Test cricket, the pinnacle of the sport, has witnessed some extraordinary batting performances over the years. England, a powerhouse in the cricketing world, boasts a rich history of remarkable innings. In this article, we delve into England’s highest Test scores, highlighting the moments when the English batsmen displayed their mastery and etched their names in cricketing folklore.
In the rich history of Test cricket, England’s batsmen have etched their names in the record books with their highest team scores. From the jaw-dropping 903/7 declared against Australia in 1938 to the recent dominance with 823/7 against Pakistan in 2024, these monumental innings exemplify England’s batting prowess.
Join us as we explore the unforgettable moments and extraordinary performances that have shaped England’s highest Test scores, leaving an indelible mark on cricketing history.
Highest Team Totals for England in Tests
| Score (Overs) | Innings | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 903/7d (335.2) | 1 | Australia | The Oval | 20 Aug 1938 |
| 849 (258.2) | 1 | West Indies | Kingston | 3 Apr 1930 |
| 823/7d (150.0) | 2 | Pakistan | Multan | 7 Oct 2024 |
| 710/7d (188.1) | 2 | India | Birmingham | 10 Aug 2011 |
| 658/8d (188.0) | 1 | Australia | Nottingham | 10 Jun 1938 |
| 657 (101.0) | 1 | Pakistan | Rawalpindi | 1 Dec 2022 |
| 654/5 (218.2×8) | 4 | South Africa | Durban | 3 Mar 1939 |
| 653/4d (162.0) | 1 | India | Lord’s | 26 Jul 1990 |
| 652/7d (175.0) | 2 | India | Chennai | 13 Jan 1985 |
| 644 (177.5) | 2 | Australia | Sydney | 3 Jan 2011 |
Key Stats
During the fifth Test of the 1938 Ashes series, England etched their name in cricketing history by amassing a staggering 903 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Led by Leonard Hutton’s magnificent 364, Maurice Leyland’s 187, and Joe Hardstaff’s 169, England’s batting lineup dismantled the Australian bowling attack. This monumental score remains England’s highest in Test cricket.
During the same series in 1938, England once again showcased their batting might against their arch-rivals, Australia. In the second Test at Nottingham, England declared their innings at 658 runs for the loss of eight wickets – another entry in the above list from the same tour. Eddie Paynter starred with an outstanding 216, complemented by significant contributions from Charlie Barnett (126) and Leonard Hutton (100). This formidable score helped England secure a convincing victory in the Test match.
In a recent Test match against Pakistan in 2024, England notched up an imposing total of 823 runs in their first innings. The team’s batting unit delivered a collective effort, with double centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, along with solid contributions from other batters. Brook converted this knock to a fantastic triple century – only the 6th English player to do so.
This Test match against Pakistan resulted in a shocking Pakistani loss even after scoring more than 500 runs in their first innings – read here about the once-in-a-career stunt by Pakistan.
Another time England posted a massive 800+ knock in the Test arena was in the first Test of England’s 1930 tour of the West Indies. The English batters showcased their dominance by posting a colossal total of 849 runs. The star of the innings was the legendary Andy Sandham, who etched his name in the record books with a score of 325. Les Ames (149) and George Gunn (85) also contributed significantly, guiding England to an imposing position in the match.
In a high-scoring encounter against India in 2011, England exhibited their batting prowess by compiling a commanding total of 710 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The opening batsman, Alastair Cook, spearheaded the innings with an exceptional knock of 294, narrowly missing out on a triple century. Eoin Morgan (104) and Captain Andrew Strauss (87) also made substantial contributions. England’s dominant batting display set the stage for a comprehensive victory.
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