Scoring runs in any format of cricket is a crucial factor for any team, especially when it comes to the longest format of the game. Scoring in Test match cricket becomes even tougher making it really hard on the batsmen to toil through different circumstances and playing conditions to help their teams to post good totals.
But when batting conditions align, there are instances when unimaginable numbers are posted on board by teams in form.
Today we take a look at the 5 highest scores put on board in a single day of Test match cricket.
1) England vs India (588)
It was during the India tour of England in 1936 when India was still under the rule of the British empire. The second match of the three-match series saw the most runs scored on a single day on the second day. Losing the first match, India started the second Test batting first and posting a total of 203.
In reply, England went out all guns blazing courtesy of a 167 from Wally Hammond and four other batsmen with half-centuries scored 571/8 in return. As a result, 588 runs were scored in a single day.
2) England vs South Africa (522)
When South Africa toured England in 1924, Lords known as the Home of cricket conducting the second Test of the series was in for some spectacular. Batting first in the first innings, a fighting 120 from Bob Catterall meant the Proteas were able to post a decent 273 on board.
England’s reply was ruthless, as the England openers caused absolute havoc among the Proteas bowlers with opener Jack Hobbs scoring a double century and partner Herbert Sutcliffe scoring a century. Much of the same followed as England posted a total of 531/2, as 522 runs were scored on the second day.
3) Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (509)
During the golden years of Sri Lankan cricket, the Lankan team was a real powerhouse in the cricket world. When Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka in 2002 for a two-match test series, Sri Lanka showcased the gulf in class between the two teams.
The opening match of the series saw Bangladesh batting first and being skittled out for a mere 184, courtesy of vicious bowling from Muttiah Muralitharan with a five-wicket haul. Sri Lanka replied with a total of 541/9 with skipper Sanath Jayasuriya scoring 145 off 164 balls and Aravinda de Silva scoring 206 off 234 balls. A total of 509 runs were scored on the second day which entered the history books.
4) England vs South Africa (508)
Once again on the list, When South Africa toured England in 1935 records were created. England had a lot riding on the last of the 5 match series as the proteas were winning the series by one match. So looking to draw the series, England elected to field first in the final match, setting out the Proteas to bat.
The South African flexed their muscles, scoring a handsome 476 with Bruce Mitchell and Eric Dalton scoring centuries. England didn't give up and fought back and posted 534/6 on the board, with centuries from Maurice Leyland and Les Ames. Sensing the batting condition, the Proteas continued their batting in the same wave scoring 287/6, as the match ended in a draw.
This absolute batting exhibition saw 508 runs scored on the third day.
5) England vs Pakistan - 496
The Pakistan tour of England during 1954, also saw a run feast with 496 runs being scored on the second day. With England leading the 4-match series 1-0, Pakistan elected to bat first in the second Test match. But plans failed as Pakistan was only able to post a meager 157 on the board with Bob Appleyard taking 5 wickets.
In return, England saw Denis Compton on song as he scored a whopping 278 runs, as England ended their first innings total with 578/6. A century from Reg Simpson and a half-century from Tom Graveney meant that a huge chunk of 496 runs came on the second day.
Test cricket has witnessed many magnificent innings by batsmen around the world. With some breathtaking innings that have become cricket’s folklore, which has set a benchmark for attacking cricket.
Let us know in the comments which team impressed you the most and which team do you think can go on to break these records.
