Root to Jaiswal: Top run-getters in World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle

The breakout star of the cycle, India's Yashasvi Jaiswal, amassed 1,798 runs in just 19 Tests, averaging 52.88

The countdown to the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final has begun, with South Africa and defending champions Australia set to clash for Test cricket’s ultimate prize at Lord’s from 11 June. As two of the most complete teams prepare for battle, the WTC cycle has seen some incredible individual performances. Talking about batters, England’s Joe Root has been the standout in the run-scoring department, while India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal made a breakthrough few expected. 

 

Here’s a quick look at the top run-getters of the ICC WTC 2023–25 cycle.

 

Rank	Player	Team	Span	Mat	Inns	Runs	HS	100s	50s
1	Joe Root	ENG	2023–24	22	40	1968	262	7	7
2	Yashasvi Jaiswal	IND	2023–25	19	36	1798	214*	4	10
3	Ben Duckett	ENG	2023–24	22	41	1470	153	2	8
4	Harry Brook	ENG	2023–24	17	29	1463	317	4	7
5	Usman Khawaja	AUS	2023–25	19	37	1422	232	2	6
6	Steve Smith	AUS	2023–25	19	35	1324	141	5	4
7	Travis Head	AUS	2023–25	19	34	1177	152	3	5
8	Zak Crawley	ENG	2023–24	19	34	1175	189	1	8
9	Kane Williamson	NZ	2023–24	11	22	1152	156	5	4
10	Kusal Mendis	SL	2024–25	11	20	1123	182*	5	3
11	Ollie Pope	ENG	2023–24	19	34	1084	196	3	4
12	Saud Shakeel	PAK	2023–25	14	26	1078	208*	3	4
13	Dhananjaya de Silva	SL	2023–25	13	24	1065	122	3	8
14	Ben Stokes	ENG	2023–24	18	32	1007	155	1	7
15	Rachin Ravindra	NZ	2024	12	24	984	240	2	4
16	Shubman Gill	IND	2023–25	16	29	972	119*	3	3
17	Alex Carey	AUS	2023–25	19	30	954	156	1	5
18	Marnus Labuschagne	AUS	2023–25	19	36	935	111	1	8
19	Mohammad Rizwan	PAK	2023–25	12	22	900	171*	1	4
20	Shan Masood	PAK	2023–25	14	27	880	151	2	5

 

1. Joe Root (England)

England’s senior statesman led the charts with 1,968 runs in 22 Tests, averaging 54.66. His ability to switch gears, play long innings, and deliver under pressure anchored England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach. With seven hundreds and seven fifties, Root continued to prove why he's one of the modern greats. His highest score of 262 was a masterclass in control and stamina, setting the tone for England’s batting through the cycle.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

The breakout star of the cycle, Jaiswal amassed 1,798 runs in just 19 Tests, averaging 52.88. His attacking strokeplay, combined with a calm head, helped him dominate both at home and overseas. A top score of 214 and four centuries* show his hunger for big runs. His consistency at the top proved crucial for India’s competitiveness in this WTC cycle, and he has firmly established himself as a Test mainstay.

3. Ben Duckett (England)

Duckett brought urgency to England’s top order with his aggressive approach. In 22 Tests, he made 1,470 runs at 36.75, striking at a brisk 84.33. Though not always the most consistent, his ability to score quickly and disrupt bowling rhythms made him a perfect fit for England’s new Test philosophy. With two centuries and eight fifties, Duckett was central to England’s Bazball blueprint across varied conditions.

4. Harry Brook (England)

Brook continued to enhance his reputation as England’s most stylish young batter. Scoring 1,463 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.44, he played several key innings, including a monumental 317. His range of strokes, confidence in defence, and acceleration made him a match-winner. Brook’s ability to turn the tide of games with his shot-making was evident throughout England’s WTC run, often changing momentum within a single session.

5. Usman Khawaja (Australia)

Khawaja’s consistency was pivotal in Australia’s march to the final. The left-hander made 1,422 runs in 19 Tests, averaging 41.82, with a top score of 232. Known for his patient and composed style, Khawaja often blunted new-ball threats and helped build big first-innings totals. His performances away from home, especially in tough conditions, reflected his evolution into a dependable Test opener and a vital cog in Australia’s WTC success.