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Test cricket, the traditional and purest form of the game, has witnessed some monumental batting performances over the years. While the format is often associated with grit and patience, there have been moments of absolute dominance where teams have posted colossal totals.
Such innings not only reflect the master class of batting but also the persistence required to bat for long periods and score big totals at the same time.
In the ongoing first Test against Pakistan, England showed the perfect example of maintaining a high-scoring rate throughout the innings and posting a huge total. There have been several instances of teams going on to post mammoth totals in Test cricket.
That said, let us take a look at the top five highest team totals in the history of Test match cricket.
Top 5 highest team totals in Test history
#5 WI vs PAK, 1958
In 1958, the West Indies amassed a commanding total of 790/3 decl. against Pakistan at Kingston. The innings was dominated by Garry Sobers, who scored an unbeaten 365, a record for the highest individual score at the time. Sobers was supported by Conrad Hunte, who made 260.
The West Indies declared after 208.1 overs and eventually went on to win the game by an innings and 174 runs. This match remains one of the defining moments in West Indies cricket history, showcasing their batting dominance during that era.
#4 ENG vs PAK, 2024
England feature thrice on this list. At number four comes their 823/7 decl. against Pakistan in Multan in the ongoing opening Test. Harry Brook was the standout performer with a blistering 317 off just 322 balls, while Joe Root held the innings together with a composed 262. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett contributed useful fifties, helping England reach their massive score at an impressive run rate of 5.48.
The match highlights the aggressive approach taken by England’s batters, reflecting their modern style of playing the longest format of cricket at a fast pace, also known famously as the 'bazball' approach.
#3 ENG vs WI, 1930
In 1930, during the fourth Test against the West Indies in Kingston, England posted an impressive 849 in their first innings. Andy Sandham was the star of the show, compiling a monumental 325 run-knock that led their charge. Les Ames chipped in with 149, while Bob Wyatt, George Gunn, and Patsy Hendren added valuable fifties.
Despite England’s huge total, the match ended in a draw, with the West Indies displaying their resilience by batting through the fourth and final innings of the game.
#2 ENG vs AUS, 1938
In the Ashes series of 1938, England posted a staggering 903/7 declared against Australia at The Oval in the fifth Test. This innings remains particularly memorable for Len Hutton's mammoth 364, which was the highest individual score in Test cricket at the time. His 847-ball effort was complemented by contributions from Maurice Leyland (187) and Joe Hardstaff (169*).
England declared after 335.2 overs, and Australia, overwhelmed by the mountain of runs, were bowled out twice, handing England a scintillating victory by an innings and 579 runs. This remains England’s highest total in the format and the second-highest in the history of the game as well.
#1 SL vs IND, 1997
Sri Lanka holds the record for the highest team total in Test cricket, a stunning 952/6 declared against India in Colombo in 1997. After India posted a strong 537/8 declared in the first innings, Sri Lanka's reply was nothing short of extraordinary. Sanath Jayasuriya led the way with a massive knock of 340 off 578 balls, supported by Roshan Mahanama's patient 225.
The pair shared a record 576-run partnership for the second wicket. Aravinda de Silva added 126 to extend the onslaught. After 271 overs of batting, Sri Lanka declared their innings at 952/6, as the match ended in a draw. This remains the highest team total in the history of the format to date.
