The Highest Runs In Test Cricket

Test cricket, which is the sport’s oldest and most well-known format, has actually produced the most extraordinary situations that showcase true batting endurance and overall brilliance. The thing with test cricket is that there is a pursuit for the highest runs, and this has left not only fans fascinated but also players alike. Here is a detailed overview of the top 10 highest runs in test cricket, with their highest individual score in test and highest test score by a batsman. 

Top 10 High Individual Scores in Test Cricket 

Brian Lara with a score of 400 in 2004

Brian’s unmatched score of 400 is probably the highest individual score in Test cricket, and interestingly, it has stayed untouched and unmatched since 2004. This means no one has come close to this figure since then, and this is quite understandable considering he was batting for over 12 hours and had hit 43 fours and 4 sixes. He claimed the record for the highest score in test cricket and proudly held the position of being the only player to have scored a quadruple century in the game. 

Matthew Hayden with a score of 380  in 2003

Renowned as an Aussie opener, Matthew managed to set a world record back in 2003 with a score of 380 at the WACA against Zimbabwe. He played for 38 hours with 11 sixes, and he briefly held the title for the highest test score before being succeeded by Brian in the next year. 

Briana Lara with a score of 375 in 1994

Ten years before his legendary test score hit 400, Brian was already a force to be reckoned with. He had already broken a world record with 375 against England. He played with 45 boundaries, and this was when he was publicly announced as a legend in the game. 

Mahela Jayawardene with a score of 374 in 2006

Mahela’s legendary score of 374 remains the highest individual score in test match by a Sri Lankan player. He was partnership with Kumar Sangakkara, who had a score of 287 managed to set the world record for the highest partnership in Test cricket the world could ask for. 

Wiaan Mulder with a score of 367 in 2025

In the current 21st century, this is the highest score held by a South African. Wiaan made history in July 2025 when he scored an unbeatable 367 in individual cricket at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This is considered the fifth-highest individual score in the history of test matches. Mulder has an aggressive yet composed signature style, and his score included 49 boundaries and 4 sixes. 

Garfield Sobers with a score of 365 in 1958

Back in the yesteryear, Sir Garfield Sobers was a name to reckon with – mostly because his extremely high individual score of 365 in a test match was quite rare. It stood as the highest score for 36 long years, and his innings was considered a masterclass but built in patience. His shot selection featured 38 boundaries. 

Len Hutton with a score of 364 in 1938

Before Sir Garfield, Len Hutton was the man who preceded him. He set the world record at The Oval in London with a record high of 193,8 and this remains the highest till date by an Englishman. 

Sanath Jayasuriya with a score of 340 in 1997

Sanath’s record-breaking test score of 340 back in the late 90s was a relentless display of playful aggression and thus helped Sri Lanka post its highest score in Test history. His innings included 36 fours and 2 sixes, which was quite a buzz at that time.

Hanif Mohammad with a score of 337 in 1958

Hanif Mohammad’s world-setting score of 337 is still celebrated today, not just for the high numbers but because of the endurance it stood for. He had batted for over 16 hours and did it to save Pakistan. The hours he put in were the longest Test innings played by any cricketer.

Wally Hammond with a score of 336 in 1933

Back in 1933, Wally Hammond was a name that everyone knew, mostly because of his unbeatable high score of 336, which at the time was the highest test score by a batsman. He played in 24 boundaries and 10 sixes.

Conclusion

The highest runs in test cricket are more than just numbers – they are stories built on the foundation of resilience, determination, and relentless skill. These scores keep accumulating, and they keep inspiring new youngsters to put in their best with each entry representing a unique new story of historic achievement.

Also read about: India National Cricket Team Vs England Cricket Team Match Scorecard: A Thrilling T20 Victory for India by 68 Runs