Brian Lara's 400 To Wiaan Mulder's Class: Top 5 Highest Individual Scores In Tests

Top 5 Highest Individual Scores In Tests [Source @ICC, @academy_dinda/X.com]

Test cricket has always been a test of a player's patience, endurance, and talent. Over the years, we have seen many legendary innings, but few have impressed us with sheer runs scored.

Recently, Wiann Mulder of South Africa came close to stealing Brian Lara’s iconic record.  These knocks not only created records but have also been the most iconic moments in the game of cricket. 

On that note, let’s take a look at the five highest individual scores in Test cricket.

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5. Wiaan Mulder – 367 vs Zimbabwe (2025, Bulawayo)

5. Wiaan Mulder – 367 vs Zimbabwe (2025, Bulawayo) [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]

The newest to join the top five is South Africa's Wiaan Mulder, who made an unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe in 2025 at Bulawayo. Mulder's innings was impressive not just in terms of the runs but also the manner in which it was scored. 

He took just 334 balls, hit 49 fours and 4 sixes, and had a scorching strike rate of 109.88, the best of any player in this high-class list. While he was racing for the magical figure of 400 runs, South Africa declared the inning unexpectedly to leave Mulder hanging at 367*.

4. Mahela Jayawardene – 374 vs South Africa (2006, Colombo)

4. Mahela Jayawardene – 374 vs South Africa (2006, Colombo) [Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com]

Next on the list is Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene, who scored 374 against South Africa in 2006 at Colombo. Jayawardene’s innings was full of class and composure. He faced 572 balls and struck 43 boundaries and 1 six. 

With a strike rate of 65.38, it was a patient innings that helped Sri Lanka post a massive total of 756 and dominate the match. Jayawardene’s 624-run partnership with Kumar Sangakkara (who also scored 287) in that match was also one of the biggest in Test history. 

3. Brian Lara – 375 vs England (1994, St. John’s)

West Indies legend Brian Lara made headlines with a stunning 375-run innings against England in Antigua. That knock broke Sir Garfield Sobers’ long-standing record and showcased Lara’s ability to build massive innings. He faced 538 balls and hit 45 fours, scoring at a strike rate of 69.70. It was a career-defining moment that first placed him among the all-time greats.

2. Matthew Hayden – 380 vs Zimbabwe (2003, Perth)

2. Matthew Hayden – 380 vs Zimbabwe (2003, Perth) [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Before Lara reclaimed the record, it was Australian opener Matthew Hayden who held it, thanks to his explosive 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003 at the W.A.C.A. in Perth. Hayden’s innings came off just 437 balls, with an aggressive strike rate of 86.95. He smashed 38 fours and 11 sixes in a display of power-hitting that overwhelmed the Zimbabwean attack. His knock was a clear example of how modern batsmen could dominate in the longer format.

1. Brian Lara – 400* vs England (2004, St. John’s)

1. Brian Lara – 400* vs England (2004, St. John’s) [Source: @windiescricket/X.com]

At the top of the list is Brian Lara’s monumental 400 not out, scored against England in 2004 at St. John’s, Antigua. Lara batted for over 12 hours and faced 582 balls, hitting 43 fours and 4 sixes. His strike rate was a modest 68.72, showing the patience and control he maintained throughout the innings. 

What made this inning special was not just the score, but the context. He reclaimed the record for the highest individual Test score, which had briefly been taken from him just months earlier. His 400-run mark is still a dream and an unthinkable milestone for many modern-day cricketers.

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