Test Cricket Records – Your Quick Guide to the Biggest Stats

If you love cricket, you’ve probably heard fans shout about "records" during a match. But what do those numbers really mean? This page breaks down the most talked‑about test cricket records in a simple way, so you can impress friends or just enjoy the game more.

Batting records you should know

When it comes to batting, the name that tops every list is Don Bradman. His career average of 99.94 is a wall no one has breached. After Bradman, the next highest career averages belong to Graeme Smith (58.38) and Steve Smith (61.87), both modern greats.

The highest individual score in a single innings is 400* by Brian Lara against England in 2004. It’s the only quadruple‑century in test history. If you prefer a faster knock, the fastest century (by balls) is 54 balls, set by Brendon McCullum in 2016.

For Indian fans, Sachin Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs remain the all‑time run‑maker record. He also holds the most centuries (51) and is tied for most double‑hundreds (6) with a few legends.

Bowling feats that amaze

On the bowling side, the record for most wickets in a career belongs to Muttiah Muralitharan with 800 wickets. He’s followed by Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619). All three took over 100 five‑wicket hauls – a mark of consistency.

The best innings figures are 10/53 by Jim Lindwall and 10/74 by Anil Kumble, each taking all ten wickets in a single innings. Taking ten in a match is also a rarity, with the best match figures belonging to Jim Lindwall (19/116) in 1956.

If you’re into speed, the fastest recorded delivery in tests is 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) by Shoaib Akhtar in 2003. Speed isn’t everything, but it sure adds excitement.

These records aren’t just numbers; they tell the story of how the game has changed. Early test matches were long, slow affairs, while today’s players push the limits with aggressive batting and pinpoint fast bowling.

Want to keep up with the latest milestones? Follow each series and watch the stats board. Every time a player crosses a hundred runs or picks up a five‑wicket haul, the record books get a little bigger.

Whether you’re a casual viewer or a stats‑obsessed fan, knowing these key records helps you understand why certain moments feel historic. The next time you hear a commentator shout "record", you’ll know exactly why it matters.

So grab a cup of tea, turn on the next test match, and see if any of today’s players can rewrite the numbers we just covered. The game is always evolving, and the next record could be yours to witness.

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