Cricket has always been a sport filled with exciting moments, especially when it comes to breaking records. One of the most impressive achievements is scoring the most runs in a single day of a Test match.
This accomplishment shows a player’s incredible focus and amazing batting skills. These special days in cricket are remembered not just for the results, but for the stunning performances that push the boundaries of the sport.
Even with the rise of T20 cricket, which has changed the way the game is played by encouraging faster and more aggressive batting, only one instance from the modern era is among the top five days where a team scored the most runs in a Test match.
England vs Pakistan – 506/4, December 2022
In December 2022, during a Test match in Rawalpindi, Pakistan took on England in a game that showed just how much Test cricket has changed, influenced by faster formats like T20 and a more aggressive style known as ‘Bazball.’
On the first day, England’s batsmen went all out, scoring a huge 506 runs while losing only four wickets. What made this even more impressive was that they did it in just 75 overs before the day’s play ended.
Zak Crawley (122), Ben Duckett (107), Ollie Pope (104), and Harry Brook (153) all hit incredible centuries, putting England in a strong position at 506/4.
This match highlighted how the fast-paced approach, usually seen in T20 games, has found its way into Test cricket, proving that quick scoring isn’t just for limited-overs matches.
England vs Pakistan 1st Test Match, December 2022
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Total Runs Scored (Day 1) | Wickets Lost | Overs Played | Top Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAK vs ENG | December 2022 | Pakistan Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team | Rawalpindi, Pakistan | 506 | 4 | 75 | Zak Crawley (122), Ben Duckett (107), Ollie Pope (104), Harry Brook (153) |
England vs South Africa – 508/8, August 1935
Another remarkable day in cricket history took place on August 17, 1935, at The Oval, during the fifth Test between England and South Africa.
England started Day 3 in a strong position, with the score at 313/4. Their batsmen continued to pile on the runs, adding 221 more before declaring at 534/6. Wally Hammond led the charge with a superb 161, while Maurice Leyland contributed a brilliant 148.
By the end of the day, South Africa had scored 287/6, and the match ended in a draw. However, what made the day special was the 508 runs scored in total, making it a day of non-stop action and relentless scoring.
England vs South Africa Scorecard, 5th Test Match, Aug 1935
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | England Score (Day 3) | Wickets Lost (Day 3) | Runs Added (Day 3) | Top Scorers | South Africa Score (Day 3) | Total Runs Scored (Day 3) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England vs. South Africa | August 17, 1935 | England vs. South Africa | The Oval, England | 534/6 (declared) | 2 | 221 | Wally Hammond (161), Maurice Leyland (148) | 287/6 | 508 | Draw |
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – 509/9, July 2002
In July 2002, in Colombo, Sri Lanka faced Bangladesh in a Test match that quickly turned into a one-sided contest. After bowling out Bangladesh for just 161, Sri Lanka ended the first day comfortably at 32 without losing a wicket.
The next day, Sri Lanka’s batsmen took full control of the game, piling up 509 runs in a single day. Aravinda de Silva played a stunning innings of 206, while captain Sanath Jayasuriya added a commanding 145, leaving Bangladesh’s bowlers with no answers.
Sri Lanka declared at 541 for 9, and it was clear that a victory was on the horizon. Bangladesh, struggling again, was bowled out for 184 in their second innings, giving Sri Lanka an easy win by an innings and 196 runs.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Scorecard, 1st Test Match, Jul 2002
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Bangladesh 1st Innings | Sri Lanka Day 2 Score | Wickets Lost (Day 2) | Top Scorers | Bangladesh 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh | July 2002 | Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh | Colombo, Sri Lanka | 161 | 541/9 (declared) | 9 | Aravinda de Silva (206), Sanath Jayasuriya (145) | 184 | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 196 runs |
England vs South Africa – 522/2, June 1924
In June 1924, at Lord’s, England faced South Africa in a memorable Test match. After bowling out South Africa for 273, England started Day 2 at 28 without losing a wicket. What followed was an incredible display of batting.
Jack Hobbs led the charge with a brilliant double century, scoring 211. He was supported by Herbert Sutcliffe, who made 122, and Frank Woolley, who remained unbeaten with 134. England declared at 531 for 2, adding a massive 503 runs in a single day.
South Africa, stunned by England’s dominance, finished the day at 19 without losing a wicket. In total, 522 runs were scored that day for the loss of just two wickets. England’s powerful batting eventually led them to a comfortable victory by an innings and 18 runs.
England vs South Africa Scorecard, 2nd Test Match, Jun 1924
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | South Africa 1st Innings | England Day 2 Score | Wickets Lost (Day 2) | Top Scorers | South Africa Day 2 Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England vs. South Africa | June 1924 | England vs. South Africa | Lord’s, England | 273 | 531/2 (declared) | 2 | Jack Hobbs (211), Herbert Sutcliffe (122), Frank Woolley (134*) | 19/0 | England won by an innings and 18 runs |
England vs India – 588/6, July 1936
On a scorching day in July 1936, Old Trafford, Manchester, saw an incredible display of batting during the second Test between England and India. England started the day in a strong position and added an impressive 398 runs while losing six wickets.
India, determined to respond, came out with confidence and quickly reached 190 without losing a wicket by the end of the day.
By the close of play, a remarkable 588 runs had been scored in one day. Though the match ended in a draw, this day remains memorable for the sheer number of runs added to the scoreboard.
England vs India Scorecard, 2nd Test Match, Jul 1936
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | England Day Score | Wickets Lost (Day) | India Day Score | Wickets Lost (India) | Total Runs Scored (Day) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England vs. India | July 1936 | England vs. India | Old Trafford, Manchester | 398/6 | 6 | 190/0 | 0 | 588 | Match ended in a draw |
