Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings of Test Cricket: Unforgettable Records

Test cricket is a game of skill, patience, and pressure. But when the game enters the second innings, it becomes even tougher. Players have to fight not only the bowlers but also the pitch and match situation. Despite these challenges, a few greats of the game have gone on to register the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings of Test matches.

List of Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings of Test Cricket

10. Bob Cowper – 307 vs England (1966)

Bob Cowper was not a flashy player, but he had the technique and concentration to play long innings. In the fifth Test of the 1965/66 Ashes series, Cowper batted for over 12 hours and scored a majestic 307 runs. It was a patient knock that helped Australia fight back strongly against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His shot selection was near-perfect, and this innings remains one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings in Test history.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Bob Cowper	307	England	1966

9. Hashim Amla – 311 vs England (2012)*

Hashim Amla produced a batting masterclass at The Oval in 2012. His unbeaten 311 was all about patience, elegant drives, and flawless timing. Amla was unshakable as he stayed at the crease for more than 13 hours. His knock not only helped South Africa post a massive total but also became one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings by a visiting player in England. Amla’s calmness under pressure was simply unmatched.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Hashim Amla	311*	England	2012

8. Younis Khan – 313 vs Sri Lanka (2009)

Pakistan’s batting legend Younis Khan played a captain’s innings at the National Stadium in Karachi in 2009. Facing a strong Sri Lankan bowling attack, Younis showed great patience and focus to score 313 runs. His double and triple century milestones were filled with elegant drives and strong footwork. This innings was a perfect example of leadership and one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings ever by a Pakistani batsman.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Younis Khan	313	Sri Lanka	2009

7. Chris Gayle – 317 vs South Africa (2005)

Chris Gayle was at his destructive best during the 2005 series against South Africa. Playing at the Antigua Recreation Ground, Gayle smashed 317 runs, including plenty of sixes and boundaries. His fearless batting and natural stroke-making made it one of the most entertaining entries on the list of Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings. It was the first triple century by a West Indian since Garry Sobers.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Chris Gayle	317	South Africa	2005

6. Virender Sehwag – 319 vs South Africa (2008)

Virender Sehwag turned Chepauk Stadium into a theatre of destruction with his 319-run knock against South Africa. It came at a time when India needed a strong reply, and Sehwag did it in style with aggression and confidence. His triple hundred came off just 278 balls, making it one of the fastest in Test history. This remains one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings by an Indian player.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Virender Sehwag	319	South Africa	2008

5. Michael Clarke – 329 vs India (2012)*

Michael Clarke played one of the most graceful innings in modern Test cricket. His 329* at the Sydney Cricket Ground was filled with cover drives, flicks, and intelligent shot placement. Clarke batted with complete control and composure, guiding Australia to a massive total. It’s one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings that remained unbeaten and helped his team dominate India.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Michael Clarke	329*	India	2012

4. Wally Hammond – 336 vs New Zealand (1933)*

Wally Hammond was one of the greatest batsmen of the early 20th century. In 1933, he played an extraordinary innings of 336 not out in Auckland. Facing a fresh New Zealand side, Hammond’s classic batting style, excellent footwork, and calmness helped him record one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings of Test history. It was a record at that time and showed his ability to bat forever.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Wally Hammond	336*	New Zealand	1933

3. Sanath Jayasuriya – 340 vs India (1997)

Sanath Jayasuriya turned Colombo into a run-scoring paradise in 1997. Against a strong Indian side, he hammered 340 runs in the second innings filled with attacking strokes and high strike rate. Jayasuriya’s innings helped Sri Lanka reach a massive 952/6 declared, the highest team total in Test history. His explosive approach and long stay at the crease make it one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings ever played.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Sanath Jayasuriya	340	India	1997

2. Garry Sobers – 365 vs Pakistan (1958)*

Sir Garry Sobers, at the age of 21, created history with an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan at Sabina Park. His batting was smooth, stylish, and unstoppable. This incredible knock was a mix of natural flair and disciplined shot selection. For years, this remained the highest score in Test cricket and is still one of the Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings that people remember with awe.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Garry Sobers	365*	Pakistan	1958

1. Mahela Jayawardene – 374 vs South Africa (2006)

Mahela Jayawardene played the innings of a lifetime in 2006 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. His 374-run masterpiece came during a historic partnership with Kumar Sangakkara. Jayawardene’s mental toughness, shot selection, and ability to score in all directions were on full display. This knock is not only the highest by a Sri Lankan but also stands tall as the highest among all Highest Individual Scores in the 2nd Innings of Test cricket.

Player	Score	Opponent	Year
Mahela Jayawardene	374	South Africa	2006

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