Top 5 Highest Individual Scores in Test Cricket History

Test cricket is the ultimate test of a batter's talent, endurance, and mental strength. Down the years, a few players have written their names in the history books of cricketing legend with marathon innings that were a defiance of fatigue and rewriting of record books. Here's a glance at the top five highest individual innings in Test match history:

Brian Lara – 400 vs England (2004, Antigua)*

The top-most Test batting achievement is West Indies great Brian Lara's unbeaten 400 runs against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground. The record-breaking innings came off 582 balls and contained 43 fours and 4 sixes. Lara is the sole player to pass the 400-run barrier in Test cricket, snatching the record only months after Matthew Hayden eclipsed his earlier personal best of 375.

Matthew Hayden – 380 v Zimbabwe (2003, Perth)

Australian opener Matthew Hayden had a merciless attack at Zimbabwe at the WACA when he made 380 runs off 437 balls. His knock included 38 fours and 11 sixes and was the highest ever Australian score in Tests. Hayden's record lasted briefly before Lara took over the top.

Brian Lara – 375 v England (1994, Antigua)

Prior to his 400*, Lara had himself created history with a 375-run classic against the same team at the same ground ten years ago. This innings shattered Sir Garfield Sobers' record of 365 that stood for many years and evidenced Lara's flair, elegance, and voracious appetite for runs.

Mahela Jayawardene – 374 vs South Africa (2006, Colombo)

Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene scored a sublime knock of 374 runs off South Africa at SSC in Colombo. His knock was part of a world-record 624-run stand with Kumar Sangakkara. Jayawardene's performance is the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in Tests.

Wiaan Mulder – 367 vs Zimbabwe (2025, Bulawayo)*

South Africa's Wiaan Mulder joined the elite club recently by taking his captaincy debut against Zimbabwe to an unbeaten 367. Being faced with only 334 balls, Mulder hit 49 fours and 4 sixes with a scorching strike rate of 109.88. Having fallen short of Lara's record, his innings is now the highest by a South African in Test cricket.

These record-breaking knocks are not merely statistics—they're testimonies of determination, focus, and cricketing brilliance. With the game changing, these milestones keep inspiring the next generation of batsmen to think big and play even bigger.