Highest Individual Scores in Test Matches

Test cricket is the most demanding and rewarding format in the sport. It tests a batter’s patience, technique, concentration, and mental strength like no other. Over five grueling days, one player’s determination and focus can completely take over a match. While half-centuries and hundreds are cherished, there are a few innings that go far beyond — where batters turn games into personal masterpieces, rewriting the record books along the way.

Here’s a look at some of the highest individual scores in Test match history — innings that were not just massive in number, but unforgettable in character and context.

Brian Lara – 400 vs England (2004)*

No list of high Test scores can begin without Brian Lara’s unbeaten 400 — the highest individual score in Test cricket. It came against England in Antigua in 2004 and was a masterclass in timing, placement, and endurance. Lara batted for nearly two full days, smashing 43 boundaries and 4 sixes. What made this innings iconic was the pressure he was under — both from critics and the opposition. By reclaiming the world record (which he had briefly lost to Australia’s Matthew Hayden), Lara once again reminded the world of his extraordinary ability to produce magic when it mattered most.

Matthew Hayden – 380 vs Zimbabwe (2003)

Matthew Hayden’s 380 came just a few months before Lara took the record back. Playing against Zimbabwe in Perth, Hayden unleashed his power game, bludgeoning the bowlers all around the park. His innings was filled with powerful strokes, especially through the leg side, and his ability to dominate from ball one was on full display. It was the highest Test score at the time and a reflection of Hayden’s aggressive approach, even in the traditionally more cautious Test format.

Brian Lara – 375 vs England (1994)

Before his 400*Lara already held the record for the highest Test score with his 375 in 1994, also against England in Antigua. At just 24 years of age, Lara played an innings full of class and elegance, showcasing the genius that would define his career. The way he paced his innings and dismantled the English attack was a sight to behold. At that time, it broke Garry Sobers’ 36-year-old record and instantly made Lara a global superstar.

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Mahela Jayawardene – 374 vs South Africa (2006)

Mahela Jayawardene's 374 against South Africa in Colombo remains the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan. It was an innings built on patience and precision. Alongside Kumar Sangakkara, he put on a mammoth 624-run partnership — the highest ever for any wicket in Test cricket. Jayawardene’s knock was a perfect blend of elegance and grit, and it came against a high-quality South African bowling lineup, which made it even more special.

Garfield Sobers – 365 vs Pakistan (1958)*

Long before Lara and Hayden, it was Sir Garfield Sobers who held the record for the highest individual Test score. His unbeaten 365 came at the age of just 21, and it remained the world record for over three decades. Sobers wasn’t just stylish — he was dominant, scoring all around the ground and making it look effortless. This innings laid the foundation for his legendary status in the game and showcased his incredible all-round talent.

Len Hutton – 364 vs Australia (1938)

Len Hutton 364 against Australia at The Oval was a monumental innings, especially given the era in which it was played. With no protective gear and uncovered pitches, Hutton’s performance was as brave as it was brilliant. He batted for nearly 800 minutes, breaking the then-record for the highest individual score in Tests. His innings helped England pile on 903 runs — a total that still ranks as one of the highest in Test history.

Final Thoughts

The highest individual scores in Test cricket are more than just numbers; they are stories of concentration, character, and sheer will. These innings stand as timeless reminders of what it takes to succeed at the highest level — not just talent, but tireless commitment and a hunger to create history. These legends didn’t just play cricket; they wrote unforgettable chapters in the game’s greatest format.

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