Top 5 scores in Test cricket in 2017

In the longest format of the game, the tried and tested template for the win is to score big and crush the opponent under its weight. To put up a massive score of around 600 or more runs, the batting department has to click as a unit. One or two players should bat long, while other batsmen must make useful contributions.

Armed with scoreboard pressure, the captain can attack the opposition relentlessly. Bowlers have the luxury of aggressive field settings. Conceding a few extra runs in search of a wicket will not deter the morale of the team. Rather than having a third man or a sweeper in the deep, the fielding team can have an extra slip, or a fielder in close catching position.

Let us take a look which teams have scored the most runs in Tests in 2017.

#5 India 603/9 versus Australia, March 16-20, 2017

Cheteshwar Pujara scored a brilliant double hundred

In the drawn third Test match between India and Australia, the hosts replied with a massive 603/9 in reply to visitors first innings total of 451. The Indians strategized out-batting their opponents and stretching the match into the final day.

The right-handed batsman Pujara played a marathon of 202. In his knock, the calm and composed batsman faced 525 balls – the highest by an Indian batsman beating the record of Dravid's 495-ball knock and spent more than 11 hours (672 minutes) at the crease.

Lower-order batsman Saha also contributed with a career-best 117. With his third century, the gritty batsman from West Bengal cemented his spot in the Test side.

#4 India 610/6 versus Sri Lanka, November 24-27, 2017

Virat Kohli smashed yet another double century.

India was in a hurry to re-establish normalcy after a rare blip at Eden Gardens. The hosts got back to scoring freely before the important overseas tours next year. It also ensured that Kohli will land in South Africa having not lost any Test series under his captaincy.

The skipper and Rohit were the third and fourth batsman to reach their respective centuries after Vijay and Pujara registered their hundreds. The skipper top scored with 213 – his fifth double century in Tests.

Sri Lanka could only make 371 runs in both attempts and lost by innings and 239 runs. Off-spinner Ashwin took eight wickets in the match and become the fastest to take 300 Test wickets.

#3 India 622/9 versus Sri Lanka, August 3-6, 2017

Pujara and Rahane propelled India to 600 plus score

India posted more than 600 runs seven times in the past year. The Indian team declared at 622/9 after tea on the second day of the second Test. The lower middle-order contributed to notch up a massive total for the visitors.

The dependable No.3 batsman continued his rich form with a patient 133. Deputy-skipper in Tests, Rahane scored a well-deserved 132. Four other players, including the likes of bowling all-rounders Ashwin and Jadeja, smashed fifties.

In the first innings, Sri Lanka made a paltry 183 runs. After following-on, the Tigers showed some grit and made close to 400 runs. Ultimately, it was too little too late, as India won by an innings and 53 runs. The off-spinner and the left arm slow bowler took a five-for in the first and second innings respectively.

#2 Australia 662/9 versus England, December 14-18, 2017

Australia reclaimed the Ashes by winning the third Test match.

England scored 403 runs after batting first in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes. Australia replied with their highest score in a home Ashes Test innings.

An astonishing 301-run partnership for the fifth wicket between skipper Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh propelled Australia to 662 at the loss of 9 wickets. The Australian skipper scored his career-best 239. The younger of the Marsh brothers – Mitchell, smashed a scintillating 181 runs.

England bundled on 218 in the second innings and handed Aussies an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. Speedster Josh Hazlewood took 8 English wickets in the match.

#1 India 687/6 versus Bangladesh, February 9-13, 2017

In the first innings of the only Test of the Bangladesh tour of India at Hyderabad, India posted a mammoth 687 runs on the scoreboard. This total was a world record, as no team had scored in excess of 600 runs in three consecutive Test matches before this.

Skipper Virat Kohli led from the front by smashing an impressive 204 – his fourth successive hundred in as many series. In between his innings, he surpassed Sehwag to score Test runs in a home season.

Apart from KL Rahul, all Indian top 6 batsmen scored more than 80 runs. Vijay and comeback man Saha carried on to smash centuries. Jadeja too joined the party, smashing his sixth Test half-century.