Which pairs have scored the most runs in test matches?  

Batting partnerships are a crucial part of test cricket. This article will take a look at which batting pairs have scored the most runs in test matches.

Batting partnerships are a crucial part of cricket, especially in test cricket. Many batting duos have gone on to win many matches for their respective teams when batting together and even drawing some test matches. In this article, we will take a look at which batting pairs have scored the most runs in test matches.

Most partnership runs in test matches

Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar (6920 runs)

Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar hold the test record for scoring the most runs in batting partnerships. The legendary Indian batters scored 6920 runs when batting together in the middle. Both Tendulkar and Dravid have been important figures in Indian cricket history and the duo have also played the most test matches for the country.

Their best partnership came in 2000 during the second test of the Zimbabwe tour of India. After winning the toss at Nagpur, Indian skipper, Sourav Ganguly opted to bat first. Dravid and Tendulkar joined each other at the crease after openers Sadagoppan Ramesh and Shiv Sunder Das were dismissed with 227 runs on the scoreboard. Dravid scored 162 runs in 301 balls while Tendulkar remained not out and scored a double century in 281 balls. The duo shared a 249-run stand for the third wicket before Dravid by Heath Streak.

Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara (6554 runs)

Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara have been the stalwarts of Sri Lankan cricket. Both Jayawardene and Sangakkara were at the helm of making the most formidable middle order in the history of Sri Lankan cricket. From Sangakkara’s debut in 2000 to Jayawardene’s retirement in 2014 the duo scored 6554 runs when batting in test matches together.

Their best partnership holds the record for the highest partnership in test cricket. During the first test of the South Africa tour of Sri Lanka in 2006, Jayawardene and Sangakkara shared a whopping 624-run stand for the third wicket. South African skipper, Ashwell Prince after winning the toss decided to bat, failing to capitalise on winning the toss, South Africa was bowled out for just 169 runs. In the second innings, Sri Lanka lost their openers, Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga with just 14 runs on the board. Sangakkara and Jayawardene played marathon innings and batted for 157 overs together. Sangakkara scored 287 runs in 457 balls before being dismissed by Andrew Hall. Jayawardene scored 374 runs in 572 balls and was bowled by Andre Nel.

Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes (6482 runs)

Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes are third on this list and are the first players to be openers. Greenidge and Haynes were the faces of the West Indies batting lineup along with Vivian Richards. Often overshadowed by their mighty bowlers, Greenidge and Haynes gave the West Indies many great starts with their batting and scored 6482 runs when batting together. With Greenidge, Haynes, Richards and their fast bowlers, the West Indies of that time had one of the best teams in the history of the sport. They went in almost every match as favourites and hardly lost any match. One could often put their money on this team of winning test be it in home conditions or away conditions. If you too want to put your money on matches then visit 10CRIC.

Their best partnership came in 1990 in the fifth test of England’s tour of the West Indies. English skipper, Allan Lamb won the toss in the series-deciding match and opted to bat first. England were bowled out for 260 runs as Ian Bishop picked up a fifer. In reply, West Indies openers, Greenidge and Haynes gave the hosts a solid start and shared a 298-run opening stand. Greenidge was run out after scoring 149 runs in 207 balls while Haynes scored 167 runs in 317 balls before being dismissed by Gladstone Small.

Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer (6081 runs)

Following Greenidge and Haynes is another opening pair of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. Hayden and Langer were part of the Australian teams that created the longest test match-winning streaks from 1999 to 2001 and 2005 to 2008. The duo batted for a decade together and scored 6081 runs.

Their best partnership came in 2004 during the second test of Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia in Bundaberg Rum Stadium, Cairns. Sri Lankan skipper, Marvan Atapattu won the toss and decided to field first. Australia thanks to Hayden and Langer posted a huge total on the board. They shared a 255-run opening stand with Langer scoring 162 runs in 285 balls while Hayden scored 117 runs in 184 balls. Hayden was dismissed by Thilan Samaraweera while Langer was dismissed by Lasith Malinga.

Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss (5253 runs)

The fifth and final pair on this list are Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss. Both Cook and Strauss majorly played in England which is considered to be the worst place for batters because of the weather conditions. Cook and Strauss played for six years together and scored 5253 runs.

Their best partnership came in 2009 during the fourth test of England’s tour of West Indies. Skipper Strauss won the toss and decided to bat first. He and Cook opening the innings shared a 229-run stand. Strauss scored 142 runs while Cook was dismissed six runs short of his century. Cook was dismissed first when he hooked a short ball from Jerome Taylor while Strauss was dismissed bowled by an in-swinging yorker from Daren Powell.