Top 5 highest totals by South Africa in test cricket

South Africa have crossed the 600-run mark 13 times in test cricket.

Test cricket is a game of phases, a single test which comprises five days and 15 sessions always brings something unique in each phase. Batting in test cricket is not only about reading these phases, but also capitalizing on them. The longest format of the game is known for grinding out the players, an achievement in test cricket therefore is seen as a hallmark of determination and patience.

Batting for long hours in test cricket is one of the aspects of the game which requires an undying temperament. There are two main reasons why teams prefer batting for a long time, the first and obvious one is of course batting for long periods helps the team post big totals, which minimizes the chances of defeat. The second reason though is more tactical, batting for long hours deteriorates the pitch, which then helps the team exploit variable bounce or spin on offer later.

South Africa have produced some of the finest batsmen known for their resilience and temperament. Over the years, the Proteas have managed to post some mammoth scores in test cricket, steering them to a commanding position in the game. On that note let’s look at the five highest totals achieved by South Africa in test cricket.

Here are the top five highest totals by South Africa in test cricket

5. 627/7d vs England, 2016, Cape Town

Remembered for Ben Stokes’ blistering double century, the Cape Town test of England’s tour of South Africa 2016 was a run feast. Winning the toss and batting first, England posted a massive total of 629/6d in their first innings.

South Africa, in reply, were equal to the task as they amassed 627/7d in their first innings. The South African fightback was led by Hashim Amla’s double century (201). Crucial middle-order contributions from Temba Bavuma (102), Faf Du Plessis (88) and AB de Villers (86) helped South Africa almost match England’s first innings total. The game ended in a boring draw with England finishing with a score of 159/6 in their second innings. Stokes was named Player of the Match for his excellent 258 in the first innings.

4. 637/2d vs England, 2012, The Oval

Next on the list is the South African batting masterclass from the Oval in the 2012 ENG vs SA test series. Asked to field first on a batting paradise, South Africa did well to restrict England for 385 in their first innings. In reply, South Africa not only wiped out the deficit, but also took a huge lead of 252 runs posting a mammoth score of 637.

The excellent batting performance was led by Hashim Amla, who scored the first and only triple century in the South African cricketing history. Hashim was well supported by Jacques Kallis (182*) and captain Graeme Smith (131) throughout the South African innings. South Africa wrapped up the test, bowling out England on the fifth day to win the game by an innings and 12 runs. Amla was named Player of the Match.

3. 651 vs Australia, 2009, Cape Town

South Africa’s third-highest test total came against Australia in the 2009 Cape Town test. With the three-match test series already lost, the game in Cape Town was a battle of pride for the Proteas. Winning the toss and deciding to bat, the Australian first innings suffered a batting collapse, bundling out for a score of 209.

South Africa seized the opportunity by posting a huge first innings score of 651. South African batting performance was led by AB de Villers’ brilliant innings of 163 off 196 balls. AB’s blistering knock came at a strike rate of 83.16, dismantling the Aussies. Proteas sealed the game on the fourth day, winning by an innings and 20 runs. Paul Harris was named Player of the Match for his nine wickets in the game.

2. 658/9d vs West Indies, 2003, Durban

The Proteas created history at Durban in 2003 when they scored 658 runs against the West Indies in their first innings of the test. The test was highlighted by Jacques Kallis’ brilliance as he scored 177 runs and picked up the crucial wicket of Brian Lara.

Kallis’ batting masterclass helped South Africa surpass West Indies’ score of 264 in their first innings. Having a massive 394-run lead in the second innings, South Africa faltered out the Caribbean batting lineup for the score of 329 runs, winning the test by an innings and 65 runs. Jacques Kallis was named Player of the Match for his all-round effort in the game.

1. 682/6d vs England, 2003, Lord’s

Number one on the list is South Africa’s marathon first innings total of 682/6d against England in 2003 at the Lord’s. Winning the toss on a moist wicket, South Africa decided to field first. South African bowlers were right on the mark as they restricted England to a small total of 173.

The carnage from South Africa came in their batting innings as captain Graeme Smith and Gary Kirsten combined for a 260-run partnership. Smith, in particular, was relentless in his approach as he scored 259 runs in 370 balls at a strike rate of 70. South Africa won the test on the fourth day by an innings and 92 runs and Graeme Smith was named Player of the Match.

(All stats updated till 21st October, 2024)

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