Test cricket is often regarded as a battle of patience, where runs are earned steadily and bowlers maintain relentless discipline. Unlike the fast-paced nature of T20s or ODIs, it’s rare to see explosive overs packed with boundaries.
However, Test cricket has witnessed a few extraordinary moments when the batters broke the norm and punished bowlers with aggressive hitting. One such unforgettable instance came in 2022 when Jasprit Bumrah smashed 35 runs off Stuart Broad, setting the record for the most expensive over in Test history.
This article explores the top 10 such overs that went for the most runs.
Top 10 Most Expensive Over Bowled In Test Cricket
Just like Jasprit Bumrah’s unique and surprising record, other batting greats like Brian Lara, George Bailey, and Shahid Afridi have also etched their names into this rare list.
Here are the top 10 most expensive overs ever bowled in Test cricket:
| Player | Runs Scored | Bowler | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 35 | Stuart Broad | India vs England, 2022 |
| Brian Lara | 28 | Robin Peterson | West Indies vs South Africa, 2003 |
| George Bailey | 28 | James Anderson | Australia vs England, 2013 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 28 | Joe Root | South Africa vs England, 2019 |
| Shahid Afridi | 27 | Harbhajan Singh | Pakistan vs India, 2005 |
| Harry Brook | 27 | Zahid Mahmood | Pakistan vs England, 2022 |
| Craig McMillan | 26 | Younis Khan | New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2000 |
| Brian Lara | 26 | Danish Kaneria | Pakistan vs West Indies, 2006 |
| Mitchell Johnson | 26 | P Harris | South Africa vs Australia, 2008 |
| Brendon McCullum | 26 | S Lakmal | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2014 |
1. Jasprit Bumrah vs England
In a rare burst of aggression from a tail-ender, Jasprit Bumrah unleashed 35 runs in the 84th over of the 2022 Edgbaston Test.
Facing Stuart Broad, Bumrah struck four boundaries and two sixes off legal deliveries, backed by five wides and a no-ball. Broken Brian Lara’s previous record and remains the most expensive in Test history.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4 wd, 4 nb, 6, 4, 4, 4, 6, 1
2. Brian Lara vs South Africa
During the 1st Test at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium on December 14, 2003, Brian Lara unleashed an incredible 28-run over off Robin Peterson. Starting with a powerful cut for four, Lara smashed two sixes, two more boundaries, and finished with another cut, taking full advantage of loose bowling.
This over set a then-Test record for most runs in a single over and highlighted Lara’s exceptional timing and boldness. It was a decisive burst that helped shift the momentum in West Indies’ favor.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4
3. George Bailey vs England
In the 2013 Trent Bridge Test, George Bailey stunned England by scoring 28 runs in a single over off James Anderson. Bailey unleashed a series of boundaries that rattled the English bowling attack during a critical phase of the match.
This explosive over demonstrated how a batsman can turn the tide even in Test cricket’s traditional format by combining patience with sudden aggression.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4, 6, 2, 4, 6, 6
4. Keshav Maharaj vs England
At Newlands in December 2019, South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj surprised everyone by hitting 28 runs in one over off Joe Root. Maharaj’s powerful hitting included multiple sixes and fours, putting pressure on England’s top bowler.
His unexpected batting display showcased how lower-order players can influence the game with aggressive shots, changing momentum in a Test match.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 4 b
5. Shahid Afridi vs India
In the 2006 Lahore Test, Shahid Afridi scored 27 runs off Harbhajan Singh’s over with powerful sixes and boundaries. Afridi’s fearless approach rattled the Indian bowling attack.
His aggressive batting style often brought excitement to Test matches, proving effective in changing game momentum.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 6, 6, 6, 6, 2, 1
6. Harry Brook vs Pakistan
In December 2022 at Rawalpindi, Harry Brook scored 27 runs off an over bowled by Zahid Mahmood. Brook’s confident hitting included several boundaries, pressuring the Pakistani bowler.
This over reflected the growing trend of aggressive batting in Test cricket’s modern era.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 6, 4, 4, 4, 6, 3
7. Craig McMillan vs Pakistan
In the 2000 Hamilton Test, Craig McMillan hit 26 runs off Younis Khan’s over with powerful boundaries and sharp running between the wickets. McMillan unsettled the Pakistani attack with his aggressive strokeplay.
This over was a key moment that demonstrated how lower-order batsmen can accelerate scoring in Test matches.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4, 4, 4, 4, 6, 4
8. Brian Lara vs Pakistan
During the 2006 Multan Test, Brian Lara hit 26 runs off Danish Kaneria’s over. Lara’s combination of elegance and power helped dominate the spinner and shift momentum.
This over reinforced Lara’s reputation as one of the greatest batsmen capable of producing match-defining bursts in Test cricket.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4, 0, 6, 6, 6, 4
9. Mitchell Johnson vs South Africa
In the 2009 Johannesburg Test, Mitchell Johnson scored 26 runs off Paul Harris’ over with a mix of boundaries and sixes. Johnson’s aggressive batting put pressure on the South African spinner.
This over was a testament to Johnson’s ability to influence matches with his hard-hitting style.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4, 4, 6, 0, 6, 6
10. Brendon McCullum vs Sri Lanka
During the 2014 Christchurch Test, Brendon McCullum scored 26 runs off Suranga Lakmal’s over. McCullum’s attacking strokes and quick running boosted New Zealand’s momentum.
Known for his aggressive batting, McCullum’s over was instrumental in turning the tide in favor of the home team.
Ball-by-Ball Breakdown of the Over: 4, 6, 6, 0, 4, 6
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Conclusion: Bumrah’s 35 Runs vs Broad is the Most Expensive Test Over Ever!
Jasprit Bumrah’s explosive 35-run over against Stuart Broad remains the most expensive in Test cricket history, showcasing how even in the longest format, moments of aggressive brilliance can change the game’s course. This rare feat highlights the evolving nature of Test cricket, where players can combine patience with power.
Other legends like Brian Lara, George Bailey, and Shahid Afridi have also produced unforgettable overs that disrupted bowling attacks and shifted momentum. These overs remind us that Test cricket, while traditionally slow-paced, has its share of thrilling and unexpected moments.
Such record-breaking overs add excitement and unpredictability to the game, inspiring batsmen to innovate and bowlers to adapt.
