2024 proved to be a year for the batsmen. Across formats, from the grueling demands of Test cricket to the explosive hitting of T20s, a select group of players rose above the rest, piling on runs with remarkable consistency and flair. These are the men who dominated the crease, the run-scoring titans who entertained fans and frustrated bowlers in equal measure. Here are the top six run-getters of 2024, a testament to their skill, temperament, and hunger for runs: The Run Machines of 2024
1. Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) – 1860 runs
Kusal Mendis was the undisputed king of runs in 2024. In a year where he seemed to score at will, Mendis amassed a staggering 1860 runs across all formats, a testament to his versatility and remarkable consistency. He was equally adept at grinding out tough runs in Test matches as he was at unleashing his strokeplay in the shorter formats.
Mendis’s success stemmed from his ability to convert starts into big scores. He notched up two centuries and eleven half-centuries, showcasing his hunger for dominating bowling attacks. His elegant strokeplay, combined with his unwavering concentration, made him a force to be reckoned with throughout the year.
- Key Highlight: Mendis’s defining moment came against New Zealand in an ODI, where he hammered a brilliant 143. This innings, a masterclass in controlled aggression, underlined his status as one of the most complete batsmen in contemporary cricket.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – 1771 runs
The young Indian sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal announced his arrival on the international stage in emphatic fashion. In just his second year of international cricket, Jaiswal amassed an impressive 1771 runs, showcasing his immense potential and establishing himself as a future star.
Jaiswal’s fearless approach and aggressive strokeplay made him a nightmare for bowlers. He wasn’t afraid to take on the attack, and his ability to find the boundary with regularity made him a crowd favorite. He notched up three centuries and eleven half-centuries, demonstrating his ability to score big runs consistently.
- Key Highlight: Jaiswal’s breakthrough moment came against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His magnificent century on a challenging pitch against a formidable bowling attack showcased his talent and temperament on the biggest stage.
3. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – 1696 runs
Pathum Nissanka emerged as a vital cog in the Sri Lankan batting lineup, accumulating 1696 runs across formats. Nissanka’s success was built on his solid technique and ability to adapt to different conditions and match situations. He was equally comfortable playing the anchor role as he was at accelerating the scoring rate.
Nissanka’s contributions were crucial in Sri Lanka’s success in 2024. He notched up four centuries and nine half-centuries, providing his team with solidity at the top of the order. His ability to play long innings and his knack for scoring crucial runs made him a valuable asset.
- Key Highlight: Nissanka etched his name in the record books with a historic double century against Afghanistan in an ODI. This innings, a testament to his endurance and stroke-making ability, made him the first Sri Lankan batsman to achieve this feat.
4. Harry Brook (England) – 1575 runs
Harry Brook’s explosive batting lit up the cricketing world in 2024. His aggressive intent and innovative strokeplay made him a force to be reckoned with, and he finished the year with 1575 runs to his name.
Brook’s fearless approach and ability to score at a rapid pace injected a new dimension into England’s batting lineup. He wasn’t afraid to take risks, and his penchant for hitting boundaries made him a thrilling batsman to watch. He notched up five centuries and six half-centuries, showcasing his ability to convert starts into big scores.
- Key Highlight: Brook’s most memorable innings came against Australia in a Test match, where he smashed a breathtaking 317. This knock, a masterclass in aggressive batsmanship, was the highest individual score of the year and cemented his place among the most exciting young talents in the game.
5. Joe Root (England) – 1556 runs
Joe Root, the epitome of consistency, continued to be a run-scoring machine for England in 2024. With 1556 runs across formats, Root once again demonstrated his mastery of the art of batsmanship.
Root’s success was built on his impeccable technique and his ability to read the game. He was equally comfortable playing against pace and spin, and his ability to accumulate runs with minimal risk made him a pillar of England’s batting lineup. He scored six centuries and five half-centuries, showcasing his ability to score big runs consistently.
- Key Highlight: Root’s standout performance came against Pakistan in a Test match, where he played a captain’s knock of 262. This innings, a blend of elegance and determination, was a testament to his class and his ability to lead from the front.
6. Zak Crawley (England) – 1342 runs
Zak Crawley enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024, amassing 1342 runs with his attacking and free-flowing batting style. Crawley’s fearless approach at the top of the order provided England with a new dimension, and his ability to score quickly put opposition bowlers on the back foot.
Crawley’s success stemmed from his positive intent and his willingness to take on the bowling. He wasn’t afraid to play his shots, and his ability to find the boundary with regularity made him a valuable asset. He notched up one century and seven half-centuries, demonstrating his ability to score consistently.
- Key Highlight: Crawley’s most impressive innings came against Australia in the Ashes, where he smashed a brilliant 189. This knock, a display of controlled aggression, showcased his immense potential and his ability to perform under pressure.
These six batsmen were the standout performers with the bat in 2024. Their ability to score runs consistently across formats, their hunger for big scores, and their impact on their respective teams made them the undisputed run machines of the year. As we look ahead to the future, it will be fascinating to see how these players continue to evolve and dominate the cricketing world.