Most Player of The Match Awards in Tests (Top 15 List)

Test cricket has always been considered the ultimate test of a player’s skill, patience and determination. Winning a Test match requires days of hard work, teamwork and consistency, right? We all know that, but every now and then, there comes a man who rises above all others and single-handedly turns the game in his team’s favour. This is where the Player of the Match award comes into the picture.

Over the decades, some of the greatest cricketers have made a habit of winning this award. And it’s all thanks to their match-winning innings, fiery mantra or all-round talent. Below, we take a look at the top 15 players who have won the most Player of the Match awards in Test cricket, based on official records.

1. Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 23 Awards   

• Span: 1995-2013

• Matches: 166

At the top of the list is Jacques Kallis, perhaps the greatest all-rounder of modern cricket. His 23 wickets, both with bat and bowling, demonstrate his power to humanity. Kallis scored over 13,000 runs in Tests and hit nearly 30 centuries. And thus, made the entire South African the ultimate master in all formats. His prominence, especially in consistency, was unmatched by any other.

2. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka): 19 Awards   

• Span: 1992-2010

• Matches: 133

Muralitharan, who has taken 800 Test wickets, is second on the list. A true magician with the ball, Murali can frustrate batting line-ups on any surface. When it comes to playing in subcontinental conditions, he has seemed unstoppable. His 19th Player of the Match award shows how many times he has carried Sri Lanka on his shoulders, making him one of the greatest match-winners in history.

3. Wasim Akram (Pakistan): 17 Awards   

• Span: 1985-2002

• Matches: 104

Known as the “Sultan of Swing”, Wasim Akram changed the art of fast bowling with his deadly yorker and reverse swing. His 17 awards demonstrate his ability to almost single-handedly win matches for Pakistan. Whether it was with the magic of the new ball or devastating late spin, Akram always delivered when it mattered most.

4. Shane Warne (Australia): 17 Awards   

• Span: 1992-2007

• Matches: 145

Shane Warne revived leg-spin bowling and turned it into a weapon of destruction. His 708 Test wickets are still legendary, and his 17 awards prove how often he was Australia’s match-winner. From brilliant performances in the Ashes to dismissing batsmen around the world, Warne’s contributions created a memorable era.

5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 16 Awards   

• Span: 2000-2015

• Matches: 134

Kumar Sangakkara combined style with substance. His brilliant batting, double centuries and ability to control the innings under pressure gave Sri Lanka stability and talent. With 16 awards, he has emerged as one of the most decorated Test batsmen, remembered for both his consistency and his big-match temperament.

6. Ricky Ponting (Australia): 16 Awards   

• Span: 1995-2012

• Matches: 168

The victorious Test captain, Ricky Ponting, was also a fine batsman with over 13,000 runs. His 16 Player of the Year awards showed that his home team was the reason for the victory. Aggressive, charismatic and charismatic, Ponting was instrumental in the golden era of Australian cricket.

7. Curtly Ambrose (West Indies): 14 Awards   

• Span: 1988-2000

• Matches: 98

The 6ft 7in tall Curtly Ambrose was the reason for the West Indies’ great fast bowling legacy. With his ability to bounce the ball with precision, he regularly broke down many batting line-ups. His 14 awards reflect his match-winning play, especially in the 1990s. In those days, he often single-handedly won victories for the Caribbean team.

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8. Steve Waugh (Australia): 14 Awards   

• Span: 1985-2004

• Matches: 168

Steve Waugh was Australia’s “Ice Man”, a player who performed brilliantly even under pressure. His innings often defined series, and his leadership cemented Australia’s dominance. With 14 awards, Waugh is remembered for his fighting spirit and ability to anchor the innings when it mattered most.

9. Sachin Tendulkar (India): 14 Awards   

• Span: 1989-2013

• Matches: 200

The “Little Master” holds almost every batting record in Tests, including the most runs (15,921). His 14 awards highlight games where he turned matches around with brilliant centuries. While his overall career included many memorable innings, these awards highlight his direct impact as India’s saviour and match-winner.

10. Steve Smith (Australia): 13 Awards   

• Span: 2010-2025

• Matches: 119

Steve Smith is the run-machine of modern cricket. His unconventional style, high concentration and dominance in the Ashes have made him one of the best players of his generation. With 13 awards, Smith is still active and could climb higher on this list before retiring.

11. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 13 Awards   

• Span: 1997-2014

• Matches: 149

Mahela Jayawardene was the perfect blend of beauty and power. His partnership with Sangakkara became legendary, and his 13 awards show how many times he led the Sri Lankan batting order. Known for his big centuries, Mahela is one of the most respected batsmen in the game.

12. Joe Root (England): 13 Awards   

• Span: 2012-2025

• Matches: 158

Joe Root is England’s most successful Test batsman in modern times. With over 12,000 runs, he has been a mainstay of England’s batting. His 13 awards show us his ability to adapt to all conditions, whether he is scoring on spinning tracks in Asia or in conditions at home.

13. Ian Botham (England): 12 Awards   

• Span: 1977-1992

• Matches: 102

England’s dominant all-rounder Ian Botham is one of the most entertaining cricketers of all time. With both bat and ball, he can change a match in a single session. His 12 awards are testament to his influence, especially during such prestigious series as the 1981 Ashes, which is always remembered as “Botham’s Ashes”.

14. Ben Stokes (England): 12 Awards   

• Span: 2013-2025

• Matches: 115

Ben Stokes is often referred to as the modern Botham. His fearless approach with the bat and ability to take crucial wickets with the ball make him a true all-rounder. His innings in the 2019 Ashes series have already become legendary, and with 12 awards, he has established himself as England’s greatest modern match-winner.

15. Graeme Smith (South Africa): 12 Awards   

• Span: 2002-2014

• Matches: 117

Graeme Smith, South Africa’s long-serving captain, combines leadership and batting consistency. As an opener, he set the tone for his team with audacious centuries. His 12 awards reflect his major contribution to victory, making him one of the most influential leaders in Test history.

Conclusion  

The list of players who have won the most Player of the Match awards in Tests features a fascinating mix of batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders. From Kallis’ flexibility to Muralitharan’s spin and Tendulkar’s batting, each player has shaped cricket history in their own way. Modern stars like Steve Smith, Joe Root and Ben Stokes are already among the greats and can scale greater heights and make a name for themselves in the years to come.

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FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. Who holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in Tests?

Jacques Kallis tops the list with 23 awards, making him the most decorated match winner in Test history.

Q2. Which bowler has the most awards in Tests?

Muttiah Muralitharan, with 19 awards, is the top bowler on this list. His spin skills have often single-handedly won matches for Sri Lanka.

Q3. Are all-rounders more likely to win these awards?

Yes, all-rounders like Kallis, Botham and Stokes often win more awards because they contribute with both bat and ball.

Q4. Do modern players like Smith, Root, and Stokes have a chance to top the list?

Kallis may be hard to catch, but active players like Smith, Root and Stokes still have many years left and can move on.

Q5. Why does Sachin Tendulkar have only 14 awards despite being the highest run-scorer in Tests?

Tendulkar played in an era when India had many match-winning players (like Dravid, Laxman and Sehwag). His influence was immense, but the rewards were often shared among his teammates.

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