Top 5 Batters With Most Sixes In An Innings In Tests
Yashasvi Jaiswal equalled the record for most sixes in a Test innings
Cricket, with its rich history and evolving strategies, has witnessed numerous records that have fascinated fans around the globe. Among these, the spectacle of a batsman hitting sixes, sending the ball soaring over the boundary, stands out as one of the most exhilarating sights. This display of power and precision sums up the essence of modern cricket.
While Test cricket is traditionally viewed as the game's purest form, requiring patience, technique, and endurance, it has also been the stage for some of the most explosive batting performances in history. The narrative of Test cricket is filled with instances where batsmen have defied conventions, turning the tide with their audacity to go for the big hits.
In this article at OneCricket, we take a look into the records of the most sixes hit in a single innings of a Test match, a feat that combines brute strength with a flair for the dramatic.
1. Wasim Akram: 12 sixes
Wasim Akram (Twitter)
In the 1996 Test match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura, Wasim Akram played a historic knock of 257* not out, the highest score at number eight in Test cricket. The match started with Zimbabwe batting first and posting 375, thanks to centuries from Paul Strang and Grant Flower. Pakistan, in reply, were struggling at 183 for six when Akram came to the crease.
His partnership with Saqlain Mushtaq for the 8th wicket amassed 313 runs, a world record at the time. Akram's innings included 22 fours and 12 sixes. Despite his efforts, the match ended in a draw as Zimbabwe showed resistance in their second innings. Akram's performance earned him the Man of the Match award, and Pakistan won the subsequent Test to clinch the series.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: 12 sixes
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Twitter)
Young batting sensation, Yashasvi Jaiswal stunned the cricketing community with a second consecutive double-century in the third Test match against England in Rajkot recently. Overcoming back spasms that halted him at 104 on Day 3, Jaiswal resumed with determination on Day 4, dominating the English bowlers to score 200 in just 231 balls, including 14 fours and 10 sixes.
His innings on Day 4 began post Shubman Gill's exit at 91. Despite the pitch holding up and England's bowlers striving for breakthroughs, Jaiswal's disciplined approach saw him avoid risks, accumulating runs with ease. He notably accelerated, striking three sixes off James Anderson in a single over, showcasing his intent and skill. His remarkable effort propelled India to declare at 430/4, setting a massive 557-run target for England.
3. Nathan Astle: 11 sixes
Nathan Astle (Twitter)
Nathan Astle's innings against England in Christchurch in March 2002 is renowned for being the fastest double century in Test cricket at the time. Astle, facing a colossal target of 550, launched an aggressive counter-attack from the moment he arrived at the crease.
His breathtaking 222 off 168 balls, filled with 28 fours and 11 sixes, was a masterclass in power hitting. Despite this valiant effort, New Zealand fell short, losing by 98 runs, but Astle's innings remains proof of his exceptional batting brilliance and the thrilling spectacle of Test cricket.
4. Matthew Hayden: 11 sixes
Matthew Hayden (Twitter)
In October 2003. Matthew Hayden's record-breaking 380 against Zimbabwe in Perth showcased his dominance with aggressive stroke-making, including 38 fours and 11 sixes. His innings surpassed Brian Lara's previous record (375) and set the stage for Australia's commanding win by an innings and 175 runs after declaring at 735/6.
Zimbabwe, despite efforts by Gripper, Vermeulen, and Ervine, couldn't overcome Australia's massive total and the pressure from bowlers like Brett Lee and Andy Bichel, highlighting Hayden's significant impact on the match's outcome.
5. Brendon McCullum: 11 sixes
Brendon McCullum (Twitter)
In a display of sheer dominance, Brendon McCullum's blistering 195 off 134 balls, featuring 18 fours and 11 sixes, set the tone for New Zealand's commanding performance against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in December 2014.
Following McCullum's blitzkreig, New Zealand posted 441. They then skittled Sri Lanka for 138, enforced the follow-on, and despite a stronger second-innings performance from Sri Lanka, who scored 407, New Zealand clinically chased down the 105-run target with 8 wickets in hand, securing a comprehensive victory.
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