Top 10 Most Runs in a Single Test Match: Legendary Performances

In Test cricket, where patience and endurance define greatness, some batters have played extraordinary innings that left a permanent mark on the game. Scoring a double century in one innings is an achievement in itself, but there are a few legends who’ve gone beyond by scoring massive totals in both innings of a single Test match or playing a single huge unbeaten knock.

These are the players who scored the most runs in a single Test match, combining both innings or through one outstanding marathon innings. Let’s dive into these amazing performances that proved why Test cricket is called the ultimate format.

List of Top 10 Most Runs in a Single Test Match

10. Garry Sobers – 365 Runs vs Pakistan (1958)*

Garry Sobers delivered one of the most graceful and dominant batting performances in Test history when he scored an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in Kingston in 1958. This innings broke the then-world record for the highest individual Test score. Sobers, known for his stylish left-handed stroke play, displayed immense concentration and stamina throughout his marathon knock. The pitch favored the batters, but it was Sobers’ flawless technique that stood out. This performance remains one of the greatest highlights of his career and is regularly cited when discussing the Most Runs in a Single Test Match.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Garry Sobers	365*	DNB	365	WI	Pakistan

9. Mahela Jayawardene – 374 Runs vs South Africa (2006)

Sri Lankan maestro Mahela Jayawardene scored a masterful 374 against South Africa at the SSC Ground in Colombo. His elegant stroke play and composure were on full display as he led his team to a massive first innings total. This knock remains the highest score by a Sri Lankan in Test cricket and one of the Most Runs in a Single Test Match. His partnership with Kumar Sangakkara during this match also broke the record for the highest partnership in Test history. Jayawardene’s innings was a masterclass in concentration and consistency.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Mahela Jayawardene	374	DNB	374	SL	SA

8. Brian Lara – 375 Runs vs England (1994)

Before his iconic 400*, Brian Lara had already made headlines with a record-breaking 375 against England at St John’s in 1994. This knock broke the long-standing record held by Garry Sobers. Lara’s innings was filled with attacking flair and stylish drives that left fans in awe. His natural timing and aggressive approach made the bowlers look helpless. This effort placed him among those with the Most Runs in a Single Test Match, even though it came in a single innings.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Brian Lara	375	DNB	375	WI	England

7. Andy Sandham – 375 Runs vs West Indies (1930)

Andy Sandham became the first player to score a triple century in Test cricket when he smashed 325 in the first innings and added 50 in the second against the West Indies in Kingston in 1930. His 375-run total was the highest match aggregate at that time, setting a benchmark in Test history. His performance came in a timeless Test, where runs flowed heavily, but Sandham’s name still shines in the Most Runs in a Single Test Match list.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Andy Sandham	325	50	375	ENG	WI

6. Matthew Hayden – 380 Runs vs Zimbabwe (2003)

Matthew Hayden bulldozed the Zimbabwe bowling attack with an explosive 380 at the WACA in 2003. Known for his power-hitting and dominating presence at the crease, Hayden played with ruthless aggression. He broke Brian Lara’s record temporarily before Lara reclaimed it. This was one of the Most Runs in a Single Test Match, and his innings showed how modern-day openers could dominate Test cricket.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Matthew Hayden	380	DNB	380	AUS	Zimbabwe

5. Greg Chappell – 380 Runs vs New Zealand (1974)

Greg Chappell showed his class with a commanding 247* in the first innings and 133 in the second against New Zealand in Wellington. His composure, elegance, and shot selection were textbook, and he demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest batters. His 380 runs in that match made it to the elite list of players with the Most Runs in a Single Test Match.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Greg Chappell	247*	133	380	AUS	NZ

4. Brian Lara – 400 Runs vs England (2004)*

Brian Lara reclaimed his world record with a legendary 400* against England at St John’s in 2004. His ability to bat for two full days, without giving a single chance, showcased his unparalleled skill. Lara remains the only player in cricket history to score 400 runs in a single Test innings. This marathon knock stands among the Most Runs in a Single Test Match, even though he didn’t need a second innings.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Brian Lara	400*	DNB	400	WI	England

3. Kumar Sangakkara – 424 Runs vs Bangladesh (2014)

Kumar Sangakkara displayed elegance and class during his 424-run performance against Bangladesh in Chattogram. With scores of 319 and 105, Sangakkara batted with authority and smooth technique. His double hundred and century in the same match made it one of the Most Runs in a Single Test Match by an Asian batter. He remains one of the few players to score centuries in both innings with a triple in the first.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Kumar Sangakkara	319	105	424	SL	BAN

2. Shubman Gill – 430 Runs vs England (2025)

Shubman Gill etched his name into cricket history with a monumental performance against England in Birmingham in July 2025. Gill scored 269 in the first innings and followed it up with a fluent 161 in the second. His total of 430 runs is now the second-highest match aggregate in Test cricket. With exceptional stroke play, concentration, and fitness, Gill showed the world why he is seen as the future of Indian cricket. His knock was a blend of modern flair and classical technique, earning him a place in the record books for the Most Runs in a Single Test Match.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Shubman Gill	269	161	430	IND	England

1. Graham Gooch – 456 Runs vs India (1990)

Topping the list is Graham Gooch with a record-breaking total of 456 runs against India at Lord’s in 1990. Gooch scored a majestic 333 in the first innings and followed it up with a commanding 123 in the second. His technique, determination, and hunger for runs made this the highest individual match aggregate in Test cricket. His performance is the ultimate example of the Most Runs in a Single Test Match.

Player	1st Innings	2nd Innings	Total Runs	Team	Opponent
Graham Gooch	333	123	456	ENG	India

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