Top 5 highest individual scores in Test cricket in 2024 by Joe Root
The year 2024 will go down in history as a golden chapter for Test cricket. Fans witnessed exciting competitions, incredible comebacks and record-breaking performances. From dramatic final finishes to monumental batting performances, the longest format showed its enduring charm. Teams around the world showed resilience, skill and passion, making Test cricket the ultimate battleground for excellence. With numerous milestones achieved, 2024 has proven why Test cricket remains the purest form of the game.
Batters take charge: Dominant bowlers and mammoth innings
In 2024, several batters rose to the challenge and turned pressure into opportunities with record-breaking performances. Such as Kane Williamson And Marnus Labuschagne stunned the opponents with double and triple centuries and left the bowlers unhappy. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s authoritative stroke play And Steve Smith‘s marathon knocks reminded the cricket world of her class. Meanwhile, rising stars like Saim Ayub And Harry Brooks announced their arrival with fearless batting. Of spinning tracks in India to green tips EnglandBatters showed adaptability and perseverance. Their outstanding individual results were a sign of their mastery of the game.
Test cricket 2024: Top 5 best individual performances with the bat
1. Harry Brooks Remarkable 317
Brook delivered a sensational performance in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, scoring an extraordinary 317 runs off just 322 balls. His innings included 29 boundaries and 3 sixes and maintained a strike rate of 98.44, which is rare in Tests. Brooks’ counter-attacking approach dismantled Pakistan’s bowling line-up and decisively turned the game in England’s favour. His aggressive style and sharp shot selection demonstrated his ability to dominate even in difficult conditions. This innings also cemented his reputation as one of the most effective modern Test batters. The strike was a mix of aggressiveness and consistency and earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. Joe Roots Classic 262
Joe Root showed his trademark elegance with a patient 262 against Pakistan in Multan. Root was in the crease for more than 10 hours, facing 375 balls and hitting 17 fours in a balanced innings. His ability to anchor England’s innings was the perfect complement to Brooks’ attacking style, building a partnership that exhausted the Pakistan bowlers. Root’s batting highlighted technique and temperament and showed why he remains an important cog in England’s Test setup. His calculated approach enabled England to build a gigantic record and gain a commanding lead. Root’s innings cemented his reputation as one of England’s greatest Test players.
3. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s heroic 246
Afghanistan‘S Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a remarkable 246 runs in the Boxing Day Test Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Shahidi batted for over 11 hours, facing 474 deliveries and hitting 21 boundaries. His innings was a testament to resilience and patience as he held the Afghanistan innings together under pressure. Shahidi’s temperament and shot selection were crucial in Afghanistan surpassing Zimbabwe’s impressive first innings total. This career-best performance also highlights his status as a reliable middle-order batsman for Afghanistan. His double century came in a historic partnership Rahmat Shahto ensure Afghanistan avoids defeat in a tough game.
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4. Rachin Ravindra’s masterful 240
Rachin Ravindra produced a masterful 240 in the first test South Africa at Mount Maunganui. Ravindra’s innings, which lasted over nine hours, was a mix of aggression and stability and included 26 fours and three sixes. He dominated the South African attack with his elegant strokeplay and calculated risk-taking. Ravindra’s innings not only helped New Zealand to a massive first innings score but also put the visitors under immense pressure. His ability to counter South Africa’s pacers highlights his maturity as a batsman. Furthermore, he contributed the ball and took two wickets to cap a remarkable overall performance.
5. Rahmat Shah’s dismal 234
Rahmat showed great determination with a tough 234 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. In 424 balls, he hit 23 boundaries and 3 sixes, securing the Afghan innings alongside Shahidi. Rahmat’s ability to absorb pressure and convert starts into high scoring stood out in a game where patience was key. His partnership with Shahidi broke several records and ensured Afghanistan not only topped Zimbabwe’s first innings but also took the lead. Rahmat’s stroke was characterized by solid technique and tireless concentration. This monumental achievement further cemented his role as the cornerstone of the Afghanistan batting line-up.
Match results: Decisive wins and hard-fought draws
- England vs Pakistan, Multan: England triumphed by an innings and 47 runs, with Brook leading the way with 317 and Root with 262. Their combined efforts resulted in England declaring 823/7 and leaving Pakistan with an insurmountable deficit. Despite valiant attempts, Pakistan’s second innings ended with 220, failing to avoid an innings defeat.
- Afghanistan vs. Zimbabwe, Bulawayo: The match ended in a thrilling draw with Zimbabwe scoring 586 in the first innings, followed by Afghanistan with 699. Afghanistan’s Shahidi (246) and Rahmat (234) dominated the game with their record-breaking partnership. Zimbabwe prevailed on the final day of the match with 142/4 to ensure the game ended evenly.
- New Zealand vs South Africa, Mount Maunganui: New Zealand secured a comfortable 281-run victory. Ravindra’s 240 helped the hosts to a first innings score of 511, putting South Africa under immense pressure. South Africa failed in their chase and could not keep up with New Zealand’s dominant bowling.
