An all-rounder is a valuable asset in any format of the game, offering balance through contributions with both bat and ball. Their impact is even more significant when delivered in foreign conditions, often proving crucial during pressure situations.
On Sunday (July 27), Ravindra Jadeja became the first Indian and only the third cricketer overall, to score over 1,000 runs and claim more than 30 wickets in Test matches in an overseas country. He reached this milestone during the fourth Test against England in Manchester.
Here are 3 cricketers who scored 1000+ runs and took 30+ wickets in Tests away from home:
#3 Wilfred Rhodes
Wilfred Rhodes represented England in 58 Test matches between 1899 and 1930. He scored 2,325 runs at an average of 30.19, including two centuries, and took 127 wickets, featuring six five-wicket hauls. Rhodes particularly stood out in Australia, where he achieved the rare double of 1,000 runs and over 30 wickets.
In 20 Tests there, he amassed 1,032 runs—his highest being 179 and claimed 42 wickets, with best match figures of 15 for 124. His contributions were critical during early Ashes contests and played a major role in England’s competitiveness during that era.
#2 Garry Sobers
Legendary West Indies all-rounder Garry Sobers made his Test debut against England in Kingston in 1954. Over a 20-year career that lasted until 1974, he played 93 Tests, scoring 8,032 runs at an outstanding average of 57.78, including 26 centuries. His highest score, an unbeaten 365, came against Pakistan in 1958 at Kingston.
Sobers was highly effective in England, scoring 1,820 runs and taking 62 wickets across 21 Test matches. A major part of this success came during the 1966 tour, where he impressed with 722 runs and 20 wickets, playing a crucial role in West Indies’ 3-1 series win. During that tour, he also registered his best match bowling figures of 8 for 80.
#1 Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja secured a place in the record books with his continued excellence in the current Test series against England. His ability to handle pressure with steady defence and composure played a key role in putting India in a strong position during the Manchester Test.
Having made his Test debut in 2012, Jadeja has developed into one of India’s premier all-rounders. As of now, he is unbeaten on 53 and has formed a vital 100-run partnership with Washington Sundar (58*) to keep India’s hopes alive in the match.
With this knock, Jadeja became the first Indian to score over 1,000 runs and take 30+ wickets in Tests in England. He now has 1,042 runs and 34 wickets in 16 matches there. Jadeja has also scored 400 runs in this series, including five fifties. His top bowling performance in England came in 2014, when he took nine wickets.
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