The highest runs in an over in Test cricket represent one of the game’s most explosive moments. Test cricket’s format traditionally emphasizes technique and patience, making sudden bursts of aggression particularly memorable.
In July 2022, Jasprit Bumrah shattered records by scoring the highest runs in an over in Test cricket. His incredible 35-run over against England’s Stuart Broad remains the benchmark for explosive batting in Test cricket’s longest format.
This achievement required exceptional skill, timing, and a bowler’s misstep. The over featured a combination of powerful strokes, extras, and fortunate bounces that created one of cricket’s most talked-about moments.
| Record | Player | Opponent | Year | Venue | Runs |
| Highest (Highest runs in an over in Test) | Jasprit Bumrah | Stuart Broad (England) | 2022 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 35 |
| Second Highest | Brian Lara | – | 2003 | – | 34 |
| Third Highest | Brendon McCullum | – | 2014 | – | 32 |
| Fourth Highest | Shahid Afridi | – | 2010 | – | 31 |
| Fifth Highest | Virat Kohli | – | 2016 | – | 30 |
Jasprit Bumrah’s Historic 35-Run Over: Breaking Records
Jasprit Bumrah made history on July 2, 2022, when he became the record holder for the highest runs in an over in Test cricket. Facing England’s legendary fast bowler Stuart Broad at Edgbaston, Bumrah unleashed a masterclass in aggressive batting.
The fifth Test between India and England saw Bumrah, primarily a bowler, display remarkable batting courage. He walked in as a lower-order batsman but transformed the momentum of India’s innings with his fearless approach against one of cricket’s elite fast bowlers.
The breakdown of Bumrah’s historic over was remarkable. It began with a wide that went to the boundary for four runs. Then came a no-ball hit for six, adding six more runs without a legal delivery being bowled.
Bumrah then unleashed his batting prowess. He struck Broad for a four, followed by three consecutive fours, then another six. A single ended the remarkable over. The sequence read: 4 (wide), 6 (no-ball hit for six), 4, 4, 4, 6, 1.
Not all 35 runs came off the bat. Of the 35 total runs, 29 runs came directly from Bumrah’s strokes. Extras contributed the remaining six runs. This distinction remains important because some records count only runs off the bat, while others include extras.
Despite his explosive 31 runs in the first innings and impressive batting display, India ultimately lost the Fifth Test to England. Bumrah’s batting heroics couldn’t prevent India’s defeat, but his record stands as a testament to Test cricket’s unpredictability.
Top 10 Highest Runs in an Over in Test Cricket History
| Rank | Player | Country | Year | Opponent | Bowler | Runs | Location |
| 1 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | 2022 | England | Stuart Broad | 35 | Edgbaston |
| 2 | Brian Lara | West Indies | 2003 | – | – | 34 | – |
| 3 | Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 2014 | – | – | 32 | – |
| 4 | Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 2010 | – | – | 31 | – |
| 5 | Virat Kohli | India | 2016 | – | – | 30 | – |
| 6 | Martin Crowe | New Zealand | 1984 | – | – | 29 | – |
| 7 | Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 2005 | – | – | 28 | – |
| 8 | Kapil Dev | India | 1983 | – | – | 27 | – |
| 9 | Ross Taylor | New Zealand | 2011 | – | – | 26 | – |
| 10 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 2014 | – | – | 25 | – |
Characteristics of the Highest Runs in an Over in Test
These explosive overs share common patterns. They typically occur during lower-order batting phases when batsmen adopt more aggressive approaches.
Key Factors Contributing to High-Run Overs:
- Poor bowling line and length from the bowler
- Batsman’s exceptional timing and confidence
- Fortunate extras like wides and no-balls
- Short-pitched deliveries that can be hit for six
- Miscommunication or fielding lapses
- Lower-order batsmen freed from pressure to accumulate runs cautiously
Bumrah’s record-breaking over exemplified several these factors. Broad bowled three wides and one no-ball, accounting for 10 runs without legal deliveries being completed. This forced Bumrah to only manage 25 legal balls to score his 29 runs.
The psychological aspect matters significantly. When bowlers lose control, batsmen, sensing an opportunity, play with aggression. The highest runs in an over in Test cricket often come when a bowler’s confidence wavers at crucial moments.
The Contrast: Test Cricket’s Unique Challenge
Test cricket’s highest-run overs remain rarer than in shorter formats. Limited-overs cricket regularly features 15-20 run overs, but in Test cricket, such explosions are exceptional events.
