Most POTM awards in Test cricket
Test cricket demands a lot of patience, stamina, mental skills, determination and endurance. While many players have made their presence felt in the traditional format of the game, only a few of them have succeeded in establishing themselves at this level by showcasing consistent performances and meeting the demands of this format.
Meanwhile, a few of those successful players have also showcased game-changing performances regularly by bagging the Player of the Match award. Without further ado, here’s a look at three of those players who have won the maximum number of Player of the Match awards in Test cricket.
3. Wasim Akram
Nicknamed ‘Sultan of Swing’, Wasim Akram is one of the finest fast bowlers at the highest level, having showcased impactful performances in both Tests and One Day Internationals in his illustrious career from 1984 to 2003. The former Pakistani captain has 17 Player of the Match awards to his name in red-ball cricket. He finished with 414 scalps from 104 matches averaging 23.62.
2. Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan is the highest wicket-taker in Tests with 800 scalps to his name. The spinner was also the first-ever to register more than 1000 international wickets. Muralitharan holds yet another unique record in the longest format as the spin wizard has a total of 19 Player of the Match awards in his illustrious 133-Test career, spanning from 1992 to 2010.
- Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis was arguably the best all-rounder in world cricket in the 2000s courtesy of his outstanding performances with both the bat and ball. In fact, Jack Kallis has scored over 10000 runs and taken 250 wickets in both Tests and ODIs. As far as his Test career is concerned, Kallis amassed 13289 at an average of 55.37 and registered 292 scalps at 32.65. The legendary all-rounder has 23 Player of the Match awards to his name courtesy of 45 centuries and five five-wicket hauls. Kallis’ successful red-ball career comprised of 166 matches spanning from 1995 to 2013.
