In the storied annals of Test cricket, few feats have captured the imagination of fans quite like Brian Lara’s unbeaten 400. Scored against England at St. John’s, Antigua, on April 10, 2004, this monumental innings remains the highest individual score in Test cricket—a record that has stood unchallenged for over two decades.
The Record-Breaking Innings
Lara’s 400* came during the fourth Test of England’s tour of the West Indies. Batting for 778 minutes and facing 582 balls, Lara struck 43 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing a masterclass in concentration, technique, and flair. His innings helped West Indies post a mammoth total of 751/5 declared, and the match ended in a draw—but the record was etched in history.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Lara had previously held the record with 375 runs, also against England in 1994. When Matthew Hayden briefly surpassed him with a 380-run knock in 2003, Lara reclaimed the crown less than a year later, becoming the only player in Test history to reclaim the highest individual score.
Other Legendary Scores
While Lara’s 400* sits at the summit, several other innings have come close:
Matthew Hayden – 380 vs Zimbabwe (2003)
Mahela Jayawardene – 374 vs South Africa (2006)
Garfield Sobers – 365* vs Pakistan (1958)
Len Hutton – 364 vs Australia (1938)
These innings, played across eras and continents, reflect the evolution of batting in Test cricket—from gritty marathons to aggressive dominance.
???????? India’s Best: Sehwag Leads the Pack
For India, the highest individual Test score belongs to Virender Sehwag, who smashed 319 runs against South Africa in Chennai in 2008. Known for his fearless strokeplay, Sehwag remains the only Indian to breach the 300-run mark in Tests.
A Record That Defines Greatness
Brian Lara’s 400* is more than just a number—it’s a symbol of endurance, elegance, and excellence. In an era where cricket has evolved into faster formats, this record stands as a tribute to the timeless beauty of Test cricket. And as each generation of batters tries to scale this Everest, Lara’s name continues to echo through cricketing history.