Top 8 Test-playing countries and their oldest active Test players

Many members of the cricket universe think that Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game. If a player can do well in this format, he is likely to achieve success in other formats also. However, it is rare to see a T20 specialist performing well in the longest format of the game.

Normally, a Test match lasts for five days. In day Tests, the play begins in the morning and goes on till evening. Players need to have stamina along with proper skills to succeed in this arena. In this article today, we will look at the top 8 Test-playing countries and their oldest active players.

(Please Note: Players who have featured in a Test match since January 1, 2020 and have not formally announced retirement are considered)

8. Sri Lanka - Dilruwan Perera

Dilruwan Perera, aged 39 years and 116 days, is the oldest active Sri Lankan Test player. He played his last Test in January 2021 against England at Galle.

7. West Indies - Shannon Gabriel

Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel is the oldest active West Indies Test player. As of November 15, 2021, he is 33 years and 201 days old. Gabriel played for West Indies in their home Test series against South Africa earlier this year.

6. South Africa - Dean Elgar

Test captain of South Africa Dean Elgar is also the country's oldest active player. Elgar, aged 34 years and 157 days, is one of the best players in the team.

5. Pakistan - Azhar Ali

Former Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali is his nation's oldest active Test cricketer. Ali, who is 36 years and 269 days old, played in the Test series against West Indies in August 2021.

4. England - James Anderson

Almost every fan would have guessed this right. James Anderson is not just the oldest cricketer actively playing for England, but the 39-year-old is also the oldest fast bowler currently playing in Tests regularly.

3. Australia - Tim Paine

Like South Africa, the captain of Australia is the nation's oldest active player in the longest format. Tim Paine, who will soon turn 37, is likely to lead Australia in the Ashes.

2. India - Wriddhiman Saha

Wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, aged 37, is the oldest active Indian player in Tests. Saha is a part of the Indian squad named for the New Zealand Tests.

1. New Zealand - Ross Taylor

New Zealand are the number one Test team now, and their oldest active player is batter Ross Taylor. The 37-year-old recently confirmed he will not retire anytime soon.