Men Who Raised the Bar: The evolution of the highest individual score in Test cricket

The highest individual score in Test cricket is the blue riband record of batting achievement, with ten different players having achieved it. Chris Waters' book "The Men Who Raised the Bar" charts the growth of the record through nearly one hundred and fifty years of Test cricket, featuring legendary names such as Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Leonard Hutton, Sir Garfield Sobers, and Walter Hammond, as well as less heralded players whose stories are brought back into the light.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Few sporting records capture the imagination quite like that of the highest individual score in Test cricket. It is the blue riband record of batting achievement, the ultimate statement of stamina and skill. From Charles Bannerman, who scored 165 for Australia against England in the inaugural Test match in 1877, to Brian Lara, who made 400 not out for West Indies against England in 2004, the record has changed hands ten times. Chris Waters' The Men Who Raised the Bar charts the growth of the record through nearly one hundred and fifty years of Test cricket. It is a journey that takes in a legendary line of famous names including Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Leonard Hutton, Sir Garfield Sobers and Walter Hammond, along with less heralded players whose stories are brought back into the light. Drawing on the reflections of the record-holders, Waters profiles the men who raised the bar and their historic performances.

The highest individual score in Test cricket is a remarkable feat that has captivated the sporting world for generations. It is the ultimate testament to a batsman's skill, stamina, and determination. The record has been held by a select few legendary players, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the game.

Charles Bannerman, who scored 165 for Australia against England in the inaugural Test match in 1877, set the stage for what would become an iconic record. His innings was a display of sheer brilliance, with Bannerman hitting 29 fours and 1 six in his 367-ball knock. His performance was a testament to his ability to withstand the pressure of a long and grueling Test match.

However, Bannerman's record was short-lived, as it was broken just two years later by Sir Donald Bradman. Bradman's batting average of 99.94 during his career is still unmatched, and his 294 runs in the second Test against South Africa in 1930 remain the highest individual score in Test cricket. Bradman's mastery of the game was evident in his ability to read the ball and play with an unmatched precision.

Sir Leonard Hutton, another legendary batsman, also left his mark on the record books. Hutton scored 334 for England against Australia in 1930, a performance that helped England secure a famous victory. His innings was a display of patience and discipline, as he faced 1,000 balls and hit 36 fours. Hutton's record stood for over 30 years until it was broken by Brian Lara.

Lara's 400 not out for West Indies against England in 2004 is one of the most remarkable innings in the history of cricket. His knock lasted 11 hours and 56 minutes, and he hit 42 fours and 6 sixes. Lara's performance was a testament to his incredible talent and his ability to withstand the pressure of a long and grueling Test match.

The record has changed hands ten times since Bannerman's initial score in 1877. Other notable players who have achieved the highest individual score include Sir Garfield Sobers, who scored 365 for West Indies against England in 1968, and Walter Hammond, who scored 332 for Australia against South Africa in 1912.

Chris Waters' book, The Men Who Raised the Bar, provides a fascinating insight into the growth of the highest individual score in Test cricket. Waters profiles a legendary line of famous names, including Bradman, Hutton, Sobers, and Hammond, along with less heralded players whose stories are brought back into the light. The book explores the challenges and sacrifices that these players made to achieve their historic performances, and it sheds light on the evolution of the game over the past one hundred and fifty years.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Men Who Raised the Bar is the way that Waters profiles the record-holders. He takes the time to understand their motivations and their approach to the game, and he provides a deep insight into their characters and their achievements. The book is filled with anecdotes and stories that bring the record-holders to life, and it provides a glimpse into the intense pressure and scrutiny that they faced during their careers.

The highest individual score in Test cricket is a testament to the incredible talent and skill of the players who have achieved it. It is a record that has been chased by countless batsmen over the years, and it remains a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the world. The Men Who Raised the Bar is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of cricket, and it provides a fascinating insight into the men who have raised the bar and achieved greatness in the game.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 129 x 187 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472977533