Pakistan wicket keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed achieved a remarkable feat on the 4th day of first Test at Galle against Sri Lanka by equaling compatriot Imtiaz Ahmed’s record of scoring 1000 runs in just 28 innings at an average of 49.95. Internationally, the record of scoring fastest 1000 runs in Test as a wicketkeeper is held by Kumara Sangakkara and AB de Villiers, both of them took only 23 innings to reach the achievement.
Let’s check the list of five wicketkeeper batsmen who scored more than 1000 Tests runs with an impressive average:
#1 AB de Villiers
Mr. 360 is the master in every aspect of cricket. He debuted against England at Port Elizabeth in 2004 as wicketkeeper. Since then the South African played 23 Tests as a wicketkeeper and scored 1981 runs at an average of 58.26, his highest score is 169 against Australia.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 04: AB de Villiers of the Proteas during day 3 of the 3rd Test between South Africa and West Indies at Sahara Park Newlands on January 04, 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa.
#2 Andy Flower
The prolific southpaw was the strong foundation of Zimbabwe batting line up in 1990’s and early years of 21st century. He aggregated 4404 runs from 55 innings at an average of 53.70 with the best score of 232 not out against India at Nagpur.
LONDON – MAY 18: Andy Flower batting in the first innings, 1st Test England v Zimbabwe Lord’s May 2000 1006716 (Photo by Patrick Eagar/Patrick Eagar Collection via Getty Images)
#3 Sarfraz Ahmed
The wicketkeeper batsman is being considered as assets for Pakistan. He recently reached 1049 Test runs in the ongoing Galle Test. He took 28 innings to reach the mark at an average of 49.95 with the best score of 112 not out.
#4 Adam Gilchrist
The left-hand wicket keeper batsman of Australia loved to score as quickly as he wished. The dashing southpaw played 137 Tests innings, scored 5570 runs at an average of 47.60. His best was 204 not out against South Africa.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 27: Adam Gilchrist of Australia hits out in his last test match after he was dismissed caught by Virender Sehwag bowled byIrfan Pathan during day four of the Fourth Test between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval January 27, 2008 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
#5 BJ Watling
The 29 years old Watling has played 37 innings in Test cricket as a wicketkeeper for New Zealand till now, scored 1440 runs at an average of 46.45. He hit four centuries and nine half centuries. He is being considered as one of the best prospect of New Zealand batting lineup.
