Harshvardhan Mishra
Who has the record for scoring the most runs in one over in Test cricket?
Cricket, often referred to as the “gentleman’s game,” is known for its blend of patience, technique, and occasional flashes of explosive brilliance. While Test cricket is traditionally associated with slow, strategic play, there have been extraordinary moments when batsmen have unleashed a flurry of runs in a short span of time. Among these feats, one of the most exhilarating is the record for most runs scored in a single over — a rare and thrilling spectacle in the longest format of the game.
The Historic Moment
The record for most runs scored in a single over in Test cricket is 35 runs, achieved by Jasprit Bumrah against Stuart Broad during the fifth Test between India and England at Edgbaston in July 2022.
This extraordinary event shattered the previous record of 28 runs in an over, which had been achieved on multiple occasions by players like Brian Lara, George Bailey, and Keshav Maharaj.
How the Over Unfolded
Here’s a ball-by-ball breakdown of that unforgettable over:
- 1st ball: Broad delivers a short ball; Bumrah swings hard, a top-edge flies over the keeper for four.
- 2nd ball: Another short ball, and this time Bumrah hits it fine towards fine leg for five wides (due to an errant bouncer).
- 2nd ball (re-bowled): Bumrah swings again and edges it for four through third man.
- 3rd ball: A short delivery pulled emphatically by Bumrah for six over deep backward square.
- 4th ball: Another short one; this time Bumrah inside-edges it past the stumps for four.
- 5th ball: Broad bowls full, Bumrah lifts it over mid-on for four more.
- 6th ball: A waist-high full toss smashed for six over long leg.
- 7th ball: Another short ball pulled for one run, completing a jaw-dropping over.
In total:
- 4 (bat) + 5 (wides) + 4 (bat) + 6 (bat) + 4 (bat) + 4 (bat) + 6 (bat) + 1 (bat) = 35 runs.
Notably, this over included 5 legitimate deliveries and 2 extra balls due to a no-ball and wides, adding to the chaos.
Why This Was So Special
- Unexpected Hero: Jasprit Bumrah is known primarily as a fast bowler, not a batsman. For him to create such a batting record stunned fans and experts alike.
- Bowler Under Pressure: Stuart Broad, an experienced and highly respected bowler, faced an over that he would rather forget. Incidentally, he had earlier conceded six sixes in an over to Yuvraj Singh in the 2007 T20 World Cup, making him part of two infamous bowling records.
- Context of the Match: At the time, India were trying to stretch their first-innings lead. Bumrah’s blitz helped push India past the 400-run mark, giving them a psychological edge.
Previous Record Holders
Before Bumrah’s historic feat, 28 runs in an over was the joint record, achieved by:
- Brian Lara (West Indies) off Robin Peterson (South Africa) in 2003.
- George Bailey (Australia) off James Anderson (England) in 2013.
- Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) off Joe Root (England) in 2020.
While those efforts were impressive, all involved recognized batsmen — which is why Bumrah’s achievement stands out even more.
A Deeper Look: Why Scoring Big in One Over Is Rare in Tests
Unlike limited-overs formats like ODIs or T20s, Test cricket is characterized by:
- Conservative Play: Batsmen prioritize survival and accumulation over aggression.
- Field Settings: Defensive fields restrict boundary opportunities.
- Ball Condition: The red ball moves more, making big hitting risky.
- Game Context: In Tests, the goal is often to build a long innings, not to attack wildly.
Thus, for a player to score 30+ runs in an over in a Test requires a very specific mix of boldness, luck, and sometimes, desperate situations where runs must be accelerated.
Conclusion
Jasprit Bumrah’s 35-run over against Stuart Broad is not just a quirky statistical footnote — it’s a moment that captures the unpredictable beauty of cricket. It reminds us that in sport, anything can happen — even a bowler smashing a legendary batsman’s record.
This record may stand the test of time, or perhaps in the future, another unlikely hero will emerge to dazzle the cricket world. Until then, Bumrah’s sensational Edgbaston over remains etched in Test cricket folklore as one of its most astonishing moments.
Explore:
