by Scoring a century in a Test match is an incredible feat. A double century demands stamina, skill, and mental toughness. But crossing the 400-run mark in a single Test inning? That’s a record only legends dare to chase—and only a handful have ever achieved. Here, we dive into the top five cricketing giants who created history with mammoth innings of 400+ runs in Test cricket.
🏏 1. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 400 vs England (2004)*
Venue: Antigua
Innings: 582 balls, 43 fours, 4 sixes
Record: Highest individual score in Test history
Brian Lara etched his name into the history books with a majestic, unbeaten 400 against England in 2004. What made it even more special? Lara had already held the previous record (375) before it was broken by Matthew Hayden—only for Lara to reclaim it in style. His innings was a masterclass in patience, timing, and elegance, as he became the first and only batsman to score 400 not out in a Test match.
🏏 2. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 374 vs South Africa (2006)
Venue: Colombo
Innings: 572 balls, 43 fours, 1 six
Although slightly short of the 400 mark, Mahela Jayawardene’s marathon knock of 374 remains the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan. He, along with Kumar Sangakkara, put on a world-record 624-run partnership, which remains the highest partnership in Test history. Jayawardene’s blend of calmness and classical stroke-play kept the South African bowlers at bay for two full days.
🏏 3. Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 380 vs Zimbabwe (2003)
Venue: Perth
Innings: 437 balls, 38 fours, 11 sixes
Matthew Hayden’s 380-run blitzkrieg against Zimbabwe broke Lara’s record temporarily. Known for his aggressive style, Hayden didn’t just build an innings—he demolished the opposition. It was an innings of power and control as he blazed through the Zimbabwe attack in what remains Australia’s highest individual Test score.
🏏 4. Len Hutton (England) – 364 vs Australia (1938)
Venue: The Oval
Innings: 847 minutes, 35 fours
Before Lara, before Hayden—there was Sir Len Hutton. His 364-run knock against a strong Australian side stood as the highest Test score for nearly 20 years. Playing under pressure and in an era with no helmets or modern gear, Hutton’s innings is remembered as one of the most disciplined and technically brilliant performances in Test history.
🏏 5. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 340 vs India (1997)
Venue: Colombo
Innings: 578 balls, 36 fours, 2 sixes
Jayasuriya was known for his explosive batting in ODIs, but he proved his mettle in Tests with a mammoth 340-run knock. His innings was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s record-breaking total of 952/6, the highest in Test history. Jayasuriya’s mix of patience and power kept India on the back foot throughout the match.
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
- Garfield Sobers (West Indies) – 365* vs Pakistan (1958)
- Younis Khan (Pakistan) – 313 vs Sri Lanka (2009)
- Virender Sehwag (India) – 319 vs South Africa (2008)
Final Thoughts
Scoring 400+ runs in a Test match isn’t just about skill; it’s a battle of endurance, concentration, and mental strength. These legendary innings have not only set records but have also inspired generations of cricketers to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the pitch. Cricket Records: Top 5 Legendary Batsmen Who Scored 400+ Runs in a Single Test Match.
