Highest Scores By England: The England men’s cricket team made their Test debut in the first-ever Test match in 1877. Since then, they have played the most number of Test matches—the only team to feature in over 1000 Tests—and won the second-most matches, behind Australia.
Throughout its history, England have produced classical, technically strong batsmen who have plundered huge amounts of runs and centuries across the world. A huge chunk of England’s victories in Test cricket has come through the platform laid by their batsmen in the first innings of the match before their pacers force the opposition to crumble under pressure.
In this article, we will look at the five highest scores by England in the first innings of a Test match.
Also Read: England vs Zimbabwe scorecard live
Top 5 Highest Scores By England In The 1st Innings Of A Test Match
5. 653/4 vs India, Lord’s, 1990
In this Test, Graham Gooch slammed a triple century, while Allan Lamb and Robin Smith hit quick tons to take England to 653/4 declared in the first innings of the Test against India at Lord’s in 1990. Gooch also hit a century in England’s second innings as the hosts won by 247 runs.
4. 657 vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi, 2022
In one of the most thrilling Test matches ever, England hammered 657 runs batting first against hosts Pakistan in Rawalpindi in the first Test of their 2022 tour. England had four centurions in their ranks: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook.
They all batted at a rapid rate, thus giving their bowlers just enough time to seal a 74-run win in the last half an hour on day 5.
3. 658/8d vs Australia, Nottingham, 1938
Going way back to 1938, England and Australia played out a dull draw in Nottingham, where the hosts amassed 658/8 declared in the first innings of the Test match as Eddie Paynter scored 216 and Charlie Barnett, Leonard Hutton, and Dennis Compton notched up their respective centuries. Australia replied with (fo) 411 & 427/6d.
Also Read: England vs Zimbabwe records
2. 849 vs West Indies, Kingston, 1930
Again, going almost 100 years back to 1930, when England hoisted a huge total of 849 runs against hosts West Indies in Kingston while batting first in the Test match. Andy Sandham led the way with a majestic 325, supported by 149 from Les Ames. The match ended in a draw.
1. 903/7d vs Australia, The Oval, 1938
The highest score by England in the 1st innings of a Test match is 903/7 declared, which they made against rivals Australia in 1938 at The Oval. This was made courtesy of Leonard Hutton’s outstanding knock of 364 runs, and centuries from Maurice Leyland and Joe Hardstaff.
In reply, Australia were rolled out for 201 & (fo) 123, handing England a win by a massive 579 runs and an innings.
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