Famous Cricket Batting Records Explained

Landmark cricket batting records and the players behind them: Lara's 400 not out, Bradman's 99.94 average, Tendulkar's 100 international centuries, Rohit Sharma's 264 and Chris Gayle's 175.

Famous batting records include Brian Lara's 400 not out in a Test, Don Bradman's Test average of 99.94, Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries, Rohit Sharma's 264 in an ODI and Chris Gayle's 175 not out in a T20 match.

Test cricket

Brian Lara of the West Indies scored 400 not out against England at St John's, Antigua, in 2004, the highest individual score in Test cricket. Don Bradman's Test batting average of 99.94 is the highest by anyone who has played a meaningful number of Tests, and is widely seen as the most remarkable statistic in the sport.

Sachin Tendulkar scored 15,921 Test runs, the most in Test history. Brendon McCullum scored the fastest Test century by balls faced, reaching three figures in 54 balls in 2016 against Australia.

One Day Internationals

Rohit Sharma holds the highest individual ODI score with 264 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in 2014. AB de Villiers scored the fastest ODI century by balls faced, reaching it in 31 balls against the West Indies in 2015. Tendulkar's 100 international centuries is split between 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.

Twenty20

Chris Gayle scored 175 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in the IPL in 2013, the highest individual score in a T20 match, off 66 balls.

Strike rate matters as much as the total in T20: the quickest fifties and hundreds are among the most celebrated records.

First-class cricket

Lara also holds the highest first-class score: 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston in 1994. It is the highest individual score in all first-class cricket.

A note on currency

These records stood as of the time of writing. New records are set each year, so check the ICC and trusted statistics databases for the current figures, and see how records are counted in our guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest score in Test cricket?

Brian Lara's 400 not out against England in 2004 is the highest individual Test score.

What is Don Bradman's Test average?

Don Bradman averaged 99.94 in Test cricket, the highest of any player with a significant career.

Who scored the most international centuries?

Sachin Tendulkar scored 100 international centuries, 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs.