Top 10 Most Sixes in Test by Esteemed Batsmen (2025 List)

by — December 2, 2025 in Top

Records fascinate sports fans. Who’s fastest? Who’s strongest? Who’s most successful? Numbers provide answers.

In cricket, records come in many forms. Highest scores. Most centuries. Best averages. Each tells part of the story.

But there’s one record that captures something special. Something beyond just accumulating runs. Something that shows entertainment value alongside skill.

We’re examining the players who cleared boundaries most frequently in cricket’s longest format.

Not just once or twice. Not just in one series. But throughout entire careers spanning years or even decades.

Test cricket tests patience. It examines technique. It challenges mental strength. Playing five-day matches requires different skills than shorter formats.

Most players adapt by playing defensively. Building innings carefully. Taking minimal risks.

Then there are the brave ones. The ones who saw loose deliveries and attacked. Who trusted their power. Who backed their timing.

The most sixes in test cricket were accumulated by players who combined skill with courage. Not reckless hitting. Not mindless slogging. Smart, calculated aggression.

This detailed guide explores their achievements. Their approaches. Their legacies.

From opening batters to tail-end bowlers, everyone’s included. Because courage knows no batting position.

Each six represented a decision. A moment of bravery. A commitment to entertainment.

Top 10 Most Sixes in Test by Esteemed Batsmen

Most Sixes in Test

Time to examine cricket’s greatest boundary clearers.

The History of Six-Hitting in Test Cricket

Test cricket started in 1877. Back then, hitting sixes was rare and risky.

Early cricket had different rules. Boundaries were far away. Bats were smaller. Pitches were unpredictable. Players focused on survival, not aggression.

The Early Years (1877-1970s):

  • Sixes were accidents, not intentions
  • Players valued defense over attack
  • Scoring 50 runs per session was considered fast
  • Bowlers dominated completely
  • Most matches ended in draws

The Transition Period (1980s-1990s):

  • Viv Richards changed mindsets with aggressive batting
  • Limited-overs cricket influenced Test batting
  • Players started thinking about entertainment
  • Still, most batters played conservatively
  • Sixes remained uncommon

The Revolution (2000s-Present):

  • Adam Gilchrist showed that wicketkeepers could attack
  • Virender Sehwag proved that openers could hit from ball one
  • Brendon McCullum revolutionized Test cricket philosophy
  • T20 cricket (started 2005) changed everything
  • Modern players hit sixes regularly without fear

Timeline: Evolution of Six-Hitting in Tests

Here’s how six-hitting evolved decade by decade:

Period Average Sixes Per Match Notable Event Key Players
1877-1950s 0-1 Very rare occurrence Almost none
1960s-1970s 1-2 Occasional aggression Garry Sobers, Ian Botham
1980s-1990s 2-3 Limited-overs influence Viv Richards, Kapil Dev
2000-2010 4-6 Gilchrist era begins Gilchrist, Sehwag, Gayle
2010-2020 6-10 McCullum revolution McCullum, Stokes, Pant
2020-2025 8-12 “Bazball” dominates Stokes, Pant, Brook

Key Historical Moments:

  • 1970: Ian Botham starts hitting sixes regularly as an all-rounder
  • 1999: Adam Gilchrist debuts, changing wicketkeeper batting forever
  • 2004: Virender Sehwag scores 309 with an aggressive approach
  • 2014: Brendon McCullum scores 302*, inspires “Bazball”
  • 2019: Ben Stokes’ Headingley heroics show importance of six-hitting
  • 2025: Rishabh Pant on track to break all records

Most Sixes in Test Cricket: The Official Top 10

Here’s the complete record book with all statistics:

