Highest runs scored at each position in the batting order in Test Cricket

The Test cricket is generally considered as the premium version of cricket by purists. The rise of entertainment based T20 cricket since the last decade ( 2007 T20 WC) has decreased the viewership rate of the longer version of the game, as the casual fans these days opt for high octane 3 hours T20 clashes rather than slow-paced Test matches. But still, the Test cricket has been able to survive the test of time.

The legendary batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Brian Lara in the last decade have increased the prestige of Test cricket through their valuable contributions with the bat and ensured Test cricket retains its value. In the modern era, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are continuing the legacy left behind by their predecessors.

Here are the players who scored highest runs at each position in the batting order -

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#11 Ashton Agar - 98(101 balls) vs England, 2013

Ashton Agar

Ashton Agar holds the record for highest individual score in the last position of the batting order. He scored an attacking 98 runs off just 101 balls against England team in 2013. He came into bat at nine down when his team was struggling for survival at 117-9. He combined with the late Australian batsmen Philip Hughes and compiled 163 runs partnership to take Australia to a respectable total of 280. Their outstanding partnership gave Australia a crucial 65 run lead at the end of the first innings. Philip Hughes was unbeaten on 81* in the innings.

Ashton Agar's counter-attacking knock included 12 fours and 2 sixes. He scored his runs at a strike rate of 97.02 in this innings.

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#10 Walter Read - 117(155 balls) vs Australia, 1884

Walter Read

The English right arm fast bowler Walter Read holds the record for highest runs scored in the penultimate position of the batting order. Walter Read came into bat when the England team were struggling at 181-8 in response to Australia's score of 551 in their first innings. He combined with the opening batsmen WH Scotton and put on a match-saving 151 run partnership and took their team to a respectable total of 346 runs but failed to avoid follow on. The match ended in a draw after England managed to survive 26 overs on the last day of the Test. WH Scotton scored 90 runs off 375 balls in the innings at a strike rate of 24.

Walter Read scored 117 runs off 155 balls at a strike rate of 75.48 including 20 fours.

#9 Ian Smith - 173(136 balls) vs India, 1990

Ian Smith

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith holds the record for the highest individual score at the number 9 position in the order. Ian Smith is not a bowler as the previous two entrants in this list. He came in to bat when his team was struggling at 131-7 in the first innings of the match after Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin chose to field first. Smith put on crucial partnerships with Sir Richard Hadlee and Snedden to take the Kiwis team to a decent first innings total of 391.

He scored his career-best knock of 173 off just 136 balls at an impressive strike rate of 127.20 in this innings. His attacking innings included 23 fours and 3 sixes.

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#8 Wasim Akram - 257*(363 balls) vs Zimbabwe, 1996

Swing Sulthan - Wasim Akram

Swing sultan Wasim Akram holds the record for the highest individual score at number 8 in the order. In this Test match, Zimbabwe batted first and scored 375 runs in the first innings. In reply, Pakistan was struggling at 183-6 when their skipper Wasim Akram came into the middle. He played responsibly and put on a mammoth partnership of 313 runs along with Saqlain Mushtaq to take his team to 553 runs in the first innings.

His knock included 22 fours and 12 sixes. He scored his runs at a strike rate of 70.79

#7 Don Bradman - 270(375 balls) vs England, 1937

Sir Don Bradman

The greatest batsman ever Don Bradman holds the record for the highest score at 5 down in Test cricket. Bradman scored a mere 13 runs in the first innings of the match but he made a strong comeback in the second innings of the match by scoring a magnificent knock of 270 runs batting at number 7 position. His superlative knock ensured his team a comfortable victory against their arch nemesis England.

He played at a strike rate of 72 in this innings which comprised 22 boundaries.

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#6 Ben Stokes - 258(198 balls) vs South Africa, 2016

Ben Stokes celebrating his double hundred

Arguably the best all-rounder in the world right now, Ben Stokes holds the record for the highest score at number 6 position in the batting order. In the first innings of the match, England was down to 167-4 when Ben Stokes made his way into the middle. Ben Stokes then combined with the wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow and put on a marathon partnership of 399 runs to take their team to huge first innings total of 629. He scored at an impressive strike rate of 130.30 in this innings.

His counter-attacking knock included 30 fours and 11 sixes.

#5 Michael Clarke - 329(468 balls) vs India, 2012

Michael Clarke celebrates his triple century against India at Sydney

World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke holds the record for the highest score at 3 down in Test cricket. He was captain of the Australian team in this match. In the first innings of the match, India scored a below par 191 runs as all the batsmen struggled against the quality pace bowling from James Pattinson, Hilfenhaus, and Peter Siddle. In reply, Australia's top order collapsed leaving them in a spot of bother at 37-3 when their talismanic skipper Michael Clarke arrived at the crease. He joined forces with Ricky Ponting(134) and put on a 288 run partnership for the fourth wicket to take his team ahead in the contest. After Ponting got out he was joined by Michael Hussey(150*). The duo put on an unbeaten partnership of 334 runs for the fifth wicket and gave their team a massive 468 run lead.

Clarke's magnificent innings included 39 fours and 1 six.

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#4 Mahela Jayawardene - 374(572 balls) vs South Africa, 2006

Mahela Jayawardene

Former Sri Lankan team captain Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the highest score at number 4 position in the batting order. In the first innings of the match, South Africa scored 169 runs. In reply, Sri Lanka lost both their openers for 14 runs. Mahela Jayawardene walked in at number 4 and joined Kumar Sangakkara in the middle. The duo put on a record-breaking partnership of 624 runs for the third wicket and in the process took their team to mammoth first innings total of 756 runs. Kumar Sangakkara scored 287 runs in this innings.

Mahela Jayawardene's career-best knock included 43 fours and 1 six.

#3 Brian Lara - 400(582 balls) vs England, 2004

Brian Lara

One of the all-time greats Brian Lara holds the record for the highest score at 1 down in Test cricket. In this match, Brian Lara became the first cricketer to score a quadruple century in international cricket. He played the marathon knock across three days and took his team to a mammoth total of 751 in the first innings.

His superlative knock included 43 fours and 4 sixes. He holds the record for highest individual score in Test cricket since the last 14 years.

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# Opener: Mathew Hayden - 380(437 balls) vs Zimbabwe, 2003

Mathew Hayden

Former Australian opening batsman Mathew Hayden holds the record for the highest score by an opener in Test cricket. Mathew Hayden was a linchpin of the invincible Australian team of the early 2000's. Hayden put on double century partnerships along with Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist and took their team to a massive total of 735 runs in the first innings. Australia won the match convincingly by a margin of innings and 175 runs.

Hayden's record-breaking knock included 38 fours and 11 sixes.