Picture Credit: X
To have an impact in the great game of cricket is what every other cricketer wants and so keenly desires. But then it's not always possible. So when talents break into their own leagues and step onto a path of greatness through sheer impact especially in tough formats such as Test match cricket, it beckons great excitement besides worldwide attention. Several greats have represented the country responsible for the birth of the sport itself. Even in the present-day, English side there are bonafide greats of the sport. But if you were to focus not just on the current team but sift through the pages of English cricket history, you would come across the list of legends who are responsible for an enviable record: the list of players with most POTM awards in Tests for England.
Having said that, let us pause for a second to understand the depth of their talent in the list given below.
Cricketers with most Player of the Match awards in Tests for England:
Joe Root - 13
There's no end to the greatness of Joe Root, it seems. The man who most recently struck his 38th Test hundred for his nation, former captain and evergreen batter, who is as timeless as he is graceful, Root is the table-topper when it comes to the list of players with most POTM awards in Tests for England.
He recently struck his second century of the series as seen at the Old Trafford Ground in Manchester and was in peak form. A great batting effort that led England from the front on its way to a gargantuan 669 run first-inning total.
Root now has more Test runs than the likes of legends such as Lara, Chanderpaul, Dravid, Ganguly, Ponting and even Kallis.
Ian Botham - 12
Still widely respected and rightly so for being the best-ever all-round talent on the list of players with most POTM awards in Tests for England, Ian Botham left a lasting impression on the game with his powerful impact with the bat and the ability to collect useful wickets as a medium fast bowling specialist.
The Cheshire-born legend scored not just 5200 Test runs but also claimed 383 Test wickets and played 102 Tests for England from which he earned 12 Player of the Match awards.
Ben Stokes -12
Just hours ago, Ben Stokes rose further his Test graph for England for a sensational match performance in which besides scoring a gritty and timely 141, his personal best score in this very series, he also claimed 6 wickets, which included a fifer.
In so doing, the resilient English captain earned his 12th POTM award and thus finds himself second on the (so far) list of Players with Most POTM awards in Tests for England.
Kevin Pietersen -10
A batter who was as fearless as he was an aggressive strokemaker, hailing from South Africa, representing England and loved world over for his fearless approach to the game, Kevin Pietersen became quite a cricket legend during his time.
He picked up 10 POTM awards during his time and stands tied with Stuart Broad on the list of winners of most POTM awards in Tests for England.
Stuart Broad -10
There are fast bowlers, there are accomplished fast bowlers and there pure fast bowling legends such as Stuart Broad. The former fast bowling giant turned cricket analyst, has picked up 604 Test match wickets for England from 167 games.
His searing pace coupled with the ability to make the red ball talk courtesy swing always helped the English cause and he claimed 10 POTM awards during his exciting career.
FAQs
Who from England's Test stable has won the most Player of the Match awards?
Joe Root currently sits at the top of the list with most Player of the Match awards, which is 13.
How many POTM's has Kevin Pietersen won in Tests?
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has won 10 Player of the Match awards.
