In the demanding realm of Test cricket, all-rounders who possess the ability to alter match outcomes with both bat and ball hold an irreplaceable position. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad and seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler recently collaborated to select their top 10 Test all-rounders of all time. At the pinnacle of this elite ranking stands West Indies legendary cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers, while South African icon Jacques Kallis takes the second position. Indian cricket legends Kapil Dev and Ravindra Jadeja have also earned prestigious spots in this historic compilation.
Garfield Sobers and Jacques Kallis Lead the Historic Ranking
According to Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler, former West Indies captain Sir Garfield Sobers stands as the greatest Test all-rounder in the history of the game. Representing the West Indies between March 1954 and April 1974, Sobers featured in 93 Test matches, scoring 8,032 runs at an outstanding batting average of 57.78 while taking 235 wickets. His First-class career was equally staggering, accumulating 28,314 runs and capturing 1,043 wickets across 383 matches.
Occupying the second spot is South Africa's Jacques Kallis, who has frequently been hailed as the greatest overall cricketer by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and former fast bowler Brett Lee. Kallis enjoyed a remarkable 19-year international career comprising 166 Tests, 328 ODIs, and 25 T20Is. In Test cricket, Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average above 55, alongside taking 292 wickets. In ODIs, he amassed 11,579 runs and picked up 273 wickets, reinforcing his reputation as one of cricket's most complete players.
Ben Stokes Secures Third Place Alongside Indian Greats
Current England Test captain Ben Stokes earned the third spot in the list prepared by his compatriot duo. Right behind Stokes is former English star Ian Botham in fourth position. India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev was named fifth in the all-time ranking. Kapil Dev remains celebrated globally for his seam bowling, explosive lower-order batting, and transformative leadership in Indian cricket.
Ravindra Jadeja: The Only Active Cricketer in the Top 10
Star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja secured the 10th position in this prestigious ranking, making him the sole active international cricketer featured on the list. Currently holding the top position in the official ICC Test all-rounder rankings, Jadeja made his Test debut in 2012. Across 89 Test matches, he has scored 4,095 runs and taken 348 wickets. Jadeja is included in the Indian squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and is expected to be part of the playing eleven for the opening Test at Galle International Stadium.
Global Icons Complete the Elite Top 10 Selection
The remaining spots on the list feature prominent figures from around the world. Pakistan's World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan occupies the sixth spot, followed by former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff at seventh. Former Australian legend Keith Miller ranks eighth, while South Africa's former captain and paceman Shaun Pollock sits ninth. The final top 10 order established by Broad and Buttler reads: Sir Garfield Sobers, Jacques Kallis, Ben Stokes, Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan, Andrew Flintoff, Keith Miller, Shaun Pollock, and Ravindra Jadeja.