Rank Player Country Span Matches Innings Runs Average Highest Sixes
1 Ben Stokes England 2013-2025 115 206 7,032 35.69 258 136
2 Brendon McCullum New Zealand 2004-2016 101 176 6,453 38.64 302 107
3 Adam Gilchrist Australia 1999-2008 96 137 5,570 47.60 204* 100
4 Tim Southee New Zealand 2008-2025 107 156 1,224 15.48 77* 98
5 Chris Gayle West Indies 2000-2014 103 182 7,214 42.18 333 98
6 Jacques Kallis South Africa 1995-2013 166 280 13,289 55.37 224 97
7 Rishabh Pant India 2018-2025 48 84 3,456 43.74 159* 93
8 Virender Sehwag India 2001-2013 104 180 8,586 49.34 319 91
9 Angelo Mathews Sri Lanka 2008-2025 119 212 7,821 44.40 200* 90
10 Rohit Sharma India 2013-2025 67 116 4,302 40.57 212 88

Player Record Sheets: Complete Fact Files

#1: Ben Stokes (England) – 136 Sixes

Full Name: Benjamin Andrew Stokes
Born: June 4, 1991, Christchurch, New Zealand
Test Debut: December 5, 2013 vs Australia
Batting Style: Left-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
Role: All-rounder

Career Highlights:

  • Current England Test captain
  • Won the 2019 World Cup for England
  • Famous for the Headingley 2019 miracle (135*)
  • Hit 258 vs South Africa in 2016
  • Most sixes in test cricket record holder

Six-Hitting Record:

  • First six: vs Australia, 2013
  • Best six-hitting innings: 258 (8+ sixes)
  • Signature shot: Pull over mid-wicket
  • Power source: Bottom-hand strength

Career Timeline:

  • 2013 – Debut, showed aggressive intent
  • 2016 – Scored 258 with multiple sixes
  • 2019 – Headingley heroics with crucial sixes
  • 2022 – Became England captain
  • 2025 – Still adding to the six tally

#2: Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 107 Sixes

  • Full Name: Brendon Barrie McCullum
  • Born: September 27, 1981, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • Test Span: 2004-2016
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman / Captain

Career Highlights:

  • Changed Test cricket philosophy
  • Scored New Zealand’s first triple century (302)
  • Fastest Test fifty ever (20 balls)
  • Now England’s Test coach
  • Inspired “Bazball” approach

Six-Hitting Record:

  • 107 sixes in 101 matches
  • Most sixes: 302 vs India (12+ sixes)
  • Revolutionary aggressive approach
  • Made Test cricket exciting again

Career Timeline:

2004 – Debut as wicketkeeper
2008 – Started opening batting
2014 – Historic 302 vs India
2015 – Fastest Test fifty (20 balls)
2016 – Retired with 107 sixes

#3: Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – 100 Sixes

  • Full Name: Adam Craig Gilchrist
  • Born: November 14, 1971, Bellingen, Australia
  • Test Span: 1999-2008
  • Batting Style: Left-handed
  • Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman

Career Highlights:

  • Part of Australia’s golden era
  • Batted at number 7 devastatingly
  • Strike rate of 81.95 (extremely fast)
  • Won three Ashes series
  • Exactly 100 Test sixes (perfect number!)

Six-Hitting Record:

  • 100 sixes in 96 matches
  • Best: 204* vs South Africa
  • Came in when bowlers were tired
  • Destroyed attacks with quick scoring

Career Timeline:

  • 1999 – Debut vs Pakistan
  • 2001-2003 – Peak years, dominated
  • 2006 – Scored 204* with multiple sixes
  • 2008 – Retired with exactly 100 sixes
  • 2025 – Record still stands strong

#4: Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 98 Sixes

  • Full Name: Timothy Grant Southee
  • Born: December 11, 1988, Whangarei, New Zealand
  • Test Debut: 2008
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Role: Fast bowler

Career Highlights:

  • New Zealand’s greatest fast bowler
  • 98 sixes despite being a bowler!
  • Batting average is only 15.48
  • Bats at the 9 or 10 position
  • Swings hard at everything

Six-Hitting Record:

  • Most sixes by a specialist bowler
  • Highest score: 77*
  • No fear approach
  • Entertainment guaranteed

Career Timeline:

  • 2008 – Debut, showed hitting ability
  • 2013 – Started hitting more sixes
  • 2015-2020 – Peak six-hitting years
  • 2025 – Still playing, still swinging

