Five Greatest Batters Who Scored 400 or More Runs in a Single Test Match

Scoring 400 or more runs in a single Test match is one of the rarest and most remarkable achievements in cricket. It demands exceptional batting skill, unyielding concentration, and mental toughness to dominate across both innings and compile such monumental totals. Only a handful of batsmen in cricket history have managed this feat, earning their place among the sport's legends.

Here’s a look at the five greatest batsmen who have scored 400 or more runs in a single Test match

Graham Gooch (England) – 456 Runs

Graham Gooch holds the world record for the most runs scored in a single Test match. Representing England, he achieved this historic feat against India at Lord’s in July 1990. Gooch scored an extraordinary 333 runs in the first innings and followed it up with 123 in the second. His aggregate of 456 runs across both innings remains the highest in Test history. It was a performance that defined his legacy and set a benchmark for future generations.

Shubman Gill (India) – 430 Runs

India’s young sensation and current Test captain, Shubman Gill, secured his place in cricketing history with an outstanding performance against England in Birmingham in July 2025. Gill amassed a total of 430 runs in the match, with 269 in the first innings and 161 in the second. This made him the first Asian batsman and the second player in the world to cross the 430-run mark in a single Test. His innings was praised not only for the volume of runs but also for his maturity, timing, and flair.

Mark Taylor (Australia) – 426 Runs

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor delivered a spectacular batting display against Pakistan in Peshawar in October 1998. Taylor remained unbeaten on 334 in the first innings and then contributed 92 more in the second innings, taking his total to 426 runs in the match. His consistency and calm leadership at the crease were critical to Australia’s dominance in that Test. Taylor’s score stood as the highest by an Australian in a Test match for several years.

Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 424 Runs

Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara demonstrated his classical batting prowess against Bangladesh in Chattogram in February 2014. In a masterful performance, Sangakkara scored 319 runs in the first innings and added 105 in the second, bringing his match total to 424. Known for his elegant stroke play and remarkable temperament, Sangakkara's innings was a perfect example of how technique and determination can yield great rewards in Test cricket.

Brian Lara (West Indies) – 400 Runs

Brian Lara, one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game, holds the record for the highest individual score in a single Test innings. On April 12, 2004, facing England at Antigua, Lara played a historic unbeaten knock of 400 runs off 582 deliveries. His innings included 43 fours and 4 sixes and came at a time when West Indies cricket was in desperate need of a resurgence. Even more than two decades later, Lara’s feat remains untouched. It stands as a shining symbol of dominance, grace, and cricketing genius.

Scoring over 400 runs in a single Test match is a remarkable accomplishment that demands technical mastery, mental endurance, and physical stamina. Each of these five batsmen not only achieved a statistical milestone but also delivered performances that left an indelible mark on cricketing history. Their monumental totals continue to inspire young cricketers worldwide, reminding us of the heights that determination and brilliance can reach on the field.