Top 10 Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test

Test cricket is not just a battle between teams it’s a battle between individuals. The greatest thrill often lies in the long duels between a determined batter and a skillful bowler. Some of these battles stretch across years and series, as bowlers target the same batters again and again. These contests tell us about endurance, patience, and class both mental and physical.

In this article, we explore the Top 10 Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test history, highlighting intense matchups that made cricket timeless.

List of Top 10 Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test

10. Ian Chappell vs Derek Underwood

The legendary Australian captain Ian Chappell had several high-pressure battles with England’s master of slow left-arm spin, Derek Underwood. This rivalry represents the essence of Ashes cricket gritty, tactical, and fiercely competitive.

Though complete stats aren’t available, this rivalry is often referenced in lists of the Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test, thanks to the number of tight spells Underwood bowled to Chappell during the 1970s.

Batting	Ian Chappell
Bowling	Derek Underwood
Innings	31
Wickets	10
Balls	1129
Runs	404

9. Mike Atherton vs Courtney Walsh

Mike Atherton, known for his steely defense, stood tall against Caribbean pace machine Courtney Walsh. In what became one of the fiercest duels of the 1990s, Walsh bowled an incredible 1166 deliveries to Atherton and got him out 17 times.

This head-to-head is a famous example in the list of Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test, showcasing mental warfare between batter and bowler over time.

Batting	Mike Atherton
Bowling	Courtney Walsh
Innings	41
Wickets	17
Balls	1166
Runs	479

8. Allan Border vs John Emburey

Australian batting rock Allan Border often locked horns with England’s off-spinner John Emburey. Over 36 innings, Emburey sent down 1189 balls to Border, but could only dismiss him 5 times.

The duel stood out for Border’s control against spin. It remains one of the most dominant batting performances in the context of Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test.

Batting	Allan Border
Bowling	John Emburey
Innings	36
Wickets	5
Balls	1189
Runs	504

7. Kumar Sangakkara vs Saeed Ajmal

Sri Lankan legend Sangakkara’s elegant technique was tested by Pakistan’s mystery spinner Saeed Ajmal. Despite facing 1224 balls, Ajmal could only get him out 4 times.

This matchup is one of the most one-sided examples among the Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test, with Sangakkara clearly dominating.

Batting	Kumar Sangakkara
Bowling	Saeed Ajmal
Innings	22
Wickets	4
Balls	1224
Runs	531

6. WR Hammond vs CV Grimmett

English great Wally Hammond faced legendary Aussie leggie Clarrie Grimmett 1232 times across 25 innings. Although Grimmett got him 6 times, Hammond still managed an impressive average.

This is a standout contest from the 1930s and still ranks high in the Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test history.

Batting	WR Hammond
Bowling	CV Grimmett
Innings	25
Wickets	6
Balls	1232
Runs	483

5. Allan Border vs Ian Botham

England’s talisman Ian Botham bowled tirelessly to Australian captain Allan Border over 41 innings, delivering 1245 balls and taking 12 wickets.

Their on-field chemistry and off-field rivalry made this duel a major talking point among the Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test.

Batting	Allan Border
Bowling	Ian Botham
Innings	41
Wickets	12
Balls	1245
Runs	506

4. WR Hammond vs WJ O’Reilly

Another historic battle involving Hammond, this time with Australian spinner Bill O’Reilly. Over 30 innings, O’Reilly bowled 1245 deliveries and claimed Hammond’s wicket 10 times.

The sheer number of balls bowled in this duel places it firmly among the Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test cricket history.

Batting	WR Hammond
Bowling	WJ O’Reilly
Innings	30
Wickets	10
Balls	1245
Runs	396

3. Cheteshwar Pujara vs Nathan Lyon

One of the few modern rivalries on this list. Pujara’s classic Test technique has been tested thoroughly by Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon across 33 innings and 1296 balls.

Fans still love watching this cat-and-mouse game, which is a defining fixture among the Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test cricket today.

Batting	Cheteshwar Pujara
Bowling	Nathan Lyon
Innings	33
Wickets	13
Balls	1296
Runs	570

2. Arthur Morris vs Alec Bedser

Arthur Morris, the stylish Aussie opener, met his match in England’s medium-pacer Alec Bedser. Over 36 innings, Bedser bowled 1386 deliveries and dismissed Morris 18 times.

This is a classic bowler-dominated rivalry and remains one of the most referenced in the Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test debates.

Batting	Arthur Morris
Bowling	Alec Bedser
Innings	36
Wickets	18
Balls	1386
Runs	466

1. H Sutcliffe vs CV Grimmett

At the top of the list is the legendary rivalry between England opener Herbert Sutcliffe and Australia’s greatest spinner Clarrie Grimmett. Over 28 innings, Grimmett bowled an incredible 1748 balls to Sutcliffe.

Despite the long battle, Grimmett could only dismiss him 7 times. This unmatched duel stands as #1 in Most Balls Bowled Between Batters and Bowlers in Test history, showcasing endurance, class, and the spirit of the game.

Batting	Herbert Sutcliffe
Bowling	CV Grimmett
Innings	28
Wickets	7
Balls	1748
Runs	515

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