The first innings establish the storyline of a match in the vast theatre of Test cricket. It's a field where batting skill is showcased, partnerships are formed, and records are carved into the game’s history. This piece explores the incredible totals that teams have scored in the first innings of Test matches, highlighting the highest level of batting performance. These innings, marked by memorable partnerships and unrelenting run-scoring, have not only defined matches but also become significant moments in Test cricket history. These are 10 of the highest first-inning totals from the hallowed grounds, where batsmen have created cricketing symphonies with their willows.
1. England Vs Australia, 1938
In a match England won by an astounding margin of an innings and 579 runs, they etched a gigantic 903 runs in their first innings. Hutton was the top scorer with 364 runs, followed by Leyland and Hardstaff with centuries of their own. They declared on 903 and ripped apart the Australian batting lineup.
2. England Vs West Indies, 1930
The second-highest first innings total saw contributions from plenty of English batters. There were four fifties each from Gunn, Wyatt, Hendren, and O’Connor, a hundred from Ames and a triple century from Sandham. England ended up scoring 849 runs, batting for more than 250 overs! The match ended in a draw due to a second-innings fightback from West Indies.
3. West Indies Vs England, 2004
West Indies declared their innings on a massive 751 runs in a match that saw the legendary Brian Lara etch the highest-ever individual score in test cricket history, hitting 400. A century from Jacobs and half-centuries from Gayle and Sarwan meant that West Indies did not need to bat again. A second-innings fightback from England enabled them to draw the match.
4. Australia Vs Zimbabwe, 2003
Hayden went berserk in this match, scoring 380 runs with 38 fours and 11 maximums. A century from Gilchrist and half-centuries each from Martyn and Waugh, backed Hayden’s innings. Australia did not need to bat again as they won the match by an innings and 175 runs. Hayden was adjudged the player of the match for his fiery knock.
5. Pakistan Vs England, 1987
An incredible batting display from Pakistan saw them reach a score of 708 runs in their innings. The most notable contributions towards this total included a double century from Javed Miandad, centuries from Malik and Khan, and half-centuries from Nazar and Ahmed. Although England crumbled in the first innings, they managed to bat better in the second innings to draw the game.
6. India Vs Australia, 2004
A 350 run plus partnership featuring Tendulkar and Laxman saw India to a massive score of 705 runs after which they declared. While Laxman fell on 178, Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 241. In addition, Sehwag and Patel scored half-centuries to take the scoreboard forward. A good batting display from Australia ensured the match ended in a draw.
7. Australia Vs England, 1934
Australia’s first innings was carried by two men, Ponsford, and Bradman. Bradman’s innings of 244 included 32 fours and a maximum, while Ponsford’s innings of 266 included 27 fours. A poor batting display by England meant that Australia won the match by 562 runs.The partnership between Bradman, and Ponsford was a massive 451 runs!
8. India Vs Bangladesh, 2017
In a match that saw a lot of players scoring big runs, India knocked 687 runs and declared the innings. Half-centuries each from Pujara, Rahane and Jadeja, with centuries from Vijay and Saha, backed by a double century from Virat Kohli. A good bowling display saw India win the match by 208 runs.
9. England Vs West Indies, 1976
A massive 291 runs from Vivian Richards, which included 38 fours, backed by half-centuries from Fredericks, Rowe, Llyod, and King, saw West Indies go to a mammoth total of 687 before declaring their innings. In the end, West Indies won by 231 runs, thanks to a good performance from the bowling unit.
10. West Indies Vs England, 1954
A partnership of more than 350 runs between Everton Weekes and Frank Worell saw West Indies reach a massive score of 681 runs before declaring their innings. Weekes scored a double ton, followed by Worell and Walcott with centuries and a half-centuries Atkinson. England batted well to take the match to a draw.
