Highest strike rate in an individual Test innings
Not often does a player score at a faster rate in the longest format of the game, the Test format. A batter smashing runs quickly and rapidly is a rare sight in Test cricket. Though, cricket is a funny and unpredictable game as there have been many instances where a player has managed to go big and score at a higher strike rate in a particular innings which gets featured in this article.
Let’s take a look at the best strike rate in individual Test innings (min 75 runs) (Top 3):
3. Brendon McCullum (183.54)
Playing in his last game of his Test career, former New Zealand skipper and destructive right-hander batter Brendon McCullum smashed the fastest-ever century in the format against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia. The incident took place in Christchurch in the year 2016 when McCullum hammered a 54-ball ton in the first innings of the match. Batting at no. five, he scored 145 off just 79 which included 21 fours and six maximums at a staggering strike rate of 183.54. Though the Aussies won the contest by a margin of seven wickets, New Zealand’s most devastating player Brendon bid adieu to international cricket in some style.
2. Vivian Richards (189.65)
Former legendary West Indies player Vivian Richards occupies the second spot on this list. In the fifth Test of the 1986 series, West Indies batted first against England at St. John’s. Skipper Richards managed to score 26 off 32 in the first innings with his side posting a total of 474 on the board. In reply, the visitors got bundled out for 310 as the home side took a lead of 164. Batting at no. three, Richards then smacked an unbeaten 110 off just 58 with the help of seven fours and as many maximums at a deadly strike rate of 189.65. The Caribbean side won the encounter by 240 runs as Vivian grabbed the Player of the Match award.
1. Tim Southee (192.50)
Surprisingly, it’s a bowler who finds himself at the top position in this chart. Playing in his first-ever Test match, New Zealand’s Tim Southee showcased his batting prowess as well against England in Napier in the year 2008. The tourists batted first and got bowled out for 253. In reply, the home side suffered against Ryan Sidebottom, who took 7/47 as they were bundled out for 168. England declared their second innings at 467/7, setting a massive target of 553. Batting at no. ten, Southee slammed 77* off just 40 with four fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 192.50. The Kiwis lost the match but Southee had a debut to remember.
