In the current apparition of cricket which is being constantly facing monumental changes at the hands of ever-evolving batsmen, Test Cricket has taken a back burner and is hardly anymore about the qualities of the game which used to be an intrinsic part of the game.
However, if we take a sweet little stroll down the memory lane, we will find that there were greats of the game who actually exhibited first-class patience and tremendous resilience to hang in there and produce gilt-edged innings that spanned beyond our wildest imaginations. We will look at five such greats of the game who achieved this feat of playing more than 300 balls the highest number of times in a single innings Test Cricket.
1. Rahul Dravid – 16 times
The master of 13,288 runs in Test Cricket at a staggering average of 52.31, Rahul Dravid has achieved this incredulous feat for a remarkable 16 times.
With 36 centuries and 53 half-centuries, Dravid was an absolute rock in the number 3 position for India in Test Cricket. He has also got 6 double centuries in Test Cricket which heaps further plaudits on this Indian Test stalwart.
2. Kumara Sangakkara – 16 times
The Sri Lankan leader who has led from behind the stumps left everyone enchanted with his marvellous batting flair. He was one of the best stroke-players of the game, gifted with endless fitness. Not a big boundary hitter, he used to plunder runs through singles and doubles. This ability of him to run endlessly between the wickets probably helped him to notch this herculean feat of playing 300 plus balls a whopping 16 times in Test Cricket.
3. Geoffrey Boycott – 15 times
The man who thumped Cancer with a brazen fight, is also one of the leading names in the list. With 8114 Test runs in his kitty, Sir Geoffrey Boycott had exorbitant patience up his sleeves.
A pillar for England in their batting, he used to claw his team’s path to greatness with notable panache, whenever his team needed him. After his retirement from cricket, his exquisite commentary was music to the ears.
4. Jacques Kallis – 12 times
One of the best all-rounders of the game, Jacques Kallis was also one of the best hopes for South Africa in Test cricket. He was a perfect blend of patience and resilience which culminated into unreserved belligerence whenever the situation called for.
Playing 166 Tests, Kallis plundered a remarkable 13,289 runs at an astonishing average of 55.37. He also went on to score 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries.
5. Sachin Tendulkar – 11 times
The Little Master of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar found himself in this prestigious list as his batting heroics have ensorceled us all over the years. With such a wide array of shots up his sleeves, Tendulkar was literally unstoppable when he got going.
Perfect straight drives, classic cover drives, hooks and pulls which were out of this world, the Little Master conjured magic at will.
With 15921 Test runs, Tendulkar showcased to the world why he was one of the best. The master Blaster achieved this herculean feat a whopping 11 times.
Another notable mention in this star-studded list is Allan Border. The Australian cricketer known for his batting classics achieved this feat for a staggering 11 times which is similar to that of Sachin Tendulkar.
