Top 5 highest partnerships in test cricket

Only two times a 500+ runs partnership has been made in the test cricket.

Test cricket is regarded as the toughest cricket format of the three formats. It has seen many legendary batsmen rising to the occasion to prove their mettle through sheer class and consistency while fighting mental and physical fatigue to play long knocks.

In test cricket, partnerships play a huge role in shaping the outcome of a match. Long partnerships showcase the skills, determination, and mutual understanding between two batters.

In the history of test cricket, there have been plenty of career-defining partnerships that have not only impacted the outcome of the test match but of the entire series. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five highest partnerships for any wicket in test cricket history till now.

Top five highest partnerships in test cricket:

5. Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford (AUS) – 451 runs vs England, 1934

The fifth-highest partnership in test cricket is of 451 runs between Australia’s Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford for the second wicket against England in the fifth test match at the Oval in the Ashes 1934.

Batting first, Bradman (244) and Ponsford (266) played monstrous knocks, stitching a huge partnership of 451 runs, which guided Australia to 701 runs.

In reply, England were bundled out for 321 runs. Australia made 327 in their second innings and set a huge target of 708 runs for England. While chasing, England were blown away for 145 runs and lost by 562 runs.

4. Harry Brook and Joe Root (ENG) – 454 runs vs Pakistan, 2024

England’s Harry Brook and Joe Root recorded the fourth-highest partnership in the test cricket. The duo achieved this feat during the first test match against Pakistan in Multan on the 2024 tour.

Batting first, Pakistan made a good score of 556 runs after opener Abdullah Shafique, skipper Shan Masood and Agha Salman notched up brilliant centuries. In England’s first innings, the duo of Brook and Root showcased their class against a potent Pakistan bowling attack.

For the fourth wicket, Brook and Root added 454 runs, which took England to a commanding position. Root made a double century and Brook notched up a triple century.

3. Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones (NZ) – 467 runs vs Sri Lanka, Wellington, 1991

The third-highest partnership in test cricket is between New Zealand’s Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones of 467 runs against Sri Lanka in the Wellington test match in 1991.

Batting first, Sri Lanka made 497 runs after Aravinda de Silva scored 267 runs in his knock. In reply, New Zealand were bundled out for just 174 runs. Sri Lanka enforced the follow-on on New Zealand.

In New Zealand’s second innings, Andrew Jones and skipper Martin Crowe played match-saving knocks. Jones made 186 and Martin scored 299 runs. The duo stitched a 467-run stand for the third wicket. Their heroic efforts helped hosts New Zealand draw the match.

2. Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama (SL) 576 runs vs India, Colombo 1997

Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama hold the record for the second-highest partnership in test cricket of 576 runs. They achieved it against India in 1997 in Colombo.

Batting first, India declared at 537/8 after Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin notched up brilliant centuries.

In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Sanath Jayasuriya (340) and Roshan Mahanama (225) forged a mammoth stand of 576 runs for the second wicket. This was the first ever 500-run partnership in test cricket.

The match was drawn after Sri Lanka declared at 952/6 in the first innings, which is the highest total in test cricket.

1. Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 624 runs vs South Africa, Colombo, 2006

Sri Lankan legendary cricketers Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara registered the highest partnership in test cricket of 624 runs. The duo achieved this feat during the first test match against South Africa in 2006 in Colombo. This is the first and only 600-run partnership in the longest format.

Batting first, host Sri Lanka declared at 756/5 after Jayawardene (374) and Sangakkara (287) played mammoth knocks. The legendary pair stitched a huge 624-run partnership for the third wicket.

In reply, South Africa made 169 and 434 runs and lost the match by an innings and 153 runs.

(All stats updated till 10th October, 2024)

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