The pinnacle of Test cricket is unquestionably tested play. The popularity of limited-overs cricket, however, appears to have diminished the viewership and fan base that test cricket had. Particularly with the younger generation, who appeared to have a stronger preference for T-20 leagues like Big Bash, the Indian Premier League, etc.
To appreciate the importance of Test Cricket in a cricketer’s life, though, is crucial. Any player would want to play Test Cricket as their ultimate objective. In test cricket, where your mettle is put to the test, you find out how competent you are.
And test cricket is just as fascinating as any other type of cricket, if not more so, according to some. We’ll examine the top 10 highest run scorer in test cricket here –
David Warner- 335* (418)
David Andrew Warner, an energetic and powerful batter from Australia, is ranked number 10 on the list of test match run scorers. In the second test match against Pakistan, he scored an undefeated 335 from 418 deliveries. His previous top score was 253, and this knocked that out.
He also succeeded in breaking the previous record of 334 set by Sir Donald Bradman and Mark Taylor. When Warner reached 226 and the bowler was Musa Khan, he was caught on a no-ball.
During his time in the crease, he hit 39 fours and a six, ensuring that this lifeline would not go to waste. The left-hander scored his first triple-century, making it the second-highest Test score by an Australian and the tenth-highest score ever.
Walter Hammond- 336*
Walter “Wally” Hammond, a former England Test captain, is ranked ninth on the list with a stellar total of 336. He accomplished this during the second test of England’s 1933 tour of New Zealand.
Hammonds is frequently described as a tall, well-built guy, and his knock is said to radiate grace and refinement. The way he tampered with the Kiwi bowlers is still a topic of discussion today.
Muhammad Hanif 337
Hanif Mohammad, a former Pakistani batsman, is next on the list. Hanif showed talent at the game from a young age. Hanif, according to famed English coach Alf Gover, was destined to play cricket from birth.
Even now, people still talk about his remarkable 337-ball performance against a powerful and destructive West Indies bowling outfit.
Sanath Jayasuriya 340 (578)
The prolific Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored 340 against India in Colombo in 1997, comes in at number seven on the list. Sachin Tendulkar, the captain of India, chose to bat first after winning the toss. India finished their first innings with a score of 537/8. Sri Lanka then entered the batting order and started their assault.
The sheer majesty of Jayasuriya’s batting skills was too much for the Indian bowlers to handle. In the purest version of the game, he went on to score his first and only triple century. The greatest total score in test cricket history till this point is 952, which Sri Lanka achieved.
Len Hutton 364 (847)
Len Hutton, a former England opener, scored 364 runs in the 1938–1939 Ashes against a potent Australian bowling lineup. This has been cited by experts as one of the best marathon innings in recent memory.
Hutton’s innings, which lasted for 797 minutes (about 13 hours) and 847 balls, is the longest test cricket game has ever seen (in terms of balls faced). His outstanding performance helped England record a staggering total of 903/7. The game was won by England by an inning and 579 runs, which is currently the largest test match victory.
Sir Garfield Sobers 365*
Sir Garfield Sobers, who played superb innings of 365 not out in the third test of Pakistan’s 1958 tour to the West Indies, comes in at number five. This knock is even more impressive given that it was his first century, which he was able to turn into a triple century. He also recorded the youngest triple century by a batsman in history (at the age of 21 years).
Mahela Jayawardene 374 (572)
Mahela Jayawardene is fourth among test cricket’s all-time leading scores. In the 2006 Colombo match against South Africa, he scored 374 runs off of 572 deliveries. He scored six and 43 fours throughout his knock.
Brian Lara 375 (538)
Brian Lara is the only player to hold two spots on this list of test cricket’s top scoring. He is without a doubt among the best batsmen to ever step foot on a crease. In 1994’s fifth test match against England, he scored 375 runs. Lara hit 45 fours in all, but not a single six. But the game was a tie in the end.
Matthew Hayden 380 (437)
Matthew Hayden came in second on the list of the Top 10 Highest Run Scorers in Tests. Matthew Hayden was well-known at the time for being an explosive and powerful batsman.
Brian Lara 400* (582)
The West Indian batting legend Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual test score in the history of the sport. Lara amassed undefeated 400-run innings, which included 43 fours and 4 sixes, against a fearsome English bowling attack that included players like Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, and Andrew Flintoff.
