Cricket is all about teamwork. Though the fastest centuries and the five-wicket hauls catch the headlines, partnerships are the backbone of test cricket. Solid partnerships in test cricket help the team from collapsing, put them in a commanding position, and shatter records that have stood for decades. The best thing about the partnership is that the partners have a mutual understanding with each other, their trust, patience, and also a common goal in the match. However, partnerships also play a vital role in strengthening the game dynamics by getting inspired by each other. So interested to know the name of some partnerships. If yes, delve through the blog where I have shared a list of the highest partnerships in test cricket.
What Is Partnership in Cricket?
Let's break down and understand what partnership in cricket actually means.
The partnership in cricket means the collaboration of the two batters as well as the points they accumulate together. In this context, only one is the striker at a time. However, the partnerships between the two people end when even one of them is dismissed, retires, or the innings concludes. In exceptional cases, even if one of the original batters is injured, a substitute runner may complete runs on their behalf. However, any runs scored will still be recorded as part of the partnership between the two original batters. The term partnership may also refer to two bowlers delivering alternate overs from opposite ends of the wicket.
Highest Partnerships in Test Cricket
Here is the list of the highest partnerships in Test Cricket.
KC Sangakkara and DPMD Jayawardene
KC Sangakkara and DPMD Jayawardene tops the list by 624 runs together. Playing for the Sri Lanka team, they achieved this fabulous score against South Africa for the 3rd wicket. The ground for the match was Colombo at the Sinhalese Sports Club, and the match took place on 27 July 2006.
RS Mahanama and ST Jayasuriya
RS Mahanama and ST Jayasuriya together scored 576 runs. Playing for the Sri Lanka team, they achieved this fantastic score against India for the 2nd wicket. The ground for the match was Colombo at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, and the match took place on 2 August 1997.
AH Jones and MD Crowe
AH Jones and MD Crowe together scored 467 runs. Playing for the New Zealand team, they achieved this dazzling score against Sri Lanka for the 3rd wicket. The match took place in Wellington on 31 January 1991.
JE Root and HC Brook
JE Root and HC Brook together scored 454 runs. They were playing for the England team, and they achieved this score against Pakistan for the 4th wicket. The venue for the ground was the Multan Cricket Stadium, and the match was held on 7 October 2024.
WH Ponsford and DG Bradman
WH Ponsford and DG Bradman together scored 451 runs. They were playing for the Australian team, and they achieved this score against England for the 2nd wicket. The venue for the match was The Oval Cricket Ground at Kennington, and the match was held on 18 August 1934.
Mudassar Nazar and Javed Miandad
Mudassar Nazar and Javed Miandad together scored 451 runs. They were playing for the Pakistan team, and they achieved this score against India for the 3rd wicket. The venue for the match was Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad, Pakistan, and the match was held on 14 January 1983.
AC Voges and SE Marsh
AC Voges and SE Marsh together scored 449 runs. They were playing for the Australian team, and they achieved this score against the West Indies for the 4th wicket. The venue for the match was Bellerive Oval, Hobart, and the match was held on 10 December 2015.
GS Sobers and CC Hunte
GS Sobers and CC Hunte together scored 446 runs. They were playing for the West Indies team, and they achieved this score against Pakistan for the 2nd wicket. The venue for the match was at Sabina Park, Kingston, and the match was held on 26 February 1958.
KC Sangakkara and MS Atapattu
KC Sangakkara and MS Atapattu together scored 438 runs. They were playing for the Sri Lanka team, and they achieved this score against Zimbabwe for the 2nd wicket. The venue for the match was at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, and the match was held on 14 May 2004.
TT Samaraweera and DPMD JayawardeneTT Samaraweera and DPMD Jayawardene together scored 437 runs. They were playing for the Sri Lanka team, and they achieved this score against Pakistan for the 4th wicket. The venue for the match was the National Stadium, Karachi, and the match was held on 21 February 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest Partnership in Test Cricket
What Is a Partnership in Test Cricket, and How Is It Calculated?
A partnership in Test cricket is the number of runs scored by two batsmen while batting together before one of them gets out. It is calculated by simply adding up all the runs made between wickets.
Are There Any Indian Players in the List of the Top Highest Test Partnerships?
Yes! Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy hold the record for a 413-run opening stand against New Zealand in 1956. It remains one of the most iconic Indian batting efforts in Test history.
Why Are Partnerships So Meaningful in Test Cricket?
Partnerships bring stability. Even if a team loses early wickets, a strong partnership can change the course of the match. They frustrate bowlers, tire out fielders, and set up big totals that often decide the game.
However, proper sports training is essential even in the partnership game. The highest partnerships in Test cricket are more than just numbers; they're stories of trust, patience, and unmatched skill. Partnerships highlight the spirit of teamwork, showing that cricket, at its core, is not just about one player but about how two individuals can come together to achieve greatness.
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