Highest Team Totals in Test Cricket: Sri Lanka's 952 and Beyond
Sri Lanka hold the Test record for highest team total with 952/6 declared against India. Learn about cricket's highest team scores, the conditions that produced them, and other batting landmarks.
The highest team total in Test cricket is Sri Lanka's 952/6 declared against India at Colombo in 1997. Cricket's team batting records reflect when bat completely dominated ball — usually on flat pitches, weak bowling, or in favourable conditions.
Sri Lanka 952/6 — Colombo 1997
Sri Lanka posted 952 for 6 declared against India at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in August 1997. Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225, their partnership of 576 being the highest ever in Test cricket. India could not follow on and the match was drawn.
England 903/7 — The Oval 1938
England's Ashes record of 903/7 declared against Australia at The Oval in 1938 remains the second-highest team total. Len Hutton scored 364 (then the highest Test score) in an innings that lasted 15 hours 17 minutes. England won by an innings and 579 runs.
Top 5 Highest Test Team Totals
| Total | Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 952/6d | Sri Lanka | India | Colombo | 1997 |
| 903/7d | England | Australia | The Oval | 1938 |
| 849 | England | West Indies | Kingston | 1930 |
| 790/3d | West Indies | Pakistan | Kingston | 1958 |
| 765/6d | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | Karachi | 2009 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest team total in Test cricket?
Sri Lanka scored 952 for 6 declared against India at Colombo in August 1997 — the highest team total in Test cricket history.