Test Cricket is a game of patience and one has to be at his very best to do well in this format of the game. This format tests players determination and skills.

The Player has to be very skillful to score big runs and take wickets in Test Cricket. Due to the unlimited overs, batters play big innings in this format of the game. Here are the top 5 batters who played big innings in Test cricket.

 5. Gary Sobers - 365* runs

In 1958, Gary Sobers scored 365 runs against Pakistan. He smashed 38-fours during his innings. Pakistan scored 328 runs in their first innings. In reply, West Indies scored 790 runs with the loss of 3 wickets.

Pakistan’s team only managed to score 288 runs in their second innings. West Indies won that match by innings and 174 runs. Sobers stands at fifth place in terms of the biggest innings played by batsmen in Test cricket.

4. Mahela Jayawardene - 374 runs

In 2006, a Test match was played between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo. The South African team only managed to score 169 runs in their first innings. Sri Lanka declared their innings on 756 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

 Mahela Jayawardene scored 374 runs out of their 756-run total. He hit 43 fours and 1 six in his 374 runs innings. Jayawardene shared a brilliant partnership of 624 runs with Sangakkara. South African team only managed to score 434 runs in their second innings and Sri Lanka won that match by an innings and 153 runs.

 3. Brian Lara - 375 runs

Former West Indies batsman Brian Lara played many big innings in Test Cricket throughout his career. In 1994 a match was played between West Indies and England in Antigua. Batting first in that match West Indies scored 593 runs in their first innings.

 Brian Lara faced 538 balls and scored 375 runs. He smashed 45 fours in his brilliant innings. England also played well in that match and scored 593 runs. This match ended in a draw. Brian Lara was named Man of the match for his 375 runs innings. His name comes third on the list of playing big innings in Test cricket.

 2. Matthew Hayden - 380 runs

Matthew Hayden is regarded as one of the best opening batsmen the game has ever witnessed. In October 2003 he played magnificent innings of 380 runs. Hayden faced 437 balls and scored 380 runs. He smashed 38 fours and 11 sixes during this innings.

 Australia declared their first innings on 735 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Zimbabwe only managed to score 239 runs in their first innings and 321 runs in the second innings. Australia won that match by 175 runs.

 1. Brian Lara - 400 runs

Brian Lara holds the record of playing the biggest innings in Test Cricket. In April 2004 a match was played between England and West Indies in Antigua. Batting first in that match West Indies scored 751 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.

 Brian Lara faced 552 balls in that match and scored unbeaten 400 runs. He smashed 43 fours and 4 sixes in that match. England got all out on 285 runs and they scored 422 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their second innings. This Test match ended in a draw.