Top 4 Highest Individual Scores In Test Cricket History

Recently, South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder created history against Zimbabwe, scoring an unbeaten 367-run innings at Bulawayo. He smashed 49 fours and 4 sixes during this Innings. This put him ahead of Sir Gary Sobers, the renowned batsman from the West Indies, who struck 365* runs against Pakistan in 1965. As a result, he was ranked fifth on the elite list. He declared the innings before he could have achieved the greatest individual score in Test cricket history. However, he could easily surpass those four cricket scores if he batted. In this article, we are going to learn about the top 4 highest Individual scores in Test Cricket History.

1. Brian Lara (West Indies) - 400 not out vs England, St John's, 2004

West Indies’ Brian Lara's unbeaten 400 against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score in Test history. He faced 582 balls and hit 43 fours and 4 sixes during his incredible innings. The fact that Brian Lara had previously held the record with 375 against the same opponent ten years earlier, only to have Matthew Hayden briefly surpass it, adds even more significance to this accomplishment. His innings were a masterclass of patience, aggression, and shot-making, as he batted for over two days.

2. Matthew Hayden (Australia) - 380 vs Zimbabwe, Perth, 2003

Just months before Lara's historic 400, Australian opener Matthew Hayden had shattered Lara's previous record with a blistering 380 against Zimbabwe in Perth. Hayden's innings were characterised by his brutal power and aggressive intent. He took the attack to the Zimbabwean bowlers from the outset, scoring at a rapid pace. His 380 came off just 437 balls and included 38 fours and a staggering 11 sixes.

3. Brian Lara (West Indies) - 375 vs England, St John's, 1994

Brian Lara's first record-breaking innings, the 375 against England in 1994, was a landmark moment in Test cricket. At just 24 years old, Lara displayed incredible maturity and skill, surpassing Sir Garfield Sobers' cricket score of 365*. This innings announced Lara's arrival on the world stage as a truly special talent. He batted for over 12 hours, facing 538 balls, and his knock was filled with elegant strokes and powerful drives. It was an amazing innings that inspired a generation and set the stage for his even more extraordinary achievement a decade later.

4. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) - 374 vs South Africa, Colombo (SSC), 2006

Sri Lanka’s former skipper Mahela Jayawardene scored 374 against South Africa in 2006. This is the highest individual score by a right-handed batsman in Test cricket. This marathon innings was part of a record-breaking partnership of 624 runs with Kumar Sangakkara, which remains the highest partnership for any wicket in Test history. He faced 572 balls, hitting 43 fours and 1 six, demonstrating his ability to accumulate runs against a strong bowling attack on a demanding pitch. His effort not only showcased his brilliance but also played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's dominant victory.

After playing an extraordinary unbeaten innings of 367 runs, he shocked the cricket world with his “declare the Innings” decision. During the press conference, he said, ‘Brian Lara is a legend. It's appropriate for someone of that stature to maintain this record," Mulder said after the day's play ended. "If I get the chance to do it again, I will do it the same way. Brian Lara is a legend, and he deserves to maintain this record."