quickly moving up the order – at age 19. As an all-round talent capable of both spin and fast bowling as well as opening or middle order batsman and fielding positions all across his region he captained West Indies to 39 victories before Clive Lloyd overtook him as captain.
Although he never won either the World Cup or an Olympic gold medal, he remains widely revered as one of the greatest ever to play cricket. He topped both batting averages for Test and One-Day International cricket; scored 13 centuries – more than even Bradman ever managed! Additionally he captained West Indies on 39 occasions while representing Nottinghamshire County Cricket in England.
6. Jacques Kallis
Kallis’ undying devotion to South Africa’s success was one of its major factors. A consistent batsman who put team needs above personal milestones, Kallis was an invaluable source of calmness and confidence among his teammates.
Kallis made his debut in 1995 and quickly established himself as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. He truly shone during a drawn Boxing Day Test at Melbourne in 1997 when he scored an innings that helped save the match: an uncompromising 101 on an otherwise poor last-day pitch was enough to save it and set an exemplary example for future hundreds that followed throughout his career.
Jacques Kallis was an exceptional all-rounder and cricket owes him a debt of gratitude for his services. One of only a select few to have done it across all forms of the game, Kallis could score runs and take wickets with equal ease and was often trusted in difficult circumstances; winning 23 man-of-the-match awards throughout his stellar Test career.
7. Virat Kohli
As India’s top run scorer, Virat Kohli has carved an unmistakable identity across all formats. His relentless hunger and unyielding passion distinguish him from his competitors.
Indian captain Virat Kohli is widely acknowledged to be one of the most ruthless scorers in one-day international cricket, capable of orchestrating breathtaking chases with ease. His firm bottom-hand grip allows him to unleash massive blows against any part of the ground without taking unnecessary risks.
Kohli is known for his aggressive on-field performance but maintains a relaxed personality off it. Recently, he shared a hilarious anecdote about his sister that left many laughing out loud – one which focused on how his habit of calling her “tu” (an address used when speaking with peers or juniors) backfired when she corrected him on it! It only serves to demonstrate the incredible passion he demonstrates when improving all aspects of the game – something which has cemented his place as one of history’s greatest international batsmen of all time!
