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No place for Smith and Root: Batters with highest individual scores in The Ashes

Shreyasi

Bob Cowper, Don Bradman [Source: X/@ICC]Bob Cowper, Don Bradman [Source: X/@ICC]

For 148 years, the history of Ashes has been defined by some stupendous batting performances that have entertained fans and driven teams towards victory. While many individual innings stand out, this rivalry has produced nearly 30 scores of 200 or more. 

In this article, we will revisit the greatest of the Ashes innings.

5) Reginald Erskine Foster: 287 – SCG 1903

Image: X/@ICCImage: X/@ICC

Tip Foster’s 287 at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the 1903 Ashes was one of the most notable innings from the early years of Test cricket. Remarkably, Foster's impressive innings came during his Test debut. As a result, 287 remained the highest Test score by a debutant. Over the years, a few players came close, but no one was able to break this record.

Hence, this remains one of the longest-standing records in the history of Test cricket. Foster’s boundary-filled innings helped England post an impressive score of 577 and win the Test match.

4) Bob Cowper: 307 – MCG 1966

Image: @ICC/XImage: @ICC/X

    In the 1966 Ashes, a triple century was scored by the Australian middle-order batter Bob Cowper in Melbourne. After England posted 485/9 thanks to a century from Ken Barrington, Bill Lawry also scored a century in that Test match. 

    Cowper’s epic knock ensured a lead for Australia that eventually helped captain Simpson retain the Ashes with a series score of 1-1. Cowper represented Australia in 27 Test matches, amassing 2,061 runs. He is, however, most vividly remembered for his outstanding performance in this remarkable innings.

    3) Bob Simpson: 311 – Old Trafford 1964

    Image: @PictureSporting/XImage: @PictureSporting/X

    Bob Simpson had a significant impact and legacy in Australian cricket as a captain and a coach. His performance as a batter was also noteworthy as he set up one of the best Test opening partnerships with Bill Lawry. He led Australia to a 1-0 win in the 1964 Ashes in England and delivered his batting masterclass in the fourth Test match of the series.

    Simpson and Lawry added 201 runs in the opening partnership. Once Lawry was dismissed after scoring a century, Simpson batted on and continued to build partnerships with all the middle-order batters before being dismissed for 311. Barrington also starred in the Test match with his career-best 256 as England responded with a massive score.

    2) Don Bradman: 334 – Headingley 1930

    Image: X/@PictureSportingImage: X/@PictureSporting

    On the first Day of the Leeds Test match in 1930, Don Bradman delivered a remarkable performance with the bat, amassing 309 runs, which was later surpassed by Len Hutton. He scored 100 runs before lunch, 100 runs between lunch and tea, and another 100 runs post tea.

    It was one of the most memorable innings in the history of the game- one that defined the legend of Bradman for decades to follow. Although the Test match ended in a draw, Australia eventually won the series 2-1 with Bradman scoring 974 runs.

    1) Len Hutton: 364 – The Oval 1938

    Image: X/@PictureSportingImage: X/@PictureSporting

    The 22-year-old Leonard Hutton scored the highest individual Test score in any Ashes Test match- 364 runs in the Oval Test, 1938. It was a monumental effort in a record-breaking Test match for England. After opener Hutton's remarkable 364, England set a new record by declaring at 903 for 7—the highest Test score at that time.

    There were centuries from Maurice Leyland and Joe Hardstaff, but Hutton was the star of the show with his innings spread over more than 13 hours. With their captain, Don Bradman, absent in both innings, Australia stood little chance, leading to a massive 579-run loss.