Sri Lanka’s legendary record for the highest score in Test cricket, 952/6 declared, remains a pinnacle achievement in the sport’s history. Achieved in 1997 against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, this match is often celebrated for its remarkable performances, especially the unforgettable contributions from Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama, who batted for over two days, forging an extraordinary partnership that demoralized the Indian bowling attack.
Sri Lanka’s Historic 952/6 in Test CricketIn that match, Sri Lanka batted with absolute dominance, with Jayasuriya playing one of the greatest innings in Test history. Jayasuriya scored a breathtaking 340 off 578 balls, a marathon knock filled with 36 fours and 2 sixes. This innings was not just a show of attacking brilliance but also patience, as he took nearly 800 minutes at the crease. His partner, Mahanama, who was typically an anchor in the middle-order, played a resilient 225 off 561 deliveries. Together, they formed a 576-run partnership for the second wicket, which is still the second-highest partnership in Test cricket history.Other significant contributors to this monumental score include Aravinda de Silva, who added 126 off 211 balls, and skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, who chipped in with 86 runs. Their contributions ensured Sri Lanka reached an almost mythical total, something no other team has come close to surpassing.
Indian Bowlers Who Faced Sri Lanka’s Onslaught
The Indian bowling lineup during that match featured prominent names like Anil Kumble and Venkatesh Prasad. Despite their abilities, they found it difficult to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen. Kumble, India’s legendary leg-spinner, bowled 72 overs, taking 2 wickets but at the cost of 223 runs. The young Harbhajan Singh also bowled tirelessly, conceding 187 runs from 54 overs, with one wicket to his name. India’s pace spearhead Venkatesh Prasad had no wickets to show for his 26 overs, while Nilesh Kulkarni, making his debut in that match, took the lone wicket of Marvan Atapattu, but he too was punished, leaking 195 runs in 70 overs.This Sri Lankan innings was a comprehensive display of their batting depth, resilience, and hunger for runs, which ultimately crushed India’s bowling spirits.
England’s Recent Record-Setting Stand Against Pakistan – October 2024
Fast forward to October 2024, England is making waves in their ongoing Test series against Pakistan. In the second Test of the series in Multan, England’s batting lineup has been sensational, especially the partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook. As of lunch on day four, England had amassed 658/3, led by this historic partnership, which has already rewritten the record books.
Joe Root’s Masterclass
Joe Root, one of England’s finest-ever Test batsmen, once again demonstrated his class with a marathon innings. Root was unbeaten on 259* at lunch, having faced 368 balls. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps was on full display, combining classical technique with the modern ability to adapt. This innings marked yet another double century in his illustrious career, a performance that cements his place among the all-time greats of Test cricket.
Harry Brook’s Rising Stardom
While Joe Root’s dominance is well known, Harry Brook has been the revelation of this series. His innings of 218* off 257 balls was equally impressive, showcasing a blend of aggression and control. Brook is fast emerging as one of England’s most promising talents, and this innings against a quality Pakistan bowling attack underlined his potential to become a mainstay in the English middle order.Together, Root and Brook put together a mammoth partnership of 409 runs by the lunch break, placing them in elite company in the annals of Test cricket partnerships. Their partnership is now the 15th highest in Test history, with the potential to rise further. As of now, they are closing in on England’s all-time record of 411, set back in 1957, and are within striking distance of the third-highest stand in Test history, which stands at 467.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Pakistan’s bowlers, much like India’s in 1997, have found themselves under relentless pressure. Shaheen Afridi, their premier pace bowler, has worked tirelessly without much reward, while Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed have also toiled on a flat Multan wicket. Pakistan’s first-innings score of 556, which seemed imposing at the time, now looks modest in comparison to England’s batting onslaught. However, with a lead of over 100 runs and plenty of time left in the match, England will be eyeing an even larger total to secure a strong position in this Test.
England’s Road Ahead – Can They Break Sri Lanka’s Record?
While England’s current score of 658/3 is impressive, they still have a long way to go if they are to challenge Sri Lanka’s record of 952/6. The flat wicket at Multan offers them the perfect platform to score freely, and with both Root and Brook well set at the crease, they have a real chance to push towards the 800-mark or even higher. However, surpassing Sri Lanka’s record will require sustained effort and patience.What remains to be seen is how aggressive England chooses to be in the latter stages of this innings. With bowlers like Mark Wood and Chris Woakes still to come, England has the depth to continue piling on the runs if needed. However, strategic considerations, including managing their bowlers’ workloads and ensuring they leave enough time to bowl Pakistan out a second time, may come into play.
Will England Break Sri Lanka’s Record?
Sri Lanka’s 952/6 stands as one of the most iconic Test scores in cricket history, a testament to the nation’s cricketing golden era. While England’s current performance against Pakistan is extraordinary, breaking this record remains a monumental challenge. With two set batsmen, the conditions are favorable for England, but it would require one of the greatest team efforts to surpass Sri Lanka’s legendary feat. As the match progresses, cricket fans worldwide will be watching to see if Root, Brook, and the rest of the England team can make history.If you’re following this thrilling Test match, stay tuned for live updates, as England continues its march towards a possible record-breaking score. Will they surpass Sri Lanka’s highest Test score, or will the record stand tall? Keep checking for match analysis, detailed scorecards, and all the latest cricket updates.
