Test Cricket is often described as the purest form of the game and a true examination of the player’s technique, patience, and mental strength. Unlike the short format in T20s and ODIs, test innings can last for days, requiring unwavering focus and physical strength. Over the decades, some legendary batters have produced monumental innings that not only decided matches but also written in the history books of the records leaving inspirations for the younger generation to follow.
Among these legends, Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test Cricket History with his unbeaten 400. He is closely followed by Matthew Hayden, Mahela Jayawardene, Garry Sobers and several others who have all crossed the 300-run mark in a single innings. And today we will look at these remarkable records that pushed the boundaries of batting excellence. Here’s a detailed article for the Highest Individual Score in Test Cricket History
Top 10 Highest Individual Score in Test Cricket
| Rank | Player | Runs | Minutes | Balls Faced | 4s | 6s | SR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Start Date |
| 1 | BC Lara (WI) | 400* | 778 | 582 | 43 | 4 | 68.72 | 1 | v England | St John’s | 10 Apr 2004 |
| 2 | ML Hayden (AUS) | 380 | 622 | 437 | 38 | 11 | 86.95 | 1 | v Zimbabwe | WACA | 9 Oct 2003 |
| 3 | BC Lara (WI) | 375 | 766 | 538 | 45 | 0 | 69.70 | 1 | v England | St John’s | 16 Apr 1994 |
| 4 | DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 374 | 752 | 572 | 43 | 1 | 65.38 | 2 | v South Africa | Colombo (SSC) | 27 Jul 2006 |
| 5 | GS Sobers (WI) | 365* | 614 | — | 38 | 0 | — | 2 | v Pakistan | Kingston | 26 Feb 1958 |
| 6 | PWA Mulder (SA) | 364* | — | 331 | 49 | 4 | 109.96 | 1 | v Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 6 Jul 2025 |
| 7 | L Hutton (ENG) | 364 | 797 | 847 | 35 | 0 | 42.97 | 1 | v Australia | The Oval | 20 Aug 1938 |
| 8 | ST Jayasuriya (SL) | 340 | 799 | 578 | 36 | 2 | 58.82 | 2 | v India | Colombo (RPS) | 2 Aug 1997 |
| 9 | Hanif Mohammad (PAK) | 337 | 970 | — | 24 | 0 | — | 3 | v WI | Bridgetown | 17 Jan 1958 |
| 10 | WR Hammond (ENG) | 336* | 318 | — | 34 | 10 | — | 2 | v NZ | Auckland | 31 Mar 1933 |
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Top Highest Individual Score in Test Cricket
Brian Lara- 400 vs England (2004)
Brian Lara’s unbeaten 400 against England at St John’s in 2002 remains recorded unbeaten in the Test Cricket history of records. Batting in this match, Lara showcased the brilliance of batting. Facing 582 balls over nearly 13 hours, Lara’s innings included 43 fours and 4 sixes. Not only did he reclaim the world record for the highest individual score in this match, but he also became the first player to score a quadruple century in Tests. His knock was a perfect combination of style, technique and resilience which was celebrated by the whole world and till now no batsmen has been able to beat that record.
Besides this record, Lara has also made a highest individual total, which came before his famous 400*. Lara had made a stunning 375 against the same opposition and on the same ground.
Matthew Hayden- 380 vs Zimbabwe
Before Brian Lara’s famous 400, Matthew Hayden was in the throne of the highest Individual score in Test Cricket with a mammoth total of 380. He made this as the WACA Stadium against Zimbabwe dominating the teams with a huge total. Hayden set a new record with his attack in this innings which lasted for over 10 hours. His highest came with the help of 38 boundaries and 11 sixes which set a benchmark for power hitting in Tests and briefly held the record title for highest Individual score.
Mahela Jayawardene- 374 vs South Africa
Jayawardene total of 374 in Colombo against South Africa is the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan batter, Spending over 12 hours at the crease, he anchored his side to a record-breaking total. His innings included 43 fours and a six. With his records he and his innings played an important role in establishing Sri Lanka’s dominance during that series.
Gary Sobers- 365 vs Pakistan
Sir Gary Sobers’ unbeaten 365 against Pakistan at Kingston stood as the highest individual score for over 36 years. His innings were an exhibition of timing and finesse, an example of fitness, consistency and stable innings. His Score of 365* broke Len Hutton’s long-standing record of being the player with the highest Individual Score in Tests. In this innings, Sobers batters 614 minutes and struck 38 boundaries scoring an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan at Kingston in February 1958.
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Wiaan Mulder- 364 vs Zimbabwe
Mulder is the latest addition to the elite list of the players with the Highest Individual Score in Test Cricket. Wiaan smashed 364 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in July 2205. Known more for his all-round abilities Mulder surprised his fans with his innings in a Test match against Zimbabwe. Leading South Africa for the first time, he smashed an unbeaten 367 runs from 334 balls hitting 49 fours and 4 sixes. Mulder finished the first day with 264 not out and the next morning he reached his triple century in just 297 balls, which is also the second-fastest triple century in Test Cricket history. Later he added another 67 runs in 37 balls.
