Batting in the second innings has its own advantages. You are better aware of how the pitch behaves and the overall conditions.
So it becomes convenient to set sights on a bigger total, perhaps scoring 100 or 200 runs more than your opponent. And some teams have done it in dominating fashion.
So here’s a look at the highest team totals in the second innings in Tests.
Highest 2nd Innings Totals in Test Cricket
| Team | Score | Overs | RPO | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| v India | 952/6d | 271.0 | 3.51 | v India | Colombo (RPS) | 2 Aug 1997 |
| v Pakistan | 823/7d | 150.0 | 5.48 | v Pakistan | Multan | 7 Oct 2024 |
| v Pakistan | 790/3d | 208.1 | 3.79 | v Pakistan | Kingston | 26 Feb 1958 |
| v Sri Lanka | 765/6d | 248.5 | 3.07 | v Sri Lanka | Karachi | 21 Feb 2009 |
| v India | 760/7d | 202.4 | 3.75 | v India | Ahmedabad | 16 Nov 2009 |
| v England | 759/7d | 190.4 | 3.98 | v England | Chennai | 16 Dec 2016 |
| v West Indies | 758/8d | 245.4 | 3.08 | v West Indies | Kingston | 11 Jun 1955 |
| v South Africa | 756/5d | 185.1 | 4.08 | v South Africa | Colombo (SSC) | 27 Jul 2006 |
| v England | 749/9d | 194.4 | 3.84 | v England | Bridgetown | 26 Feb 2009 |
| v South Africa | 747 | 235.2 | 3.17 | v South Africa | St John’s | 29 Apr 2005 |
| v Bangladesh | 730/6d | 187.5 | 3.88 | v Bangladesh | Mirpur | 27 Jan 2014 |
| v England | 729/6d | 232.0 | 3.14 | v England | Lord’s | 27 Jun 1930 |
| v Sri Lanka | 726/9d | 163.3 | 4.44 | v Sri Lanka | Brabourne | 2 Dec 2009 |
| v Bangladesh | 715/6d | 163.0 | 4.38 | v Bangladesh | Hamilton | 28 Feb 2019 |
| v Zimbabwe | 713/3d | 165.3 | 4.3 | v Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 14 May 2004 |
Key Insights on Record-Breaking Second Innings Team Totals in Test Cricket
Highest 2nd Innings Test Totals and Massive Partnerships
Sri Lanka have recorded the highest team total in the second innings of a Test match. They declared their innings on 952 for 6 against India in the 1997 Colombo (RPS) Test.
Sri Lanka’s 952 for 6 is also the highest-ever team total in Test cricket.
Sri Lanka’s innings recorded a rare instance of a triple century, a double century and a century being scored in the same Test innings. Sanath Jayasuriya aggregated 340, Roshan Mahanama 225 and Aravinda de Silva 126.
Jayasuriya and Mahanama also put up the second-highest partnership in Tests, contributing 576 runs for the second wicket.
Away Masterclasses and Match-Winning Totals
England’s 823 for 7 (declared) against Pakistan in the 2024 Multan Test is the highest second innings total in an away Test.
The 823 for 7 is also the highest second innings total to end up in a winning cause in Tests.
England’s innings recorded the third-fastest Test triple century off 310 balls by Harry Brook (317 off 322).
Run Rates, Defeats and Day-Night Records in 2nd Test Innings
India have registered the highest run rate in the second innings of a Test match. They scored at 8.22 per over while declaring their innings on 285 for 9 against Bangladesh in the 2024 Kanpur Test.
Pakistan have recorded the highest second-innings total in a Test loss. They were bowled out for 579 runs by England in the 2022 Rawalpindi Test.
Australia hold the record for the highest second-innings total in a day-night Test. They mustered 511 against England in the 2025 Brisbane Test, which they later won by eight wickets.
Lowest Totals, Longest Innings and Massive Leads
South Africa hold the unwanted record for the lowest team total in the second innings of a Test. England cleaned them up for a mere 30 runs in the 1924 Birmingham Test. This is overall the joint third lowest team score in Tests.
England have faced the most overs in the second innings of a Test. They batted for 293.1 overs to score 611 runs against Australia in the 1964 Manchester Test.
Sri Lanka have registered the largest lead after the completion of the second innings of a Test. They took a lead of 587 runs after declaring their innings on 756 for 5 against South Africa in the 2006 Colombo (SSC) Test.
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