Fastest double-century partnerships in Tests
The fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England saw Zak Crawley and Joe Root stitch a breezy partnership which eventually helped their side attain a mammoth total. In the process, the pair etched their names in the record books as they raised the fastest double-century stand in terms of run rate. On that note, we take a look at the top three such partnerships, who have the fastest double-century stand in Tests by run rate –
3. Adam Gilchrist-Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 6.88
In 2003, Australia locked horns against Zimbabwe in the first Test in Perth. Batting first, the Aussies posted a humongous 735 runs before declaring, courtesy of Matthew Hayden’s brilliant knock with the bat. The southpaw registered 380 runs off 437 balls which featured 38 boundaries and 11 sixes. Furthermore, he raised a 233-run partnership off 203 balls with Adam Gilchrist and maintained a run rate of 6.88 in the contest. Gilchrist concluded with an unbeaten knock of 113 runs off 94 balls, cracking four sixes and 12 fours. Australia eventually won the match by an innings and 175 runs.
2. Jonny Bairstow-Ben Stokes (ENG) | 6.91
The second Test in Cape Town in 2016 between England and South Africa concluded on level terms. However, the major highlight was the majestic partnership raised by Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes as they stitched 399 runs off 346 balls, at a run rate of 6.91. Notably, Stokes was adjudged player of the match for having slammed 258 runs off 198 balls which included 30 fours and 11 sixes. Meanwhile, Bairstow got an unbeaten 150 off 91 balls that featured 18 fours and two sixes which helped his side attain a first innings total of 629 runs before declaring.
1. Zak Crawley-Joe Root (ENG) | 6.94
The fourth encounter of the thrilling Ashes 2023 ended in a stalemate as rain played a spoilsport. Speaking about the match, after Australia got 317 runs, the Three Lions concluded with a massive 592. A brilliant innings by Crawley coupled with a stellar partnership with Joe Root helped England take a massive lead in the contest. Crawley hammered 189 off 182 balls including three sixes and 21 fours whereas Root got 84 off 95 balls. The pair raised a 206-run partnership in just 178 balls, maintaining a run rate of 6.94.
