Test cricket is known for its patience, technique, and long battles between bat and ball. However, there are rare and extraordinary moments when a batter takes complete control of the game and scores a huge number of runs in just one day. These powerhouse performances have left fans speechless and have changed the course of matches. In this article, we look at the most runs scored by a player in a single day of a Test match, explained in simple English and packed with history, excitement, and record-breaking moments.
List of Top 10 Most runs in a day in Tests
10. Karun Nair – 232 Runs in a Day
In 2016, Indian batsman Karun Nair created history by scoring a triple century against England in Chennai. What made the feat even more special was his blistering 232 runs in a single day, which helped him reach 303 not out. Coming into the side due to injuries, Nair made the most of his opportunity. His shots around the wicket showed elegance, patience, and power.
Most runs in a day in Tests was a rare feat for Indian batters, but Nair achieved it with confidence and composure.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karun Nair | 232 | India | England | Chennai |
9. Frank Worrell – 239 Runs in a Day
In 1950, West Indies’ iconic cricketer Frank Worrell scored a majestic 239 runs in a single day against England at Nottingham. Known for his smooth stroke play and calm personality, Worrell’s innings helped the West Indies establish dominance.
It was one of the earliest examples of a Caribbean batter entering the elite list for most runs in a day in Tests.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Frank Worrell | 239 | West Indies | England | Nottingham |
8. David Warner – 244 Runs in a Day
Australian opener David Warner was at his destructive best in 2015 at the W.A.C.A Ground in Perth when he smashed 244 runs in a single day against New Zealand. His aggressive batting left the bowlers clueless and thrilled the crowd.
Warner’s knock is one of the highest modern-day entries in the list of most runs in a day in Tests, showcasing his fearless attitude.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| David Warner | 244 | Australia | New Zealand | W.A.C.A |
7. Don Bradman – 244 Runs in a Day
In 1934, the legend Don Bradman produced another powerful performance with 244 runs in one day against England at The Oval. This innings was part of a golden run for Bradman in the 1930s, where he dominated world cricket.
Bradman’s innings was elegant, fast-paced, and perfectly timed, earning him yet another entry in the most runs in a day in Tests record book.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Don Bradman | 244 | Australia | England | The Oval |
6. Virender Sehwag – 257 Runs in a Day
Virender Sehwag was always known for his explosive style, and in 2008, he proved it again with 257 runs in one day against South Africa in Chennai. His innings came against a strong bowling attack, but Sehwag’s confidence and shot selection were simply unstoppable.
This innings was another proud moment for India in the history of most runs in a day in Tests.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Virender Sehwag | 257 | India | South Africa | Chennai |
5. Don Bradman – 271 Runs in a Day
Back at Leeds in 1934, Don Bradman again amazed the world by scoring 271 runs in one day. England had no answers to his brilliance as he kept punishing the bowlers session after session.
Bradman’s innings solidified his name once more in the most runs in a day in Tests rankings.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Don Bradman | 271 | Australia | England | Leeds |
4. Denis Compton – 273 Runs in a Day
England’s elegant left-hander Denis Compton lit up the Nottingham crowd in 1954 with a spectacular 273 runs in one day against Pakistan. Compton was known for his fluent cover drives and attacking intent.
It remains one of the finest knocks in English cricket and a proud entry in the most runs in a day in Tests history.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Denis Compton | 273 | England | Pakistan | Nottingham |
3. Virender Sehwag – 284 Runs in a Day
In 2009, Virender Sehwag almost repeated Bradman’s record by scoring 284 runs in one day against Sri Lanka at Brabourne Stadium. From the first over, he went on the attack, thrilling the home crowd with boundaries and sixes.
Sehwag’s fearless approach made this innings one of the most exciting in the list of most runs in a day in Tests.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Virender Sehwag | 284 | India | Sri Lanka | Brabourne |
2. Wally Hammond – 295 Runs in a Day
Wally Hammond, one of England’s all-time greats, scored a jaw-dropping 295 runs in a day against New Zealand in Auckland in 1933. Starting the day on 41*, he ended with 336 runs by stumps.
This innings remains the highest ever by an Englishman in the most runs in a day in Tests category.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Wally Hammond | 295 | England | New Zealand | Auckland |
1. Don Bradman – 309 Runs in a Day
Topping the list is none other than Don Bradman, who scored an unbeatable 309 runs in a single day against England at Leeds in 1930. Beginning the day on zero, Bradman’s stunning display of talent made it the most powerful batting performance in a single day of Test cricket.
This knock remains unmatched and is the all-time record for most runs in a day in Tests.
| Player | Runs in a Day | Team | Opponent | Ground |
| Don Bradman | 309 | Australia | England | Leeds |
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FAQ
Q1: Who holds the record for most runs in a single day of Test cricket?
A: Don Bradman holds the record with 309 runs in a single day in 1930 against England.
Q2: Has any player come close to breaking Bradman’s record?
A: Wally Hammond scored 295 in one day in 1933, coming very close to Bradman’s record.
Q3: Who has achieved this feat in modern cricket?
A: Players like Virender Sehwag, David Warner, and Karun Nair have scored over 230 runs in a single day in recent years.
Q4: How rare is it to score 200+ runs in a single day in Tests?
A: Very rare. It requires a perfect blend of skill, conditions, and stamina, which is why only elite players have managed it.
