The first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket was Sunil Gavaskar of India. He reached this historic milestone on March 7, 1987, during a Test match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad.
🏏 Sunil Gavaskar's Achievement:
-
Test Runs: 10,122 in 125 matches
-
Average: 51.12
-
Centuries: 34 — a record at the time of his retirement
-
Test Debut: March 1971 against the West Indies
-
Landmark Moment: He reached the 10,000-run mark with a single off Ijaz Faqih.
Significance of Gavaskar's Milestone:
-
Pioneer: Gavaskar became the first player in cricket history to reach 10,000 Test runs, setting a new benchmark.
-
Facing Fearsome Bowlers: He achieved this during an era dominated by some of the greatest fast bowlers, like the West Indies' fearsome pace quartet.
-
Inspirational Figure: Gavaskar's technique, concentration, and courage against hostile bowling made him a role model for future generations.
Other Players to Reach 10,000 Test Runs:
-
Allan Border (Australia) — the second player to reach this milestone.
-
Sachin Tendulkar (India) — the highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 15,921 runs.
-
Jacques Kallis (South Africa) and Ricky Ponting (Australia) — other legends in the 10,000-run club.
Sunil Gavaskar's 10,000 runs remain a testament to his consistency, skill, and dominance in Test cricket.