Test cricket is traditionally known for its patience and strategy, with players often taking their time to build innings. Unlike the fast-paced T20 format, Test matches rarely witness the flurry of fours and sixes. However, there have been moments in Test cricket where batsmen have unleashed an onslaught, making the bowlers’ lives difficult. In this article, we delve into the five most expensive overs in Test cricket history, where batsmen turned the tables and scored at an unprecedented rate.
1. Jasprit Bumrah vs. Stuart Broad – 35 Runs (2022)
The record for the most expensive over in Test cricket is held by Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who, surprisingly, achieved this feat as a batsman. The moment took place during the India vs. England Test match in Birmingham in 2022. England’s veteran bowler Stuart Broad was on the receiving end of Bumrah’s unexpected assault. The over started with a wide ball that fetched four runs, followed by a no-ball that added another four to the tally. Bumrah then smashed a six, followed by three consecutive fours. He wasn’t done yet, as he hit another six before taking a single off the final ball. In total, 35 runs were plundered off Broad’s over, making it the most expensive over in the history of Test cricket.
2. Brian Lara vs. Robin Peterson – 28 Runs (2003)
West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara is no stranger to records, and his name features prominently in the list of most expensive overs. During a Test match between South Africa and the West Indies in Johannesburg in 2003, Lara showcased his brilliance against spinner Robin Peterson. In an over that has gone down in history, Lara hit Peterson for 28 runs. The over included 4 fours and 2 sixes, with Lara finding the boundary on every ball. This display of batting mastery left an indelible mark on the match and Test cricket history.
3. George Bailey vs. James Anderson – 28 Runs (2013-2014)
The Ashes series has always been a battleground for cricketing excellence, and during the 2013-2014 series in Perth, George Bailey of Australia made a significant impact. Facing England’s premier bowler James Anderson, Bailey took the attack to the opposition in one of the most remarkable overs in Test cricket. Bailey hammered Anderson for 28 runs in that over, which included 3 sixes, 2 fours, and a couple of runs. Bailey’s aggressive approach helped Australia to gain a strong foothold in the match and left Anderson with an over he’d rather forget.
4. Keshav Maharaj vs. Joe Root – 28 Runs (2019-2020)
In a Test match between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth during the 2019-2020 season, South African spinner Keshav Maharaj found himself in an unusual role as a batsman. Facing England’s captain Joe Root, who was bowling part-time off-spin, Maharaj took full advantage. The over saw Maharaj hit 4 fours and a massive six, with an additional 6 runs coming from byes. The total of 28 runs in the over added a surprising twist to the match and highlighted Maharaj’s batting prowess.
5. Shahid Afridi vs. Harbhajan Singh – 27 Runs (2006)
Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, known for his explosive batting style, makes an appearance on this list for his remarkable performance against India’s Harbhajan Singh. During a Test match in Lahore in 2006, Afridi unleashed his fury on the off-spinner, hitting 27 runs in a single over. Afridi started the over with four consecutive sixes, setting the stadium alight with his aggressive batting. He followed this with a double and a single to round off the over. Afridi’s onslaught remains one of the most memorable moments in Test cricket history.
These five overs represent some of the most extraordinary batting displays in Test cricket. While the format is usually associated with patience and strategy, these moments remind us that even in Test cricket, the excitement of explosive batting can take center stage. The batsmen who created these records have etched their names in the annals of cricket history, showcasing that sometimes, Test cricket can be just as thrilling as the shorter formats.
