In the world of Test Cricket, where patience, technique, and mental strength are tested to the core, a few legendary batsmen have carved their names into history with monumental innings.
Leading the list of the top 10 highest test score by a batsman is the iconic Brian Lara of the West Indies, who scored an unbeaten 400 runs against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score in test cricket to this day.
This elite list also features cricketing giants from Australia, England, the West Indies, and India, along with the fresh entry of Wiaan Moulder’s unbeaten 367* not out against Zimbabwe on his test captaincy debut, which has stunned the cricketing world with his knock.
Besides this, Matthew Hayden’s fiery 380s to Len Hutton’s classical 364, these extraordinary knocks not just represent numbers but unforgettable cricketing milestones.
In this article, we dive deep into the top 10 highest test scores by a batsman, spotlighting those who recorded the most runs in an innings in tests.
Contents
List of Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in Test Cricket
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent | Runs | Year |
| 1 | Brian Lara | West Indies | England | 400* | 2004 |
| 2 | Matthew Hayden | Australia | Zimbabwe | 380 | 2003 |
| 3 | Brian Lara | West Indies | England | 375 | 1994 |
| 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 374 | 2006 |
| 5 | Wiaan Mulder | South Africa | Zimbabwe | 367* | 2025 |
| 6 | Garfield Sobers | West Indies | Pakistan | 365* | 1958 |
| 7 | Leonard Hutton | England | Australia | 364 | 1938 |
| 8 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | India | 340 | 1997 |
| 9 | Hanif Mohammad | Pakistan | West Indies | 337 | 1958 |
| 10 | Wally Hammond | England | New Zealand | 336* | 1933 |
1. Brian Lara – 400
Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, due to his unbeaten knock of 400 against England at St. John’s on April 10, 2004. His epic knock, lasting 778 minutes and 582 balls, with 43 fours and 4 sixes, made him the first to cross the 400-run mark in a test.
The innings powered West Indies to 751/7, one of the format’s top 10 highest team totals. Lara with 11,953 runs in 131 tests at an average of 52.88 with 34 centuries, and also owns the highest first-class score of 501* for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994.
2. Matthew Hayden – 380
Known as one of Austtralia’s dangerous batsmen, Matthew Hayden’s colossal 380-run knock against Zimbabwe in Perth on October 9, 2003, remains a powerful symbol of dominance as Australia’s opening batsman.
He spent 622 minutes at the crease, striking at an impressive rate of 86.95, including 38 fours and 11 massive sixes.
Through his test career, Hayden smashed 8625 runs at an average of 50.73 across 103 matches. His attacking mindset carried into the ODI as well, where he scored 6133 runs in 161 games, averaging 43.80.
3. Brian Lara – 375
Brian Lara, one of the sensational players of the West Indies, again ranked in the list of players with the highest individual score in test cricket, with his 375 brilliant knock against England at St. John’s on April 16, 1994.
During his exceptional innings, he spent over 766 minutes and played a total of 538 balls, creating a masterpiece of timing, flair, or sheer dominance. This extraordinary knock included 45 boundaries; it was not just a display of batting, it was a statement that announced Lara as one of the greatest ever.
What makes this feat more significant is a poetic coincidence that exactly ten years later, Lara would return to the same ground against the same opponent to score an unbeaten 400, setting yet another world record.
4. Mahela Jayawardene – 374
Mahela Jayawardene’s remarkable knock of 374 runs against South Africa in Colombo on July 27, 2006, spanned 752 minutes and faced 572 balls. He smashes 43 boundaries to reach the milestone; his innings showcased his calm temperament and mastery in the longest format of cricket.
Throughout his test career, he amassed 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84 across 149 matches. His ODI career was equally impressive, with a total of 12,650 runs in 448 appearances.
5. Wiaan Mulder – 367*
Wiaan Mulder made a sensational debut as South Africa’s test captain, delivering a record-breaking unbeaten 367 off just 334 balls against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. In only his 21st match, Mulder recorded the fifth-highest individual score in the history of test cricket.
His remarkable knock also made him the 29th player overall- and the only South African after Hashim Amla’s 311* in 2012 to achieve in triple century in Tests. He finished the first day on a dominant 264* and brought up his triple ton in 297 deliveries.
6. Garfield Sobers – 365*
Garfield Sobers’ unbeaten 365 runs against Pakistan in Kingston on February 26, 1958, remains a legendary performance. While the exact number of balls he faced during his innings is unknown, he smashed 38 boundaries in his whole innings.
Across 93 test matches, Sobers amassed 8,032 runs at an impressive average of 57.78. Although he wasn’t as prominent in ODIs, his legacy is defined by his all-round abilities and influence on the spot, especially during a time when limited-overs cricket was still in its early stages.
7. Len Hutton – 364
Len Hutton’s knock of 364 runs against Australia at The Oval on August 20, 1938, lasted 797 minutes and came off 847 deliveries. Featuring 35 boundaries, this remarkable effort ranks 7th among the highest individual scores in test cricket history.
Across 79 test matches, Hutton accumulated 6,971 runs at an impressive average of 56.67. Renowned for his outstanding technique and temperament, he remains one of England’s finest batsmen.
8. Sanath Jayasuriya – 340
Sanath Jayasuriya’s blistering 340-run knock against India in Colombo on August 2, 1997, spanned 799 minutes and came off 578 balls. His innings, laced with 36 boundaries and 2 sixes, showcased his trademark aggressive approach and dominance over bowlers.
In Test cricket, Jayasuriya amassed 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07 across 110 matches. In ODIs, he was a trailblazer for aggressive opening, scoring 13,430 runs in 445 games.
9. Hanif Mohammed – 337
Hanif Mohammed’s legendary knock of 337 runs against the West Indies in Bridgetown on January 17, 1958, proudly stands as the ninth-highest individual score in Test cricket history.
Although the number of balls he faced wasn’t recorded, the sheer grit and determination showcased in that marathon innings have etched his name into the annals of cricketing greatness.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hanif amassed 3915 runs in 55 test matches at a remarkable average of 43.98 earned him the well-deserved title of Pakistan’s original “Little Master”.
10. Wally Hammond – 336*
Wally Hammond’s majestic unbeaten 336 against New Zealand in Auckland on March 31, 1933, was a true exhibition of elegance, power, and endurance. While the exact number of balls faced remains unknown, his innings was studded with 34 boundaries and 10 towering sixes, highlighting his dominance at the crease.
Over a stellar career, Hammond accumulated 7,249 runs in 85 test matches at a phenomenal average of 58.45, firmly establishing himself as one of England’s finest-ever batsmen.