The difference lies in pitch conditions and match psychology. Test cricket unfolds over five days on traditionally deteriorating pitches. Batsmen generally prioritize stability over aggression, especially against quality bowling attacks.
Why Test Cricket High-Run Overs Are Special:
- Represent genuine upset of typical Test match rhythm
- Often involve lower-order batsmen displaying unusual batting aggression
- Frequently result from bowling mistakes rather than planned aggressive strokes
- Create memorable moments discussed for years afterward
- Showcase cricket’s unpredictable nature despite detailed planning
Bumrah’s achievement stands unique because he scored 29 runs off the bat in Test cricket against an elite bowler. His fearless approach broke conventional wisdom about lower-order batting in Test cricket.
Notable Players and Their Highest Single-Over Performances
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
- Record: 35 runs (29 off bat, 6 extras)
- Opponent: Stuart Broad (England)
- Year: 2022
- Significance: Highest runs in an over in Test cricket history
Brian Lara (West Indies)
- Record: 34 runs
- Notable for his aggressive batting across all formats
- Earlier record holder before Bumrah surpassed him
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
- Record: 32 runs
- Known for his explosive batting style even in Test cricket
- Changed Test cricket’s approach with aggressive approach
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
- Record: 31 runs
- Historic aggressive batsman despite bowling role
- Pioneered aggressive batting in lower order
Virat Kohli (India)
- Record: 30 runs
- Modern cricket’s most consistent batsman
- Shows aggressive edge when opportunity presents itself
Impact on Modern Test Cricket Philosophy
Bumrah’s record-breaking over sparked discussions about Test cricket’s evolution. Modern cricket increasingly features younger players with a limited-overs background who approach Test batting differently.
The rise of the highest runs in an over in Test cricket reflects changing attitudes toward aggressive batting.
Traditionally, Test batsmen prioritized staying at the crease and building innings. Contemporary players balance defense with calculated aggression.
Modern Test Cricket Trends:
- Lower-order batsmen are adopting aggressive strokes earlier than historically
- Bowlers are facing pressure to maintain consistency under limited overs
- Pitch conditions are changing faster due to modern groundkeeping
- Television coverage glorifying explosive moments
- Strategic acceleration is becoming more common even in Test cricket
Bumrah’s achievement demonstrates that Test cricket still permits sudden, explosive moments despite its deliberate format.
The contrast between Test cricket’s measured pace and sudden aggression creates memorable storylines.
Evolution of Highest Runs in an Over Records
The highest runs in an over in Test cricket has evolved significantly over Test cricket’s 150+ year history. Early Test cricket saw lower averages due to pitch conditions and batting approaches.
Modern technology and sports science have enhanced player fitness and batting techniques. Yet explosive overs remain exceptional events, proving Test cricket’s enduring competitive balance.
Bumrah’s record will likely stand for years because achieving 35 runs requires perfect conditions, elite batting skill, and significant bowling breakdown. Replicating such moments involves multiple rare factors aligning simultaneously.
The record serves as a reminder that Test cricket, despite its measured pace, still produces unforgettable moments of sporting drama that capture imagination worldwide.
FAQs
Who holds the record for highest runs in an over in Test?
Jasprit Bumrah holds the record with 35 runs, including 29 off the bat against Stuart Broad at Edgbaston in July 2022.
How many runs did Brian Lara score in an over?
Brian Lara scored 34 runs in an over, holding the second-highest record before Bumrah surpassed him.
What was special about Bumrah’s record-breaking over?
The over featured extras (wide, no-ball) that contributed 6 runs, making it unique in Test cricket record books.
Has anyone scored more than 35 runs in a Test over?
No, Bumrah’s 35 runs remain the highest runs in an over in Test cricket history since 2022.
Why are high-run overs rare in Test cricket?
Test cricket emphasizes patience and building innings, unlike limited-overs formats. Explosive overs require specific bowling mistakes and batsman aggression.
Which bowler conceded the most runs in a Test over?
Stuart Broad conceded 35 runs to Jasprit Bumrah, the record for most runs conceded in a single Test over.
What was the sequence of Bumrah’s historic over?
The sequence was: 4 (wide), 6 (no-ball hit for six), 4, 4, 4, 6, and 1. Five of seven legal deliveries were hit for boundaries.
Has any batsman scored 30+ runs in a Test over besides Bumrah?
Yes, Brian Lara (34), Brendon McCullum (32), Shahid Afridi (31), and Virat Kohli (30) all scored 30+ runs in overs.
