Run scoring has certainly become easier in the last decade and a half. A combination of more powerful batsmen and rules that have been conducive to hitting, especially in the limited-overs format has been the cause for his rise.
So it is no surprise to see that the top five aggregates in three-match ODI series have all come in the last decade. 1,500 run mark has been breached 29 times in a three-match ODI series but only once has a side managed to cross the 2,000 run mark. The recently-concluded India-England features on this list and
Here is the list of 5 highest aggregates in three-match ODI series:
#5 Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 2007
Taking fifth spot on this list is the 2007 Chappell-Hadlee series between Australia and New Zealand in which 1,669 runs were scored in the three matches. New Zealand were batting second in all three matches and they chased down the target set on all occasions to seal the series 3-0.
What is even more surprising about the series is the fact that it makes it onto this list of 5 highest aggregates in three-match ODI series despite the first match being a low-scoring affair in which both sides combined for just 297 runs.
However, the second and third matches, more than made up for the first match as New Zealand chased 337 and 347 in the next two matches to seal a whitewash over their Trans-Tasman rivals. The 1,669 runs scored in the series came at an average of 50.57 at a run rate of over 6.
#4 Zimbabwe in South Africa 2010
In fourth place is another whitewash, this time, it was South Africa who were benefactors as they beat their African neighbors 3-0 in 2010. Not only did they beat them convincingly in all three ODIs but their tally of 1,023 runs meant they were the first team to post over 1,000 runs in a three-match ODI series.
In total, the series saw 1,705 runs being scored at an average of 42.62 runs per wicket and at a run rate of 6.40. Two of the three matches of the series saw centuries apiece from AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla. Although there was just two fifties in the series, there were seven centuries, six of whom came for Proteas batsmen.
Two of the three games saw the Proteas, who were led by Graeme Smith, post totals in excess of 350 while the other game saw them chase 269 in just 39 overs. The hosts' batsmen made merry as they were four different players who scored a century in the three matches.
#3 South Africa in India, 2010
The 2010 series between South Africa and India might be third on the list of highest run-aggregates in a three-match series but will forever be remembered as the series in which Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score a double century in ODIs.
Before history was made in Gwalior and India won by 153 runs, Jaipur saw India hold their nerve as they took a 1-0 lead in the series by winning the first match by a solitary run. In Gwalior, Sachin's double-century helped India posted 401/3 and despite a century from AB de Villiers, the visitors lost the game and the series.
They bounced back to take a consolation victory in the third ODI thanks to another AB century. In total, the series saw 1,884 runs being scored at an average of 42.81 per wicket and run rate of 6.55. It also saw four centuries and seven fifties being scored in just three matches.
#2 Afro-Asia Cup 2007
For nearly 10 years, the record for the highest aggregate in a three-match ODI series was held by the Afro-Asia Cup that was held in India in 2007. Although the tournament saw plenty of problems off the field and low turnout at the ground, the action itself was nothing short of sensational.
In five of the six innings, 300 was crossed with Asia XI managing that feat in every match. A total of three centuries and 10 fifties were scored. 1,892 runs were scored at an average of 37.09 runs per wicket and run rate of 6.35.
While the Afro-Asia Cup may be a thing of the past, this edition of the tournament that will go down in history as one of the best ODI series purely on the basis of the performances by both sets of players, who put on an exhibition in both Chennai and Bangalore where the games were held.
#1 India vs England 2017
When totals of 350 were scored by both teams in the first two ODIs and all six innings saw a score of 300 being achieved, it is no surprise to note that the series between India and England holds the record for the highest aggregates in three-match ODI series.
This was the first three-match bilateral ODI series which saw over 2,000 runs being scored and 300+ total in every innings and holds the record of having the most fifty-plus scores (15). This series was also saw England claim the record of most fifty+ scores (10) and India claim the record for most runs (1,053) in a three-match ODI series.
India and England joined South Africa as the only team to have scored over 1,000 runs in a three-match rubber. In total, 2,090 runs were scored in this series at an average of 46.44 runs per wicket and a run rate of 7, which is the highest in any three-match series.
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