Test cricket has seen some incredible batting performances over the years. Teams and individuals have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on the cricket field.
This article explores the highest team and individual scores in Test cricket history, showcasing the pinnacle of batting excellence in the sport’s longest format.
Highest Test Scores: Innings Total
Test cricket has witnessed some truly monumental team scores. These massive totals often span several days and involve multiple batsmen contributing significantly.
Here’s a look at the top 20 highest team scores in Test cricket history:
| Rank | Score | Overs | Team | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 952/6d | 271.0 | Sri Lanka | India | 1997 |
| 2 | 903/7d | 335.2 | England | Australia | 1938 |
| 3 | 849 | 258.2 | England | West Indies | 1930 |
| 4 | 823/7d | 150.0 | England | Pakistan | 2024 |
| 5 | 790/3d | 208.1 | West Indies | Pakistan | 1958 |
| 6 | 765/6d | 248.5 | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 2009 |
| 7 | 760/7d | 202.4 | Sri Lanka | India | 2009 |
| 8 | 759/7d | 190.4 | India | England | 2016 |
| 9 | 758/8d | 245.4 | Australia | West Indies | 1955 |
| 10 | 756/5d | 185.1 | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 2006 |
| 11 | 751/5d | 202.0 | West Indies | England | 2004 |
| 12 | 749/9d | 194.4 | West Indies | England | 2009 |
| 13 | 747 | 235.2 | West Indies | South Africa | 2005 |
| 14 | 735/6d | 146.3 | Australia | Zimbabwe | 2003 |
| 15 | 730/6d | 187.5 | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 2014 |
| 16 | 729/6d | 232.0 | Australia | England | 1930 |
| 17 | 726/9d | 163.3 | India | Sri Lanka | 2009 |
| 18 | 715/6d | 163.0 | New Zealand | Bangladesh | 2019 |
| 19 | 713/3d | 165.3 | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | 2004 |
| 20 | 713/9d | 199.3 | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 2018 |
Sri Lanka’s mammoth 952/6 declared against India in 1997 stands as the highest team total in Test cricket history. This incredible inning lasted 271 overs and saw several Sri Lankan batsmen make significant contributions. England is prominently featured in this list, with three entries in the top four, including their recent 823/7 declared against Pakistan in 2024.
Highest Test Scores: Individual Scores
While team scores showcase collective batting prowess, individual innings highlight personal excellence.
Here are the top 20 highest individual scores in Test cricket:
| Rank | Player | Score | Balls | 4s | 6s | Team | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BC Lara | 400* | 582 | 43 | 4 | West Indies | England | 2004 |
| 2 | ML Hayden | 380 | 437 | 38 | 11 | Australia | Zimbabwe | 2003 |
| 3 | BC Lara | 375 | 538 | 45 | 0 | West Indies | England | 1994 |
| 4 | DPMD Jayawardene | 374 | 572 | 43 | 1 | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 2006 |
| 5 | GS Sobers | 365* | – | 38 | 0 | West Indies | Pakistan | 1958 |
| 6 | L Hutton | 364 | 847 | 35 | 0 | England | Australia | 1938 |
| 7 | ST Jayasuriya | 340 | 578 | 36 | 2 | Sri Lanka | India | 1997 |
| 8 | Hanif Mohammad | 337 | – | 24 | 0 | Pakistan | West Indies | 1958 |
| 9 | WR Hammond | 336* | – | 34 | 10 | England | New Zealand | 1933 |
| 10 | DA Warner | 335* | 418 | 39 | 1 | Australia | Pakistan | 2019 |
| 11 | MA Taylor | 334* | 564 | 32 | 1 | Australia | Pakistan | 1998 |
| 12 | DG Bradman | 334 | 448 | 46 | 0 | Australia | England | 1930 |
| 13 | GA Gooch | 333 | 485 | 43 | 3 | England | India | 1990 |
| 14 | CH Gayle | 333 | 437 | 34 | 9 | West Indies | Sri Lanka | 2010 |
| 15 | MJ Clarke | 329* | 468 | 39 | 1 | Australia | India | 2012 |
| 16 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | 329 | 436 | 38 | 9 | Pakistan | New Zealand | 2002 |
| 17 | A Sandham | 325 | 640 | 28 | 0 | England | West Indies | 1930 |
| 18 | V Sehwag | 319 | 304 | 42 | 5 | India | South Africa | 2008 |
| 19 | KC Sangakkara | 319 | 482 | 32 | 8 | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | 2014 |
| 20 | HC Brook | 317 | 322 | 29 | 3 | England | Pakistan | 2024 |
Brian Lara, one of the most famous cricketers in the world, unbeaten 400 against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score in Test cricket. This monumental inning spanned 582 balls and included 43 fours and 4 sixes. Lara also holds the third spot on this list with his 375, showcasing his exceptional ability to play long, high-scoring innings.
The most recent entry in this list is Harry Brook’s 317 for England against Pakistan in 2024. In this match, Joe Root also became the highest Test scorer for England with his incredible 262-run inning. These innings were part of England’s massive team total of 823/7 declared, highlighting how individual brilliance often contributes to team records.
Conclusion
These record-breaking performances in Test cricket demonstrate the incredible skill, endurance, and mental fortitude required to excel in the longest format of the game. From Sri Lanka’s team total of 952/6 declared to Brian Lara’s individual score of 400 not out, these achievements represent the pinnacle of batting in Test cricket.
While some of these records have stood for decades, others are more recent, showing that modern cricketers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. As the game evolves, we may see even more remarkable scores in the future, but for now, these innings stand as a testament to the greatness of Test cricket and the batsmen who have mastered it.
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