Brian Lara To Matthew Hayden: 7 Highest Individual Scores In Test Cricket History

The undisputed king of Test cricket records, Brian Lara of the West Indies, holds the highest individual score in Test cricket, a monumental 400 not out against England in Antigua in 2004. This iconic knock helped the West Indies declare at 751/5, and to this day, no batter has surpassed his record-breaking feat.

Australian opener Matthew Hayden briefly held the record for the highest Test score before Brian Lara reclaimed it. His 380 against Zimbabwe in Perth was a brutal display of Hayden’s aggressive batting style. In just 437 balls, Hayden’s power and precision saw him smash 38 fours and 11 sixes.

Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene played one of the greatest Test innings against South Africa in Colombo in 2006. His elegant 374 came off 572 balls and included 43 boundaries and a six. 

Before Brian Lara, another West Indian legend held the record for the highest Test score Sir Garfield Sobers. His unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958 came at just 21 years of age. His record stood for 36 years until it was surpassed by Lara.

England’s Sir Len Hutton’s 364 against Australia at The Oval in 1938 is still one of the most remarkable knocks in Test history. Hutton’s innings lasted 847 balls, showcasing immense patience and determination.

Sri Lanka’s explosive opener, Sanath Jayasuriya, is best known for his limited-overs exploits, but his 340 against India in 1997 remains one of the greatest innings in Test cricket. His knock came off 578 balls and was laced with 36 boundaries and 2 sixes. Jayasuriya’s monumental effort helped Sri Lanka post a staggering 952/6 declared, the highest team total in Test history.

Pakistan’s original batting great, Hanif Mohammad, played one of the most extraordinary innings in Test history when he scored 337 against the West Indies in 1958. Batting for over 16 hours, Hanif’s marathon knock remains one of the longest innings in terms of time spent at the crease.