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Highest Individual Scores In 4th Innings Vs India Ft. Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Faf Du Plessis

Arnav Chopra

Duckett, Root, Du Plessis, Mendis, Cullinan (Source: @englandcricket, @ICC/X.com)Duckett, Root, Du Plessis, Mendis, Cullinan (Source: @englandcricket, @ICC/X.com)

Test matches can be close, whereas some go right down to the wire. The ones that go right down to the wire require a strong batting effort, especially in the fourth innings of the Test.

In the history of Test cricket, there have been many incredible performances with the bat by players; however, a few have come in the fourth innings of the Test while chasing the target, as the pressure is the highest on that particular occasion.

Therefore, in this article, we will have a look at the highest individual knocks by players in the fourth innings of a Test match against India.

5. Daryll Cullinan -122*, Joburg, 1997

On number five on this list is South Africa's Daryll Cullinan. Back in the year 1997, South Africa, who were playing against India at Johannesburg, required 356 for victory in the fourth innings of the Test, where Daryll Cullinan stood the test of time and scored an unbeatable 122* off 200 deliveries with 15 boundaries and a six to his name. South Africa ended up posting 228 on the board for the loss of 8 wickets.

They couldn't win the test, but saved themselves from a defeat at the hands of the Indians, as Cullinan's special effort proved vital in a tense situation, and the match ended in a draw. Cullinan is known for his strong effort as he stood against the lethal Indian bowling attack of Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, and Anil Kumble.

4. Duleep Mendis - 124, Kandy, 1985

On number four on this list is the former Sri Lankan skipper, Duleep Mendis, who scored 124 off 228 deliveries against India back in the year 1985 in Kandy. Chasing 377 for victory, Sri Lanka were in trouble, but the duo of Duleep Mendis and Roy Dias helped Sri Lanka overcome a massive fear as they went on to score 307 for the loss of 7 wickets and prevented a massive loss at the hands of the Indians. Dias scored 106 before getting run out, but skipper Mendis' 124 proved beneficial in a crucial encounter.

3. Faf du Plessis - 134, Joburg, 2013

Now, moving to the number three player on the list is another South African, Faf du Plessis. The former South African skipper, who at that time was playing under the leadership of Graeme Smith, played a valuable 134-run knock of 309 deliveries with 15 boundaries to his name as South Africa reached incredibly close to a massive victory while chasing 458.

Courtesy of Du Plessis' effort, South Africa ended up posting 450 for the loss of 7 wickets, as they were just eight runs short of the target, but couldn't reach there due to a lack of time, as the match ended in a draw in Johannesburg. Du Plessis was incredible, and so was his teammate AB de Villiers, who scored 103 in that inning, massively helping South Africa. The resilience proved that batting against India wasn't easy, but required great mental toughness, especially in the fourth innings of a Test.

2. Joe Root - 142*, Edgbaston, 2022

Talking about the second-best innings against India in the fourth innings came from the bat of the ever-so-stylish Joe Root, who played a fantastic 142-run not-out knock against the Indian side in 2022 at Birmingham during the fifth Test of the tour. India were ahead in the game, as England required 378 for victory in the fourth innings. But, courtesy of Joe Root's fighting 142*, coming off 173 deliveries with 19 boundaries and a six, England eased the chase with only three wickets down.

Root's batting partner, Jonny Bairstow, also scored 114*, helping the home side achieve the seemingly impossible target. England's solid batting effort proved quite intimidating for the Indian bowlers, who couldn't match the competitiveness and toughness of their counterparts. Root, who is known to play some wonderful knocks under pressure, did something characteristic of him as he stood by his turn and played one shot after another without fail. England registered a seven-run victory and levelled the series 2-2 against India.

1. Ben Duckett - 149, Headingley, 2025

Now, finally talking about the number one player on the list is the newly crowned Ben Duckett, who, in the ongoing Test against India at Headingley, Leeds, played an unbelievable 149-run knock off 170 deliveries with 21 boundaries and a six, as he gave the home side, England, a flying start.

In the fourth innings, England required 371 for victory, whereas Duckett went after the Indian bowlers alongside Zak Crawley, who scored 65, and powered their way through an 188-run partnership for the first wicket. Duckett's incredible effort proved valuable, as England were just 96 runs away from victory by the time of writing, after the completion of 60 overs with 275 on the board.

Even the best of Jasprit Bumrah failed to breach Duckett's defence on a number of occasions. The left-handed English opener was later dismissed by Shardul Thakur, courtesy of an excellent catch by Nitish Reddy. Under pressure, Duckett took on the challenge and played with creativity and determination, helping the home side fight back in their own way.