Stats: Top 5 highest individual scores in Test cricket

Over the years, test cricket has seen some incredible individual performances from batsmen who have written history by pushing the boundaries of skill and focus. These lengthy innings are uncommon achievements that demonstrate total control of the opposition and the circumstances.

 Recently, Wiaan Mulder joined a list of players who have consistently achieved the top five individual scores in Test cricket, adding a new name to this prestigious club. In addition to leaving his mark on history, his knock served as a reminder to spectators of the elegance of long-format batting.  These innings frequently change the outcome of a game and go down in cricket history as significant turning points.

Here are the Top 5 highest individual scores in Test cricket:

5. Wiaan Mulder- 367*

Wiaan Mulder of South Africa made history by scoring an undefeated 367 against Zimbabwe in the second Test. Mulder faced 334 balls while making his captaincy debut, hitting 49 fours and four sixes in his long knock. South Africa dominated the game with 626/6d thanks to his innings.

Mulder's work demonstrated his ability to lead from the front and earned him a spot on this esteemed list. For the all-rounder, it was a career-defining occasion since it was the highest Test score ever recorded by a player making their captaincy debut. He also respected Brian Lara’s record of 400*, by declaring the innings with him 34 runs short of it.

4. Mahela Jayawardene- 374

Mahela Jayawardene batted for more than 11 hours against a top-tier South African assault, and his 374 came under trying Sri Lankan circumstances. He and Kumar Sangakkara (287) created a record 624-run partnership as he hit 43 fours and one six in his 572-ball stay. It continues to be the highest Test score ever achieved by a Sri Lankan.

In addition to helping his team to a huge score, Jayawardene's innings demonstrated his extraordinary focus and traditional strokeplay. For almost twenty years, his knock was the fourth-highest individual Test score. Sri Lanka posted 756/6d and won the Test by an innings and 153 runs despite South Africa making 169 and 434.

3. Brian Lara- 375

The legendary 375 that Brian Lara scored against England in 1994 broke the previous record of 365 set by Sir Gary Sobers. In an almost faultless demonstration of timing and control, he faced 538 balls and hit 45 fours. Lara declared himself a generational talent at the age of just twenty-four.

The cricket world was captivated by this innings, which was played in Antigua with Sir Gary Sobers in attendance. This innings became legendary in cricket thanks to Lara's composure and aggressiveness against a formidable English bowling outfit.

2. Matthew Hayden- 380

Matthew Hayden broke Lara's world record when he hammered 380 runs off 437 balls against Zimbabwe. With a strike rate of around 87, he scored 38 boundaries and 11 sixes during his innings. He dominated from the first ball in a vicious display of accuracy and power hitting.

Hayden's triple ton was completed in just over ten hours while playing on a flat WACA pitch. Despite the favorable batting conditions, his innings was memorable because of its size and fluidity. Australia won by an innings and 175 runs after posting 735/6d and thrashing Zimbabwe for 239 and 321 runs.

1. Brian Lara- 400*

At the same location as his previous record, Brian Lara's unbroken 400 against England was a brilliant way to recapture his world mark from Matthew Hayden. In a 778-minute masterclass, he struck 43 fours and four sixes while facing 582 balls. In Test cricket, it is still the only quadruple century.  

Under pressure to salvage the series, Lara's 400* was a testament to her tenacity and brilliance. Since then, no batter has been as stylish or as dominant as he was during that historic inning.

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