Brian Lara’s 400* against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score in Test cricket. It was a masterclass of timing, concentration, and shot selection that has stood untouched for nearly two decades.
Key Takeaways
Innings: Brian Lara scored an unbeaten 400 runs in a Test match against England in 2004.
Record: It is the highest individual score in Test cricket history.
Match Context: Played at Antigua, Lara faced 582 balls, hitting 43 fours and 4 sixes.
Fitness & Endurance: Ran 204 runs between the wickets, batting over 778 minutes.
Legacy: The record stands unbroken for 19+ years and is considered almost untouchable.
Opposition: England had no answers to Lara’s dominance, despite being one of the top Test sides at the time.
What is the highest individual score in Test cricket history?
Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, scoring 400 against England in 2004.* This remains unmatched to date, cementing his place in cricket history as the only player to ever score a quadruple century in Tests.
Brian Lara Created History in Antigua
On April 10, 2004, Brian Lara walked in against England and delivered one of the most iconic performances in cricket. Facing 582 deliveries and spending over 12 hours at the crease, he scored an unbeaten 400 runs — a feat unmatched in Test history. Lara's knock included 43 boundaries and 4 sixes, helping West Indies post a massive 751/5 declared.
England’s bowlers were rendered helpless. Lara played them with precision and elegance, scoring freely across all areas of the ground. The innings was not just about power; it was about technique, temperament, and total domination.
Check here Best innings of Brian Lara
A Masterclass for the Ages
Lara’s 400* was more than just a number. It was a tutorial for young cricketers on how to build a Test innings. His ability to maintain focus for nearly two full days of play, his running between the wickets, and his effortless stroke play made it an exhibition of world-class batsmanship. With 172 runs coming just in boundaries, he still managed to run 204 runs — highlighting his elite fitness and mental strength.
A Record That Will Likely Never Be Broken
Some records in cricket feel untouchable — Lara’s 400*, Muralitharan’s 800 Test wickets, and Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries. Despite modern advancements in batting and fitness, no player has seriously threatened Lara’s milestone. He also holds the third-highest Test score of 375, further proving his dominance in the longest format.
Watch the Brian Lara 400* Innings Highlights
