Test cricket, the oldest format of the game, has witnessed some remarkable batting performances over the years. Some teams have displayed extraordinary skill and resilience to amass monumental scores.
Sri Lanka’s colossal 952/6 declared against India in 1997 stands as the highest team score in the history of the game.
This article will take you through the top 10 highest team scores in Test cricket, delving into the matches and stellar individual performances behind these monumental totals.
List of Top 10 Highest Team Score in Test Cricket
| Team | Score | Overs | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
| Sri Lanka | 952/6d | 271.0 | 2 | v India | Colombo | 2 Aug 1997 |
| England | 903/7d | 335.2 | 1 | v Australia | The Oval | 20 Aug 1938 |
| England | 849 | 258.2 | 1 | v West Indies | Kingston | 3 Apr 1930 |
| West Indies | 790/3d | 208.1 | 2 | v Pakistan | Kingston | 26 Feb 1958 |
| Pakistan | 765/6d | 248.5 | 2 | v Sri Lanka | Karachi | 21 Feb 2009 |
| Sri Lanka | 760/7d | 202.4 | 2 | v India | Ahmedabad | 16 Nov 2009 |
| India | 759/7d | 190.4 | 2 | v England | Chennai | 16 Dec 2016 |
| Australia | 758/8d | 245.4 | 2 | v West Indies | Kingston | 11 Jun 1955 |
| Sri Lanka | 756/5d | 185.1 | 2 | v South Africa | Colombo | 27 Jul 2006 |
| West Indies | 751/5d | 202.0 | 1 | v England | St John’s | 10 Apr 2004 |
1. Sri Lanka – 952/6d vs India
Sri Lanka’s astonishing total of 952/6 declared in reply to India’s first innings total of 537/8d in Colombo is the highest team score in Test cricket history. Sanath Jayasuriya’s marathon 340 and Roshan Mahanama’s 225 formed a monumental second-wicket partnership of 576 runs.
The innings was characterized by steady accumulation and resilience over 271 overs. Contributions from Aravinda de Silva (126) and captain Arjuna Ranatunga (86). The match ended in a draw. Many records were created in this match, including the highest partnership for the second wicket. The two-match Test series ended without a result, with both Test matches drawn.
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2. England – 903/7d vs Australia
England’s 903/7 declared against Australia at The Oval featured Len Hutton’s legendary 364, a then-record for the highest individual score. Hutton’s innings, lasting over 13 hours, was supported by Maurice Leyland (187) and Joe Hardstaff Jr. (169*).
This monumental innings, which is the second highest Test score, extended over 335.2 overs, demoralizing the Australian bowlers. Australia’s batting collapse in both innings, with scores of 201 and 123, handed England an innings victory, marking one of the most dominant performances in Test cricket history.
3. England – 849 vs West Indies
In Kingston, England piled up 849 runs against the West Indies, driven by Andy Sandham’s 325, the first-ever triple century in Test cricket. Sandham’s monumental effort was complemented by Les Ames’ 149 and contributions from the lower middle order. England’s innings stretched over 258.2 overs.
Despite this huge total, West Indies responded valiantly with scores of 286 and 408/5, resulting in a high-scoring draw. This match is remembered for Sandham’s historic milestone and the spirited resistance by the West Indies.
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4. West Indies – 790/3d vs Pakistan
West Indies declared at 790/3 against Pakistan in response to 328, powered by Garry Sobers’ unbeaten 365, which was a record for the highest individual score at the time. Sobers’ innings, along with Conrad Hunte’s 260, dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack.
Their second-wicket partnership laid a solid foundation, enabling a declaration after 208.1 overs. Pakistan struggled to match this gigantic total, succumbing to an innings defeat. Sobers’ performance remains a landmark in cricket history, displaying his exceptional talent and endurance.
5. Pakistan – 765/6d vs Sri Lanka
In Karachi, Pakistan’s 765/6 declared against Sri Lanka in response to 644/7d featured captain Younis Khan’s splendid 313.
His triple century, alongside Kamran Akmal’s 158 and Faisal Iqbal’s 57, ensured a commanding total. Spanning 248.5 overs, Pakistan scored at a steady rate of 3.07. The match ended in a draw.
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6. Sri Lanka – 760/7d vs India
In response to India’s first innings total of 426, Sri Lanka declared at 760/7 in Ahmedabad. This huge total was marked by Mahela Jayawardene’s 275 and Prasanna Jayawardene’s unbeaten 154. Their substantial partnership for the sixth wicket helped Sri Lanka to a formidable total over 202.4 overs.
This match ended in a draw as India managed to counter the pressure with solid batting performances. The placid pitch in Ahmedabad provided little assistance to the bowlers, resulting in a run-filled encounter.
7. India – 759/7d vs England
India’s 759/7 declared, in response to 477 against England in Chennai saw Karun Nair scoring a magnificent 303*. KL Rahul’s 199 also played a crucial role. India declared after 190.4 overs, with a run rate of 3.98.
This innings was pivotal in securing an innings victory for India, as England struggled against India’s disciplined bowling in the second innings. Nair’s triple century was only the second by an Indian batsman, making it a memorable match.
8. Australia – 758/8d vs West Indies
Australia’s 758/8 declared against the West Indies in Kingston featured centuries from Colin McDonald (127), Keith Miller (109), Ron Archer (128), and Richie Benaud (121). Their collective effort spanned 245.4 overs at a run rate of 3.08.
On the back of these excellent performances, Australia went on to win the match by an innings and 82 runs.
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9. Sri Lanka – 756/5d vs South Africa
Kumar Sangakkara’s 287 and Mahela Jayawardene’s 374 against South Africa at Colombo led Sri Lanka to 756/5 declared in response to South Africa’s 169.
Their partnership of 624 runs is the highest for any wicket in Test cricket. The innings lasted 185.1 overs with a run rate of 4.08. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 153 runs
10. West Indies – 751/5d vs England
Brian Lara’s world-record 400* highlighted West Indies’ 751/5 declared against England in St John’s. Lara’s innings, studded with 43 fours and 4 sixes, was supported by contributions from Ramnaresh Sarwan (90) and Ridley Jacobs (107*).
The innings covered 202 overs at a run rate of 3.71. Lara’s monumental achievement remains one of the greatest individual performances in the history of Test cricket. This match ended in a draw.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the highest team scores in Test cricket reflect the exceptional skill, endurance, and strategy displayed by teams and batsmen across generations.
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FAQs about Highest Team Score in Test Cricket
Q) What is the highest team score in Test cricket?
A) The record for the highest team score in Test cricket is held by Sri Lanka, who scored a mammoth 952/6 declared against India in Colombo.
Q) Who holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket?
A) The highest individual score in Test cricket is 400* by Brian Lara of the West Indies against England in St John’s.
Q) Which match featured the highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket?
A) The match between Sri Lanka and South Africa at Colombo featured the highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket, with Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene putting together a monumental 624-run partnership.
