Top 5 highest individual scores by Australian batsmen in day-night tests

Australia played their first day-night test in 2015 against New Zealand.

Australia have been a pioneer in the day-night test format. They have played the most pink ball test matches, embracing the new innovation like no other nation.

The first day-night test was played between Australia and New Zealand at the iconic Adelaide Oval in 2015. The hosts defeated New Zealand by three wickets to mark the beginning of a new era of test cricket.

One distinguishing feature of the pink ball is the extra swing and seam movement it offers under lights. The pink ball offers a lot more help for the bowlers in the third session of the day.

Despite this challenge, a few Australian batsmen have been able to negate the difficulties and posted big knocks. In this article, we will take a look at the top five highest individual scores by Australian batsmen in day-night tests.

Top five highest individual scores by Australian batsmen in day-night tests:

5. Usman Khawaja – 145 vs South Africa, 2016

Usman Khawaja’s century in the pink-ball test against South Africa in 2016 saw him become the first Australian batsman to score a century in a day-night test match. Trailing 2-0 in the three-match series, the Adelaide test was Australia’s last shot at saving pride at home.

Khawaja’s 145-run knock pushed Australia to the score of 383 runs in the first innings. The hosts ultimately won the game by seven wickets and the southpaw was named Player of the Match.

4. Marnus Labuschagne – 162 vs Pakistan, 2019

Marnus Labuschagne announced his arrival in test cricket through stellar performances in 2019. Playing a key role for Australia in Ashes 2019, Labuschagne then piled up runs against Pakistan during the home season.

One of his best performances that year came at the Adelaide Oval against Pakistan, where he amassed 162 runs with the help of 22 boundaries in a day-night encounter.

Labuschagne and Warner added 361 runs for the second wicket. Australia won the test by an innings and 48 runs.

3. Marnus Labuschagne – 163 vs West Indies, 2022

Labuschagne repeated his Adelaide heroics three years later, this time against the West Indies. Opting to bat first, Australia were boosted by a remarkable fourth-wicket partnership between Labuschagne and Travis Head, who combined for a massive 290-run stand.

Labuschagne’s 163-run knock, which included 14 boundaries, helped the hosts score over 500 runs in their first innings. Australia wrapped up the game on Day 4, securing a comfortable 409-run victory.

2. Travis Head – 175 vs West Indies, 2022

Travis Head blew away the West Indies in the pink ball test in 2022. Playing in his home town Adelaide, Head counterattacked, smashing 175 off 209 balls with 20 fours.

Head’s innings propelled Australia to a daunting score of 511 runs in the first innings. The hosts ultimately won the game by 409 runs and Head was named Player of the Match.

1. David Warner – 335* vs Pakistan, 2019

Regarded as one of Australia’s greatest-ever openers, David Warner holds the record for the highest score in a day-night test match for his knock of 335 not out against Pakistan in 2019 at Adelaide.

Batting first on a flat wicket in Adelaide, Warner hammered the Pakistani bowling lineup, scoring a triple-century with a strike rate of over 80.

Warner’s innings, which included 39 fours and a six, helped the hosts defeat Pakistan by an innings and 48 runs. The opener was named Player of the Match for his historic knock.

(All stats are updated till 3rd December 2024)

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