#5: Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 98 Sixes

  • Full Name: Christopher Henry Gayle
  • Born: September 21, 1979, Kingston, Jamaica
  • Test Span: 2000-2014
  • Batting Style: Left-handed
  • Role: Opening batsman

Career Highlights:

  • “Universe Boss” title
  • Scored 333 vs Sri Lanka (2010)
  • Opened batting aggressively
  • Tall, powerful, fearless
  • Changed the West Indies’ approach

Six-Hitting Record:

  • 98 sixes in 103 Tests
  • Best: 333 (10+ sixes)
  • Hit sixes to all parts of the ground
  • Pure power hitting

Career Timeline:

  • 2000 – Debut as opener
  • 2005 – Started dominating
  • 2010 – Historic 333 vs Sri Lanka
  • 2014 – Retired from Tests
  • Legacy – Inspired T20 revolution

#6: Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 97 Sixes

  • Full Name: Jacques Henry Kallis
  • Born: October 16, 1975, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Test Span: 1995-2013
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Role: All-rounder

Career Highlights:

  • Greatest all-rounder ever (arguably)
  • 13,289 Test runs (incredible!)
  • Also took 292 wickets
  • Played 166 Tests (most on this list)
  • Average of 55.37

Six-Hitting Record:

  • 97 sixes over 18-year career
  • Patient but powerful
  • Waited for bad balls
  • Strategic aggression

Career Timeline:

  • 1995 – Debut vs England
  • 2000-2010 – Peak domination period
  • 2012 – Scored 224 with sixes
  • 2013 – Retired as a legend
  • 2025 – Records still untouched

#7: Rishabh Pant (India) – 93 Sixes

  • Full Name: Rishabh Rajendra Pant
  • Born: October 4, 1997, Haridwar, India
  • Test Debut: 2018
  • Batting Style: Left-handed
  • Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman

Career Highlights:

  • Youngest on this list (27 years old)
  • Only 48 Tests but 93 sixes!
  • 1.94 sixes per Test (highest rate)
  • Famous for Sydney 159* (2019)
  • Counter-attacking specialist

Six-Hitting Record:

  • Fastest to 90+ Test sixes
  • Will likely break Stokes’ record
  • Almost 2 sixes every Test
  • Fearless approach abroad

Career Timeline:

  • 2018 – Debut vs England
  • 2019 – Historic Sydney 159*
  • 2021 – Won series in Australia
  • 2023 – Car accident, brave comeback
  • 2025 – On track for 200+ sixes

#8: Virender Sehwag (India) – 91 Sixes

  • Full Name: Virender Sehwag
  • Born: October 20, 1978, Delhi, India
  • Test Span: 2001-2013
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Role: Opening batsman

Career Highlights:

  • “See ball, hit ball” philosophy
  • Two triple centuries (309, 319)
  • Opened batting aggressively
  • Strike rate of 82.23
  • Changed Indian cricket

Six-Hitting Record:

  • 91 sixes as opener (very difficult)
  • Best: 319 vs South Africa
  • Attacked from ball one
  • Made world-class bowlers look ordinary

Career Timeline:

  • 2001 – Debut vs South Africa
  • 2004 – First triple century (309)
  • 2008 – Second triple century (319)
  • 2013 – Retired from Tests
  • Legacy – Inspired aggressive Indian batting

#9: Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka) – 90 Sixes

  • Full Name: Angelo Davis Mathews
  • Born: June 2, 1987, Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Test Debut: 2008
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Role: All-rounder / Former captain

Career Highlights:

  • Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter
  • Former captain
  • Can bat and bowl medium pace
  • Scored 200* vs England
  • 119 Tests and counting

Six-Hitting Record:

  • 90 sixes on slow pitches
  • Builds innings, then attacks
  • Strong wrists, powerful hits
  • Consistent performer

Career Timeline:

  • 2008 – Debut vs Zimbabwe
  • 2013 – Became captain
  • 2014 – Scored 200* with sixes
  • 2016 – Stepped down as captain
  • 2025 – Still playing for Sri Lanka

#10: Rohit Sharma (India) – 88 Sixes

  • Full Name: Rohit Gurunath Sharma
  • Born: April 30, 1987, Nagpur, India
  • Test Debut: 2013
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Role: Opening batsman / Captain

