Although T20 cricket has seen the sport evolve a lot over the last few years, there remain absolutely no qualms about the fact that Test cricket is the purest form of cricket, and one that provides the highest amount of thrill.
In this article, TSN takes a look at the batters who were fastest to reach the landmark of 9000 runs. On Wednesday, Steve Smith became the fastest Australian batter to reach 9000 runs following his century against England in the second Ashes Test at Lord's.
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Which batter is the fastest to score 9000 runs in Tests?
In terms of number of innings taken to reach 9000 runs in Tests, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara is the fastest to reach the milestone. He achieved the feat in just 172 innings.
In terms of duration, England's Joe Root has taken the least amount of time to reach 9000 runs in Tests after his debut, taking just 8 years and 242 days.
| Player | Opposition | Ground | Innings | Tests | Match date | Debut | Time |
| Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | Pakistan | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 172 | 103 | Nov 3, 2011 | Jul 20, 2000 | 11y 106d |
| Steve Smith (AUS) | England | Lord's | 174 | 99 | Jun 28, 2023 | Jul 13, 2010 | 12y 350d |
| Rahul Dravid (IND) | West Indies | Sabina Park | 176 | 104 | Jun 30, 2006 | Jun 20, 1996 | 10y 10d |
| Brian Lara (WI) | South Africa | Newlands Cricket Ground | 177 | 101 | Jan 2, 2004 | Dec 6, 1990 | 13y 27d |
| Ricky Ponting (AUS) | England | The Gabba | 177 | 106 | Nov 23, 2006 | Dec 8, 1995 | 10y 350d |
| Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | India | Motera (now Narendra Modi Stadium) | 178 | 108 | Nov 16, 2009 | Aug 2, 1997 | 12y 106d |
| Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | Australia | WACA | 179 | 111 | Jan 2, 2004 | Nov 15, 1989 | 14y 48d |
| Younis Khan (PAK) | England | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 184 | 103 | Oct 22, 2015 | Feb 26, 2000 | 15y 238d |
| Jacques Kallis (SA) | New Zealand | The Wanderers | 188 | 110 | Nov 8, 2007 | Dec 14, 1995 | 11y 329d |
| Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | Australia | Adelaide Oval | 192 | 110 | Dec 13, 1985 | Mar 6, 1971 | 14y 282d |
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