Five Cricketers With More than 500 International Matches

The longevity of a cricket career can vary significantly depending on various factors, including a player’s talent, fitness, form, and overall dedication to the sport. While some players have had relatively short careers, others have enjoyed remarkable longevity, spanning multiple decades. 

In ongoing India vs West Indies Test series, India’s legend Virat Kohli played his 500th match and showcased a masterclass. Kohli proved again that exceptionally talented players with superior skills are more likely to have longer careers. 

Their natural ability and proficiency in various aspects of the game often allow them to maintain a high level of performance over an extended period.

In this article, we have compiled a list of 5 cricketers who completed more than 500 international matches.

1) Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster from team India, played a total of 664 international matches across all formats of the game. He played 200 Test matches for India from November 15, 1989, to November 14, 2013. He scored a total of 15,921 runs in Test cricket, including 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries. 

He also appeared in 463 ODIs for India from December 18, 1989, to March 18, 2012. He amassed 18,426 runs in ODIs, including 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. However, he was just part of one T20 international because T20 cricket was a new format at that time and Tendulkar was on the verge of his retirement.

2) Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene is considered one of Sri Lanka’s greatest batsmen and one of the most elegant stroke-makers in the history of the game. He had a successful international career and played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s cricketing success during his time as a player. Jayawardene played a total of 652 international matches across all formats of the game. He was part of 149 Test matches for Sri Lanka and scored a total of 11,814 runs in Test cricket, including 34 centuries and 50 half-centuries. 

He also appeared in 448 ODIs for Sri Lanka and scored 12,650 runs in ODIs, including 19 centuries and 77 half-centuries. Jayawardene also played 55 T20 Internationals for Sri Lanka.

3) Kumar Sangakkara

Another Sri Lankan legend, Kumar Sangakkara, comes third on the list with a total number of 594 international matches. Kumar Sangakkara played 134 Test matches and scored a total of 12,400 runs in Test cricket, including 38 centuries and 52 half-centuries. 

He also appeared in 404 ODIs and 56 T20 internationals. Kumar Sangakkara He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in the history of cricket and made significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s success during his illustrious career.

4) Sanath Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka has dominated the list like they dominate international cricket in the late 90s. Sanath Jayasuriya, the power hitter of Sri Lanka, was part of 586 international matches across all formats of the game. Jayasuriya played 110 Test matches for Sri Lanka and scored a total of 6,973 runs in Test cricket, including 14 centuries and 31 half-centuries. 

Jayasuriya was known for his explosive batting at the top of the order and his left-arm spin bowling. He also appeared in 445 ODIs and 31 T20 internationals.

5) Ricky Ponting

The former Australian Skipper Ricky Ponting, played a total of 560 international matches across all formats. Ponting appeared in 375 ODIs for Australia and scored 13,704 runs in ODIs, including 30 centuries and 82 half-centuries. Ponting played a key role in Australia’s dominance in ODIs during the late 1990s and 2000s. He also played 17 T20 internationals and 168 Test fixtures for Australia.