The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 served as a showcase of grit, technique, and exceptional batting talent over two eventful years of red-ball cricket. Amidst challenging playing conditions, diverse pitches, and world-class bowling attacks, a few batters rose above the rest to etch their names into the championship’s legacy as consistent run machines. Here’s a look at the top five highest run-scorers who defined this WTC cycle—featuring three fearless Englishmen, a resilient Australian veteran, and a rapidly rising Indian sensation.
5. Usman Khawaja – 1,422 Runs
Australian opener Usman Khawaja amassed 1,422 runs from 37 innings in 19 Tests during this WTC cycle. In the hotly contested 2023 Ashes series in England, he got off to a great start with 496 runs, including a historic 141 at Edgbaston. However, his form slightly dipped during the subsequent home fixtures against Pakistan and West Indies, where he registered 359 runs across 10 innings at an average of 39.88.
Khawaja’s difficulties persisted against India and New Zealand, especially when he was unable to withstand Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spells. Nevertheless, he staged a stunning resurgence in Sri Lanka, notching a sublime 232 in Galle. Overall, he scored two centuries and six fifties, averaging 41.82 for the championship.
4. Harry Brook – 1,463 Runs
Harry Brook was one of the cycle’s highest scorers even though he was absent from the well-publicized Test series in India in early 2024. In just 29 innings, he accumulated 1,463 runs at an impressive average of 50.44, coupled with an explosive strike rate of 83.36—underlining his aggressive style.
Brook starred in the 2023 Ashes, scoring 363 runs against Australia, and continued his prolific run with 377 more against West Indies and Sri Lanka in home conditions. His WTC exploits included a triple century in Pakistan and a dominant showing in New Zealand, where he added 350 runs with two centuries and a fifty.
3. Ben Duckett – 1,470 Runs
Ben Duckett, another important player in England‘s BazBall revolution, scored 1,470 runs in 42 innings during 22 Test matches. Maintaining a brisk strike rate of 84.33—the highest among those with 200+ runs—Duckett’s campaign featured 2 centuries and 8 half-centuries at an average of 36.75.
With 321 runs in the 2023 Ashes, he made a substantial contribution. He also adjusted well to spin-friendly Indian grounds, making 343 runs in the first few months of 2024. His performances included 364 runs in England’s summer home Tests and 262 against Pakistan, finishing his campaign with a solid 180-run haul in New Zealand.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 1,798 Runs
India’s promising opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had a breakout WTC cycle, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer despite making his debut at the start of the campaign. He accumulated 1,798 runs in just 19 Tests at an average of 52.88, with 4 centuries and 10 fifties.
His journey began with a stunning 171 in the West Indies and took a slight detour against South Africa’s fast bowlers. However, Jaiswal roared back against England, hammering 712 runs across nine innings, including two consecutive double centuries. Though he struggled in the away series against New Zealand, he bounced back in the tough Australian conditions with 391 runs during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading India’s batting effort Down Under.
1. Joe Root – 1,968 Runs
England’s stalwart Joe Root topped the run charts in the 2023–25 WTC cycle, amassing 1,968 runs in 40 innings at a superb average of 54.67. With seven centuries, he raised his career total to 36 Test tons and set several records along the way.
Root’s campaign included 412 runs in the Ashes, 320 runs against India in early 2024, and an astonishing 666-run spree across six Tests against West Indies and Sri Lanka. He finished his cycle as the most reliable and significant batsman, scoring 218 runs at a strong average of 83.20 in New Zealand after reaching his highest Test score of 262 during England’s tour of Pakistan.
Conclusion
The 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship bore witness to some extraordinary batting displays. Joe Root’s consistency, Jaiswal’s emergence, and the aggressive flair of England’s BazBallers like Duckett and Brook redefined modern Test match batting. With veterans and newcomers alike making their mark, this cycle has enriched the format’s narrative and promises even greater excitement for the next edition.
