Top 5 run-scorers in Test cricket during the previous decade (2000-2009)
During the decade before the current one, we saw some of the all-time great batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara and Jaques Kallis in action as they enthralled the whole cricketing universe with their admirable performances.
It would come as a surprise, then, to see that some of these legendary names don't find a mention in the top 5 list. The most notable names that missed out are Brian Lara (stands at 11th position) and Virender Sehwag (13th position).
Without further ado then, here is a look at the batsmen who scored the most number of runs during the previous decade (in the period between 2000-2009).
#10 Shivnarine Chanderpaul - Matches - 86 | Runs - 6,435 | Average - 53.21 | 100's - 19 | Highest score - 203*
#9 Mohammed Yousuf - Matches - 71 | Runs - 6,439 | Average - 58.53 | 100's - 23 | Highest score - 223
#8 Graeme Smith - Matches - 79 | Runs - 6,451 | Average - 49.62 | 100's - 18 | Highest score - 277
#7 Sachin Tendulkar - Matches - 89 | Runs - 7,129 | Average - 53.20 | 100's - 21 | Highest score - 248*
#6 Kumar Sangakkara - Matches - 88 | Runs - 7,549 | Average - 55.10 | 100's - 21 | Highest score - 287
#5 Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 8,187 runs
The former skipper of the Sri Lankan cricket team, Mahela Jayawardene was a very consistent performer for his side during the previous decade. He formed a lethal alliance with fellow middle order batsman Kumar Sangakkara and scored runs heavily all around the world.
Jayawardene, along with Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan, turned the fortunes of the Sri Lankan cricket team in Test cricket around as they transformed into a formidable line-up, especially in home conditions.
He played in 160 innings (95 Tests) in the decade and hit 25 centuries and 30 fifties.
Matches - 95 | Runs - 8187 | Average - 55.31 | 100's - 25 | Highest score - 374