Test matches are often seen as the purest form of cricket, where patience, technique, and mental strength are tested over five gruelling days. While the scoring pace may be slow compared to shorter formats, it also presents a unique opportunity for batters and teams to settle in and build monumental totals.
In this format, Don Bradman built his timeless legacy, Brian Lara set the record with an unbeaten 400, and Sachin Tendulkar excelled at scoring around the world. But who holds the record for the highest score in Test cricket history— Both as an individual and as a team? Let’s find out.
What is the Highest Score in Test?
The 400* by Brian Lara against England in 2004 is the highest individual Test score ever. Also, he is the only player in history to score 400 in a single Test innings. Brian Lara initially set the record with 375 against England in 1994, a mark that stood for nearly a decade before Matthew Hayden surpassed it with 380.
However, just a few months later, Lara reclaimed the top spot with his unbeaten 400, making him the only player to break the Test highest score record twice. In the highest career score in test, Sachin Tendulkar tops the list.
Top 10 Highest Score in Test By a Batsman:
| Player | Country | Score | Against | Year |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 400* | England | 2004 |
| Matthew Hayden | Australia | 380 | Zimbabwe | 2003 |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 375 | England | 1994 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 374 | South Africa | 2006 |
| Garry Sobers | West Indies | 365* | Pakistan | 1958 |
| Len Hutton | England | 364 | Australia | 1938 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 340 | India | 1997 |
| Hanif Mohammad | Pakistan | 337 | West Indies | 1958 |
| Wally Hammond | England | 336* | New Zealand | 1933 |
| David Warner | Australia | 335* | Pakistan | 2019 |
Highest Score in Test by a Team
The highest team score in Test cricket history is 952/6 declared, recorded by Sri Lanka against India in August 1997 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The innings featured a massive 576-run partnership between Sanath Jayasuriya (340 off 578 balls) and Roshan Mahanama (225 off 561 balls). Sri Lanka batted for 271 overs, spending over two full days at the crease, resulting in a drawn match.
Top 10 Team Scorecard in Test Cricket History:
| Team | Score | Opponent | Match Date |
| Sri Lanka | 952/6d | India | 2 Aug 1997 |
| England | 903/7d | Australia | 20 Aug 1938 |
| England | 849 | West Indies | 3 Apr 1930 |
| England | 823/7d | Pakistan | 7 Oct 2024 |
| West Indies | 790/3d | Pakistan | 26 Feb 1958 |
| Pakistan | 765/6d | Sri Lanka | 21 Feb 2009 |
| Sri Lanka | 760/7d | India | 16 Nov 2009 |
| India | 759/7d | England | 16 Dec 2016 |
| Australia | 758/8d | West Indies | 11 Jun 1955 |
| Sri Lanka | 756/5d | South Africa | 27 Jul 2006 |
England – 903/7d vs Australia, The Oval, Aug 1938
England posted the 2nd highest test score of 903/7 in 335 overs at 2.69 RPO, powered by Len Hutton’s record-breaking 364. The innings featured multiple centuries and complete domination, leading to an innings-and-579-run win, still the largest victory margin in Test cricket history.
England – 849 all out vs West Indies, Kingston, Apr 1930
England amassed 849 in 258 overs at 3.28 RPO, with several batters contributing big scores. Though no single score crossed 300, the consistency and depth of batting laid the foundation for one of the most formidable totals ever.
England – 823/7d vs Pakistan, Multan, Oct 2024
Out of the top 5 highest scores in test cricket by a team, England grabs the 3 positions. England scored 823/7 in just 150 overs at 5.48 RPO. Harry Brook made 317 and Joe Root added 262 as they shared a 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping England to an innings victory in Multan.
West Indies – 790/3d vs Pakistan, Kingston, Feb 1958
West Indies declared at 790/3 after 208 overs at 3.79 RPO. The top order dominated, with Garfield Sobers scoring a then-world-record 365 not out. Their commanding innings overwhelmed Pakistan and stood as the record for many years.
Pakistan – 765/6d vs Sri Lanka, Karachi, Feb 2009
Pakistan put up 765/6 declared in 248.5 overs at 3.07 RPO. Younis Khan led the effort with a triple century. Pakistan’s innings was built on patient accumulation and eventually led to a drawn Test despite the mammoth total.
Sri Lanka – 760/7d vs India, Ahmedabad, Nov 2009
Sri Lanka declared at 760/7 in 202.4 overs at 3.75 RPO. Mahela Jayawardene scored 275 while Tillakaratne Dilshan made 112. Their disciplined innings capitalized on flat conditions, and the match ended in a high-scoring draw.
India – 759/7d vs England, Chennai, Dec 2016
In the top 10 highest test score list, India appears only once in 2016 against England. India declared at 759/7 in 190.4 overs at 3.98 RPO. Karun Nair made history with 303 not out, while KL Rahul narrowly missed a double ton. India went on to win by an innings and 75 runs.
Australia – 758/8d vs West Indies, Kingston, Jun 1955
Australia declared at 758/8 in 245.4 overs at 3.08 RPO. Four players crossed 100 runs in a disciplined and calculated innings. The total was built slowly but steadily on a sluggish pitch that tested batting patience.
Sri Lanka – 756/5d vs South Africa, Colombo (SSC), Jul 2006
Sri Lanka declared on 756/5 in 185.1 overs at 4.08 RPO. Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara stitched a world-record 624-run stand, scoring 374 and 287 respectively. This helped Sri Lanka to a massive innings victory.
