International cricket's top run scorers in a calendar year
Did you know the tally of 2,500 runs in a calendar year has been achieved just 13 times in the history of international cricket? Only three cricketers have managed to reach that landmark twice. Here are the top five players with the most runs in a calendar year across all formats of the sport. All 5 have been captains of their side.
#5 Angelo Mathews
Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews is on 5th place after his record breaking year in 2014. The all-rounder scored 2,687 runs in 53 matches at an average of 65.53 across all formats. However, he could only manage four centuries in the year, but boasts 17 half centuries to his name. Mathews has failed to replicate his from since then.
#4 Kane Williamson
New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson is fourth on the list after a prolific year in 2015. The Kiwi scored 2,692 runs averaging over 65. In 8 Tests, that year, he finished with 1,172 runs at an average of 90 with 5 centuries to his name. He helped the Kiwis to reach the World Cup finals and amassed over 1,000 runs in ODIs as well.
#3 Virat Kohli
2017 has been Indian captain Virat Kohli's best year so far and what adds fear into the hearts of his opposition is that the year is not over yet. With 2,768 runs this year, he is the first cricketer in the history of the sport player to record 2,500 runs or more in successive years. Kohli has 11 centuries across all formats in 2017.
#2 Ricky Ponting
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is second on the list after scoring 2,833 runs in 2005. Despite losing the Ashes in 2005, Ponting scored over 1,500 runs in 15 matches averaging over 70 with six centuries to his name. In ODIs, Ponting scored over 1,000 runs. He lead the charts for 9 years until it was finally broken.
#1 Kumar Sangakkara
Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara tops the charts when it comes to most runs scored in a calendar year. Sangakkara kept getting better with age and that was evident during the twilight of his career in 2014 when he broke the record for the most runs in a year. In 48 matches, Sangakkara scored 2,868 runs at an average of over 50.
