5 batsmen who scored most Test runs before their first double century
Talent creates its own hemisphere, and it's difficult to make good on all the expectations that fall into it. For decent Test batsmen, scoring a double century is perhaps one landmark that is not too difficult to tick-mark.
Only 14 of the 93 batsmen with 5000+ Test runs haven't scored a double century. While some registered a 200 fairly early in their careers, there have been others for whom a double century took its time coming.
Here is a list of batsmen who scored the most runs before compiling a Test double century.
Sachin Tendulkar
Matches: 70, Innings: 109, Runs: 5380, Average: 55.46, 100s: 20, Highest: 179
Those who followed the master's career closely enough would not be surprised to find his name in this list. Given his talent, it is rather surprising that Sachin took a relatively long time to score his first ODI hundred (78 innings) and his first Test double hundred (70 Tests).
It came against New Zealand at Ahmedabad (November 1999). Having survived an early LBW shout off Paul Wiseman's bowling, Tendulkar made full use of the extra life by pouncing on the New Zealand bowling. He smashed 29 boundaries and was finally out for 217. The match eventually ended in a draw, but it retains its significance as the master's first coming.