Career Highlights:

  • “Hitman” nickname
  • Three ODI double centuries (record)
  • Started Tests as an opener in 2019
  • Elegant timing, not brute force
  • Current Indian captain (white-ball)

Six-Hitting Record:

  • 88 sixes in 67 Tests
  • Best: 212 vs South Africa
  • Perfect timing produces sixes
  • Late Test bloomer (started regularly at 32)

Career Timeline:

  • 2013 – Test debut (middle order)
  • 2019 – Became an opener permanently
  • 2019 – First Test double century
  • 2021 – Hit form as opener
  • 2025 – Adding sixes regularly

Most Sixes in Test Innings by a Player: Record Performances

Some innings see extraordinary six-hitting:

Rank Player Score Opponent Venue Year Approx Sixes
1 Brendon McCullum 302 vs India Wellington 2014 12+
2 Chris Gayle 333 vs Sri Lanka Gros Islet 2010 10+
3 Ben Stokes 258 vs South Africa Cape Town 2016 8+
4 Virender Sehwag 319 vs South Africa Chennai 2008 7+
5 Rishabh Pant 159* vs Australia Sydney 2019 6+

Record Analysis:

McCullum’s 302:

  • New Zealand’s first triple century
  • Changed Test cricket philosophy
  • Attacked from start to finish
  • 12+ sixes set the tone

Gayle’s 333:

  • Universe Boss at peak
  • Batted for over a day
  • Hit sixes everywhere
  • West Indies’ highest individual score

Stokes’ 258:

  • Rescued England from collapse
  • Sixes in a pressure situation
  • Showed match-winning power
  • Cape Town masterclass

Sehwag’s 319:

  • Destroyed Steyn and co.
  • Indian batting record
  • Pure aggression from the start
  • Made it look easy

Pant’s 159:*

  • While carrying an injury!
  • Saved follow-on in Australia
  • Counter-attacking brilliance
  • Historic innings

Most Sixes in Test by Indian Batsmen: National Records

India produces fearless six-hitters:

Rank Player Span Matches Sixes Sixes/Match Status
1 Rishabh Pant 2018-2025 48 93 1.94 Active
2 Virender Sehwag 2001-2013 104 91 0.88 Retired
3 Rohit Sharma 2013-2025 67 88 1.31 Active
4 MS Dhoni 2005-2014 90 78 0.87 Retired
5 Hardik Pandya 2021-2025 11 40 3.64 Active
6 Virat Kohli 2011-2025 123 38 0.31 Active
7 Ravindra Jadeja 2012-2025 78 35 0.45 Active

Indian Six-Hitting Evolution:

  • 2001-2010: Sehwag Era

Sehwag showed openers can attack from ball one. Changed the Indian mindset completely.

  • 2005-2014: Dhoni Power

MS Dhoni, as wicketkeeper-captain, hit 78 sixes. Showed leadership and power together.

  • 2018-2025: Pant Dominance

Rishabh Pant’s 1.94 sixes per Test is incredible. Future record holder.

Why India Leads:

  • IPL culture promotes aggression
  • Flat home pitches help six-hitting
  • Young players learn fearless cricket
  • Role models like Sehwag and Dhoni

Most Sixes in Test Series: Tournament Records

Some series produce consistent six-hitting:

Record Series Performances:

Ben Stokes – 2019 Ashes (England vs Australia)

Stats:

  • 5 Tests
  • 441 runs
  • Multiple crucial sixes
  • Match-winning Headingley innings

Impact: Won impossible match at Headingley with sixes in pressure moments.

Brendon McCullum – 2014 vs India (Home)

Stats:

  • 2 Tests
  • 388 runs
  • 302 in first Test
  • Set aggressive tone

Impact: New Zealand won series 1-0, first home win vs India in decades.

Chris Gayle – 2012 vs Bangladesh (Away)

Stats:

  • 2 Tests
  • 433 runs
  • 333 in the first Test
  • Dominated throughout

Impact: Most sixes in the test series during that period. Complete domination.

