Highest Team Score in Test | Highest innings total in Test
Test cricket has always been known as a true test of patience and temperament. In the past many teams have achieved impressive high scores in Test matches. However in recent times due to unusual batting styles and weak techniques when facing a moving ball, not many teams are able to score high. On the other hand, players from earlier eras had the skill to endure for long periods which allowed their teams to rack up big scores. Sri Lanka has the record for the highest team score in Test cricket achieving 952/6 declared against India in 1997. Jayasuriya scored 340 and Mahanama contributed 225 by leading to this lengthy innings which ultimately ended in a draw.
Image Source: espncricinfo.com(Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Top 5 Highest Team Score in Test history
Here’s a detailed look at each of the highest score in Test cricket by a team.
| No. | Team | Opponent | Score | Match Result | Year |
| 1 | Sri Lanka | India | 952/6d | Draw | 1997 |
| 2 | England | Australia | 903/7d | England won | 1938 |
| 3 | England | West Indies | 849 | Draw | 1930 |
| 4 | England | Pakistan | 823/7d | England won | 2024 |
| 5 | West Indies | Pakistan | 790/3d | West Indies won | 1958 |
Sri Lanka – 952/6d vs India (1997)
In the first Test of the two-match series against India, Sri Lanka made a big statement by achieving the highest team score in Test cricket. Under the leadership of skipper Arjun Ranatunga in 1997, the home team kept batting especially since there was no chance of a result on Day 5. The Islanders declared their innings at the end of Day 5 with a total of 952 runs on the scoreboard. Sanath Jayasuriya was the main contributor for the hosts. The left-handed batsman made the Indian bowlers work hard for almost two days on the field by scoring 340 runs off 578 balls. Roshan Mahanama also scored a double century while the RPS pitch faced heavy criticism for being a poor example of Test cricket.
England – 903/7d vs Australia (1938)
In 1938 during the Ashes at home, England made history by achieving the highest team total in Test cricket. On a calm pitch at The Oval, the home team batted for almost three days by wearing down the Australian bowlers. English opener Len Hutton hit a massive 364 which was the highest individual score in Test history at that time. The hosts reached a total of 903 for 7 before they declared after a record-setting 335 overs in their first innings. Without Donald Bradman, the Australian team was easily defeated. The Aussies struggled and were dismissed for 201 and 123 in their two innings. England secured a historic Test match victory by an innings and 579 runs.
England – 849 vs West Indies (1930)
During England’s 1930 tour of the West Indies, the team started to show their desire to score big. In the 4th Test held in Kingston, they achieved something remarkable by surpassing the 800-run mark. Thanks to Andy Sandham’s triple century and a century from Les Ames, the English batsmen dominated the local bowlers for more than 258 overs. In the end, England’s first innings total reached 849 runs by Day 3. Even though the match lasted for seven days and concluded in a draw.
England – 823/7d vs Pakistan (2024)
England showcased their “Bazball” approach in Multan by declaring at 823/7 against Pakistan. Harry Brook and Joe Root formed a record-breaking 454-run partnership which is England’s largest ever and the fourth-highest in Test history. Brook’s triple century was achieved in just 322 balls and making him the sixth English player to score a Test 300. Earlier, Pakistan had scored 556 but England still triumphed by an innings and 47 runs. This marks the first time a team has won by an innings after allowing over 500 runs in the first innings.
West Indies – 790/3d vs Pakistan (1958)
In another high-scoring match at Kingston, the West Indies faced the visiting Pakistan team in 1958. Even though they managed to score a solid 328 in their first innings as Pakistan’s performance was lacking. The West Indian pair of Gary Sobers and Conrad Hunte proved too strong for the visitors by forming a massive 445-run partnership. Sobers achieved his highest Test score of 365 by contributing to the West Indies’ record for their highest score in Test cricket. Ultimately, the hosts secured victory by an innings and 174 runs and following a poor response from Pakistan in their second innings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:What is the highest score in Test cricket?
952/6 in the highest score in Test cricket. Sri Lanka posted the highest score in Test by a team.
Q:What is the highest Test score by team India?
India’s registered their highest score of 759/6 in Test cricket against England in 2016.
Q:Has any team scored 1000 runs in Test cricket?
No. None of the international team has scored 1000 runs in an innings in Test cricket.