In cricket, what is the highest individual score in Test cricket?
VerifiedAnswer: Brian Lara's 400 not out.
Explanation:
The highest individual score in Test cricket belongs to the legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara, who scored an incredible 400 not out against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John's, Antigua, in April 2004. This magnificent innings remains unbeaten and stands as one of cricket's most remarkable individual achievements.
What makes this feat even more special is that Lara had previously held the record with his 375 against England in 1994, only to see it broken by Australia's Matthew Hayden who scored 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003. Not one to be outdone, Lara reclaimed his throne in spectacular fashion by becoming the first and only batsman to score 400 runs in a Test match innings.
The innings was a masterclass in batting excellence, lasting 582 balls (nearly 97 overs) and included 43 boundaries and 4 sixes. Lara batted for over 12 hours across two days, showcasing extraordinary concentration, stamina, and skill. His knock helped the West Indies post a massive first innings total of 751 for 5 declared, ultimately leading to a 10-wicket victory over England.
This record has stood for nearly two decades now, and considering the demands of modern cricket with packed international schedules, it's quite possible that Lara's 400 not out will remain the highest individual Test score for many years to come. The achievement perfectly encapsulates why Brian Lara is considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
