Test cricket, the longest format of the game, has seen some gigantic team performances over the years. Such innings not only demonstrate batting talent but also strategic stamina.
Let’s look at the top 10 highest team scores in Test cricket history, marking the occasions when teams scored the most runs in a single innings.
| Team | Score | Opposition | Ground | Result | Match Date |
| Sri Lanka | 952/6d | v India | Colombo (RPS) | draw | 2 Aug 1997 |
| England | 903/7d | v Australia | The Oval | won | 20 Aug 1938 |
| England | 849 | v West Indies | Kingston | draw | 3 Apr 1930 |
| England | 823/7d | v Pakistan | Multan | won | 7 Oct 2024 |
| West Indies | 790/3d | v Pakistan | Kingston | won | 26 Feb 1958 |
| Pakistan | 765/6d | v Sri Lanka | Karachi | draw | 21 Feb 2009 |
| Sri Lanka | 760/7d | v India | Ahmedabad | draw | 16 Nov 2009 |
| India | 759/7d | v England | Chennai | won | 16 Dec 2016 |
| Australia | 758/8d | v West Indies | Kingston | won | 11 Jun 1955 |
| Sri Lanka | 756/5d | v South Africa | Colombo (SSC) | won | 27 Jul 2006 |
1. Sri Lanka – 952/6d vs India (1997)
The highest team Test score is held by Sri Lanka, who accumulated a record 952/6 declared against India in Colombo in 1997. Sanath Jayasuriya’s record 340 and Roshan Mahanama’s 225 led the duo to weave a 576-run partnership, which is one of the highest in Test cricket. This is the unbeaten highest test innings score till date.
2. England – 903/7d vs Australia (1938)
In the good old days of Test cricket, England scored an astonishing 903/7 declared against traditional rivals Australia at The Oval in 1938. The innings was spearheaded by Len Hutton’s iconic 364, the highest Test score by an individual for almost 20 years. This was one of the first instances of a side thoroughly dominating a match right from the beginning.
3. England – 849 vs West Indies (1930)
England’s 849 against West Indies in Kingston, 1930, remains their third-highest Test aggregate. Andy Sandham’s 325 was pivotal in recording this achievement, and it was one of the earliest occasions when a team had beaten 800 in a Test innings.
4. England – 823/7d vs Pakistan (2024)
In the recent exhibition of intimidatory batting, England amassed 823 for 7 declared against Pakistan in Multan, 2024. Harry Brook’s 317 and Joe Root’s 262 were added to this gargantuan total to make it the largest Test innings score by England in the 21st century.
5. West Indies – 790/3d vs Pakistan (1958)
West Indies put up 790 for 3 declared against Pakistan in Kingston in 1958. Garry Sobers’ unbroken 365 is among the highest score in Test cricket, taking the side to this huge total.
6. Pakistan – 765/6d vs Sri Lanka (2009)
Pakistan posted their record Test score of 765 for 6 declared against Sri Lanka in Karachi, 2009. The innings demonstrated Pakistan’s batting strength to the strong depth, a milestone in their cricketing history.
7. Sri Lanka – 760/7d vs India (2009)
Sri Lanka’s 760 for 7, declared against India in Ahmedabad, 2009, is their second-highest Test score. Their innings included strong performances by their top-order batsmen, confirming their image of high-scoring matches.
8. India – 759/7d vs England (2016)
India registered their record Test score of 759 for 7 declared versus England in Chennai, 2016. Unbeaten Karun Nair’s 303 was the prime mover behind this innings, the highest in India’s Test scores.
9. Australia – 758/8d vs West Indies (1955)
Australia’s 758 for 8 declared against the West Indies in Kingston, 1955, is one of their highest Test scores. This innings showed Australia’s batting supremacy at that time.
10. Sri Lanka – 756/5d vs South Africa (2006)
Sri Lanka’s 756 for 5 declared against South Africa in Colombo, 2006, rounds out the top 10 highest team scores in Test cricket. This performance highlighted Sri Lanka’s consistent ability to post massive totals.
Final Thoughts
These giant innings highlight the peak of team batting performances in Test cricket. Every entry on this list represents a blend of individual genius and team effort, raising the bar for generations to come. With the game continuing to change, these records remain a testament to the timeless charm of Test cricket and its ability to create colossal battles.
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