Rishabh Pant – 2018-19 vs Australia (Away)

Stats:

  • 4 Tests
  • 350 runs
  • 159* in Sydney
  • Counter-attacking throughout

Impact: Helped India win its first Test series in Australia ever. Historic achievement.

Most Sixes in Test 2025: Current Scenario & Future

Active Players Watch List:

Player Current Sixes Age Tests Projected Total Likelihood
Rishabh Pant 93 27 48 180-200 Very High
Ben Stokes 136 34 115 145-155 Moderate
Rohit Sharma 88 38 67 95-100 Low
Harry Brook 35 25 25 120-150 High
Travis Head 42 31 50 90-110 Moderate
Yashasvi Jaiswal 15 23 15 100-130 High

2025 Analysis:

  • Rishabh Pant:

Most likely to break all records. At 1.94 sixes per Test, simple math shows:

  • If plays 100 Tests: 194 sixes
  • If plays 120 Tests: 230+ sixes
  • Will definitely pass Stokes by 2028-30
  • Ben Stokes:

Current record holder, but aging. Limited Tests left due to workload management and injuries. Might retire around 145-150 sixes.

  • Harry Brook:

Young English sensation. Averages 60+ in Tests. Very aggressive. Could challenge for the top 5 by 2032.

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal:

India’s new opener. Only 23 years old. If he plays 100+ Tests, he could reach 100-130 sixes.

  • Travis Head:

Australian left-hander. Plays fearlessly. Already has 42 sixes. Could reach 90-100 by career end.

Historical Recap: Six-Hitting Through the Ages

Looking back at Test cricket’s 148-year history, six-hitting evolved dramatically:

1877-1980: The Defensive Era (100+ years)

  • Sixes were rare
  • Players focused on survival
  • Entertainment wasn’t a priority
  • Bowlers dominated completely

1980-2000: The Transition (20 years)

  • Viv Richards showed that aggression works
  • Limited-overs cricket influenced Tests
  • Still mostly conservative
  • Occasional aggressive players emerged

2000-2015: The Revolution Begins (15 years)

  • Adam Gilchrist changed wicketkeeper batting
  • Virender Sehwag proved that openers can attack
  • Chris Gayle showed power in Tests
  • T20 cricket started (2005)

2015-2025: The Modern Era (10 years)

  • Brendon McCullum’s 302 inspired “Bazball”
  • Ben Stokes became the record holder
  • Rishabh Pant emerged as the future king
  • Six-hitting became a tactical strategy

Future Predictions (2025-2035)

Short Term (2025-2028):

  • Rishabh Pant will overtake Rohit Sharma and Sehwag
  • Will reach 120+ sixes by 2028
  • Harry Brook will enter the top 20
  • Ben Stokes might retire around 145-150 sixes

Medium Term (2028-2032):

  • Pant will challenge Stokes’ record
  • Could become #1 by 2030
  • Harry Brook enters the top 10
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal reaches 50+ sixes

Long Term (2032-2035):

  • Pant could reach 180-200 sixes
  • Brook might challenge for the top 5
  • New generation of six-hitters emerges
  • The record keeps getting broken

Final Record Book Summary

The most sixes in test cricket currently stands at 136 (Ben Stokes). But this record will likely fall within 5-7 years.

Key Facts:

  • Three Indians in the top 10 (Pant, Sehwag, Rohit)
  • Two New Zealanders in the top 4 (McCullum, Southee)
  • Six-hitting has increased 400% since the 1990s
  • Modern players hit 8-12 sixes per match
  • Rishabh Pant has the fastest six-per-match rate

All-Time Great Six-Hitters:

  1. Ben Stokes (136) – Current champion
  2. Brendon McCullum (107) – The revolutionary
  3. Adam Gilchrist (100) – The perfect number
  4. Rishabh Pant (93) – The future king

The most sixes in test record belong to brave hearts who dared to attack when others defended. They made Test cricket exciting again.

As we move forward, expect more records to fall. Younger players grow up watching IPL and T20 leagues. They learn aggression from day one.

Test cricket’s future is bright. And it will keep producing six-hitting legends who thrill fans worldwide.

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