The top 5 players with the most runs at number three achieved remarkable success at this crucial position. From over 12,000 runs to 10,000-plus, these players displayed incredible consistency, with numerous centuries and high averages. Their dominance at number three left an indelible mark on the history of ODI cricket.
5. Kane Williamson (5,421 runs):
The New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, secures the final spot on this list with an impressive 5,421 runs at number three. With a batting average of 50.66, he stands alongside Virat Kohli as the only players to average over 50 at this position. Williamson has scored 11 centuries and 36 half-centuries from 117 innings, with a strike rate of 82.31. His career-best knock of 148 came against West Indies during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, further cementing his prowess at number three.
4. Jacques Kallis (7,774 runs):
Jacques Kallis, also known as Jack Kallis, takes the second-last spot on this list. His debut at number three came against India, where he scored 79 off 127 balls in Port Elizabeth on February 2, 1997, marking the start of a successful career at this position. Kallis amassed 7,774 runs from 200 innings, with an average of 45.72. During his time at number three, he registered 13 centuries and 57 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 139, solidifying his legacy as one of the best in this position.
3. Kumar Sangakkara (9,747 runs):
The third spot on the list for most runs at number three goes to Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara. He scored 9,747 runs at this position in ODIs, becoming a key figure alongside Mahela Jayawardene in Sri Lanka’s batting line-up. Sangakkara recorded 18 centuries and 66 half-centuries, with a batting average of 44.71. His career-best score of 169, achieved against South Africa in Colombo on July 20, 2013, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s dominant 180-run victory in that match.
2. Virat Kohli (10,053 runs):
Virat Kohli recently became only the second batsman after Ricky Ponting to surpass 10,000 runs at number three. Kohli has scored an astounding 10,053 runs from 191 innings, boasting a remarkable batting average of 62.44. His tally includes 36 centuries and 52 half-centuries, with a career-high score of 183 against Sri Lanka. Notably, Kohli is the only player on this list with a strike rate over 90, registering an impressive 94.21 while batting at number three, further cementing his status as a modern-day great.
1. Ricky Ponting (12,662 runs):
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, holds the top spot on the list of players with the most runs at number three, amassing an incredible 12,662 runs in ODIs. He achieved this feat with a batting average of 42.48 and a strike rate of 80.73. Ponting’s career-best score of 164 at number three came in a high-scoring match against South Africa in 2006. He made his debut at number three during the 1995 New Zealand Centenary Tournament against India, scoring 62 runs in a losing effort. Over his career, Ponting scored 29 centuries and 73 half-centuries while batting at this position, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.