Who has the record for scoring the most runs in one over in Test cricket?
Most Runs Scored in One Over in Test Cricket
Test cricket, often referred to as the purest and most challenging form of the game, is traditionally known for its patience, resilience, and technique. However, there have been moments when even the slow, methodical rhythm of a Test match has been shattered by extraordinary aggression. Among these rare feats, one stands out uniquely — scoring the most runs in a single over.
This record is not just about personal brilliance; it’s a testament to a batsman’s dominance, a bowler’s nightmare, and an electrifying moment for the spectators. Let’s dive into the details about the record for the most runs scored in one over in Test cricket, its history, and the players who have come close.
Who Holds the Record?
As of 2025, the record for the most runs scored in one over of a Test match is held by Jasprit Bumrah, who scored 35 runs off an over bowled by Stuart Broad during the fifth Test between India and England at Edgbaston in July 2022.
Breakdown of the Over:
- Ball 1: 4 (boundary)
- Ball 2: 5 wides
- Ball 2 (re-bowled): 4 (boundary)
- Ball 3: 4 (boundary)
- Ball 4: 6 (six)
- Ball 5: 1 (single)
- Ball 6: 6 (six)
- Ball 7: 4 (boundary)
Total = 35 runs
This over included extras (wides and no-balls), which are counted towards the team’s tally, making it the highest scoring over in Test cricket history.
Context of the Record
The moment came unexpectedly. Jasprit Bumrah, primarily known as India’s bowling spearhead and not as a batting all-rounder, found himself facing Stuart Broad — an experienced English pacer. Broad, under pressure, delivered a rare wayward over filled with miscalculations.
Bumrah showcased fearless hitting — smashing boundaries and sixes at will. Stuart Broad bowled erratically, with a wide ball that ran to the boundary and an ill-directed bouncer that was dispatched for six. By the end of the over, a stunned crowd witnessed 35 runs being plundered — surpassing the previous record by one run.
Interestingly, Stuart Broad had earlier been at the receiving end of another famous record — Yuvraj Singh’s 6 sixes in an over in T20I cricket during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20.
Previous Record Holders
Before Bumrah’s heroics, the record was jointly held by:
- Brian Lara (West Indies) — 28 runs off Robin Peterson (South Africa) in 2003.
- George Bailey (Australia) — 28 runs off James Anderson (England) in 2013.
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) — 28 runs off Joe Root (England) in 2020.
Let’s look at them in more detail:
1. Brian Lara vs. Robin Peterson (2003)
Brian Lara, one of cricket’s greatest ever batsmen, smashed 28 runs off Robin Peterson during the Third Test in Johannesburg. His over went: 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4 — a stunning display of dominance. Lara’s onslaught helped him reach a double-century in that innings.
2. George Bailey vs. James Anderson (2013)
During the 2013–14 Ashes series, Australian batsman George Bailey tore into English swing king James Anderson in Perth. The over saw Bailey clobbering three sixes and two fours, scoring 28 runs.
3. Keshav Maharaj vs. Joe Root (2020)
In a surprising twist, South African spinner Keshav Maharaj hit England’s part-time spinner and captain Joe Root for 28 runs in a single over during the Port Elizabeth Test.
Analysis: Why Is This So Rare in Test Cricket?
Scoring so many runs in an over is common in T20s, somewhat in ODIs, but extremely rare in Tests. Here’s why:
- Conservative Approach: Batsmen usually value their wickets highly in Tests and prioritize building an innings.
- Field Settings: Defensive fields and strategic bowling usually limit big overs.
- Mentality: In Tests, even aggressive players tend to respect good balls rather than always taking risks.
Thus, when such an explosive over occurs in a Test, it becomes a historical highlight.
Other Notable Big Overs in Test History
While Bumrah’s and Lara’s feats are celebrated, there have been other dramatic moments:
- Shahid Afridi once hit two sixes and two fours in an over against India in 2006.
- Ben Stokes attacked South Africa’s bowling to all parts of Newlands in 2016, almost matching the record.
- Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive style, has also had 20+ run overs in Tests against Australia and England.
Record Comparison: Most Runs in One Over Across Formats
| Format | Player | Runs | Bowler | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Jasprit Bumrah | 35 | Stuart Broad | 2022 |
| ODI | Herschelle Gibbs | 36 (6 sixes) | Daan van Bunge | 2007 |
| T20I | Yuvraj Singh | 36 (6 sixes) | Stuart Broad | 2007 |
It’s fascinating that Stuart Broad features on the receiving end in both Test and T20I records!
Legacy of the 35-Run Over
Jasprit Bumrah’s achievement is etched in cricketing folklore for several reasons:
- Unlikely Hero: Bumrah is a lower-order batsman, not expected to dominate with the bat.
- Pressure Situation: India was trying to build a big lead — every run mattered.
- Psychological Blow: Stuart Broad, a veteran, was rattled by a tailender — affecting England’s morale.
Moreover, it shattered the myth that Test cricket is slow and boring — showing that moments of breathtaking drama can happen even in the game’s longest format.
Conclusion
The record for the most runs scored in one over in Test cricket — 35 runs by Jasprit Bumrah off Stuart Broad — stands as a testament to the unpredictable, thrilling nature of cricket. Whether you’re a purist who loves the steady build-up of Test cricket or a modern fan craving fast-paced action, moments like these bridge the gap between eras and styles.
As cricket continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if anyone can break this record. For now, Jasprit Bumrah’s blitz at Edgbaston remains a defining moment of Test cricket’s rich history.
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