Test cricket, the longest and most traditional format of the game, has witnessed some extraordinary batting performances over its rich history. Among these, record-breaking partnerships stand out as evidence of teamwork, skill, and endurance.
This article explores the highest partnerships in Test cricket, showcasing the remarkable feats achieved by batting pairs across different eras.
What Is The Highest Partnership In Test Cricket?
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka forged the highest partnership in Test cricket history. The duo put on a mammoth 624 runs for the third wicket against South Africa in Colombo in 2006.
This epic stand not only set a new world record but also highlighted the dominance of these two Sri Lankan batting legends.
Highest Partnerships For Any Wickets In Test
The following table presents the top 20 partnerships for any wicket in Test cricket:
| Players | Runs | Wicket | Team | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sangakkara & Jayawardene | 624 | 3rd | Sri Lanka | South Africa | Jul 2006 |
| Jayasuriya & Mahanama | 576 | 2nd | Sri Lanka | India | Aug 1997 |
| Crowe & Jones | 467 | 3rd | New Zealand | Sri Lanka | Jan 1991 |
| Root & Brook | 454 | 4th | England | Pakistan | Oct 2024 |
| Ponsford & Bradman | 451 | 2nd | Australia | England | Aug 1934 |
| Nazar & Miandad | 451 | 3rd | Pakistan | India | Jan 1983 |
| Voges & Marsh | 449 | 4th | Australia | West Indies | Dec 2015 |
| Sobers & Hunte | 446 | 2nd | West Indies | Pakistan | Feb 1958 |
| Sangakkara & Atapattu | 438 | 2nd | Sri Lanka | Zimbabwe | May 2004 |
| Samaraweera & Jayawardene | 437 | 4th | Sri Lanka | Pakistan | Feb 2009 |
| Rudolph & Dippenaar | 429* | 3rd | South Africa | Bangladesh | Apr 2003 |
| Smith & McKenzie | 415 | 1st | South Africa | Bangladesh | Feb 2008 |
| Roy & Mankad | 413 | 1st | India | New Zealand | Jan 1956 |
| May & Cowdrey | 411 | 4th | England | West Indies | May 1957 |
| Sehwag & Dravid | 410 | 1st | India | Pakistan | Jan 2006 |
| Bradman & Barnes | 405 | 5th | Australia | England | Dec 1946 |
| Worrell & Sobers | 399 | 4th | West Indies | England | Jan 1960 |
| Stokes & Bairstow | 399 | 6th | England | South Africa | Jan 2016 |
| Umar & Miandad | 397 | 3rd | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | Oct 1985 |
| Ponsford & Bradman | 388 | 4th | Australia | England | Jul 1934 |
Highest Partnerships By Wicket In Test
Here’s a breakdown of the highest partnerships for each wicket in Test cricket:
| Wicket | Players | Runs | Team | Opposition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Smith & McKenzie | 415 | South Africa | Bangladesh | Feb 2008 |
| 2nd | Jayasuriya & Mahanama | 576 | Sri Lanka | India | Aug 1997 |
| 3rd | Sangakkara & Jayawardene | 624 | Sri Lanka | South Africa | Jul 2006 |
| 4th | Root & Brook | 454 | England | Pakistan | Oct 2024 |
| 5th | Bradman & Barnes | 405 | Australia | England | Dec 1946 |
| 6th | Stokes & Bairstow | 399 | England | South Africa | Jan 2016 |
| 7th | Depeiza & Atkinson | 347 | West Indies | Australia | May 1955 |
| 8th | Trott & Broad | 332 | England | Pakistan | Aug 2010 |
| 9th | Symcox & Boucher | 195 | South Africa | Pakistan | Feb 1998 |
| 10th | Root & Anderson | 198 | England | India | Jul 2014 |
Recent Addition To The List
The cricketing world recently witnessed a spectacular addition to this illustrious list of partnerships. On 10 October 2024, during the first Test match between England and Pakistan in Multan, Joe Root and Harry Brook etched their names in cricket history. The duo put on a remarkable 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket, setting a new record for England in Test cricket.
Root, already an established batting maestro, scored a career-best 262 off 375 balls. His inning was a masterclass in Test batting, featuring 17 boundaries and showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers over long periods. This inning also made him the leading test scorer for England.
Harry Brook, on the other hand, announced his arrival on the big stage in grand style. The young batsman reached his maiden triple century, becoming only the sixth England batter to achieve this feat in Test cricket.
Brook’s explosive 317 came off just 322 balls, including three sixes and 29 boundaries. His triple century was the second-fastest in Test cricket history, falling just short of Virender Sehwag’s record of 278 balls against South Africa in 2008.
This partnership not only broke England’s previous record but also became the fourth-highest partnership in the history of Test cricket. It surpassed the long-standing record against Pakistan set by West Indies legends Conrad Hunte and Garry Sobers, who put on 446 runs in Kingston back in 1958.
Root and Brook’s partnership was a perfect blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Their stand helped England post a mammoth total of 823 for 7 declared in their first innings in response to Pakistan’s 556. This batting display showcased the depth and talent in the current England Test squad and set the tone for an exciting series.
Conclusion
The highest partnerships in Test cricket serve as a benchmark for batting excellence and teamwork. From the record-breaking stand of Sangakkara and Jayawardene to the recent heroics of Root and Brook, these partnerships have left an indelible mark on the sport. They showcase individual brilliance and highlight the importance of building long, sustained partnerships in the longest format of the game.
Root and Brook’s recent performance demonstrates that even in an era of fast-paced cricket, the art of building massive partnerships in Test matches is still alive and well.
These partnerships not only shape the outcome of matches but also create lasting memories for cricket fans worldwide. They remind us of the beauty of Test cricket – a format that allows for such epic displays of skill, concentration, and endurance.
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