 .webp)
These players excelled in SENA countries, which is no easy feat!
In test cricket, batting at home gives Asian players a clear advantage. However, when they go up against teams in SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia—it's a whole new ball game! These countries are notorious for their pitches that offer bounce, pace, and swing, which can challenge any batsman. Nevertheless, despite these conditions, some Asian players have shown remarkable skill and resilience in scoring runs. Let's take a closer look!
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, known for his exceptional records both in India and abroad. Interestingly, his batting average in overseas countries surpasses his average in India, highlighting his versatility. Sachin holds the record for the most test runs by an Asian batsman in SENA countries, accumulating 5,387 runs in 114 innings at an average of 51. His batting average of over 40 against each SENA country underscores his prowess and comfort in batting on foreign pitches.
Rahul Dravid, often hailed as the "Wall" of Indian cricket, was renowned for his impeccable batting technique, which made him a formidable opponent in test matches. Similar to Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid boasted better averages in overseas games than in India. Even against tough SENA countries, he consistently delivered solid performances, amassing 3,909 runs with an average of 49 across 89 test innings in those conditions.
Virat Kohli has always been a pivotal player for India. Despite his early struggles against England before 2014, he bounced back strongly in 2018 with impactful performances. In SENA countries, Kohli has been a standout, crafting numerous match-winning innings, especially in test cricket, where he has scored more centuries than in India. With 19 test centuries in SENA nations, he amassed 3,591 runs in 84 innings at an average of 43, ranking as the third highest Asian batsman in test runs in these challenging conditions.
VVS Laxman, known for his elegant batting style, could make even the toughest bowlers appreciate the art of cricket. His innings weren't just runs on the board; they were masterpieces that fans couldn't get enough of. Whether in India or the demanding fields of SENA countries, he scored nine centuries and 2,710 runs in 75 test innings, proving that style and substance go hand in hand in cricket lore.
Cheteshwar Pujara has always been India's rock-solid batsman, known for his technique. He played a key role in India's first-ever test series win in Australia and continued to impress in their surprising 2021 victory down under. Pujara's batting in SENA countries has been a treat to watch, with 13 centuries to his name. Across 80 test innings in these nations, he's scored 2,558 runs with an average of 32, proving his resilience and contribution to the team.
Apart from these batsmen, Sunil Gavaskar was a stalwart in Indian cricket, dominating against lethal fast-bowling attacks. He scored 2,464 runs in SENA countries, with an average of 44. Ajinkya Rahane, known for his Lord's century, thrived in SENA conditions with 2,403 runs, and Kumar Sangakkara excelled with 2,526 runs and 11 centuries in SENA countries.
