Highest 5th Wicket Partnership in Test
The highest 5th wicket partnership in test refers to the record breaking achievement of two batsmen who have scored the highest number of runs together for the fifth wicket in a single innings.
This record is significant as it showcases the resilience and skill of the batsmen who managed to build a strong partnership even after the team has lost four wickets.
How to Form a Highest 5th Wicket Partnership in Test
Solid Batting Technique:
Both batsmen should have a solid and reliable batting technique. This includes a good defensive technique to handle challenging deliveries and an array of shots to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Communication and Understanding:
Effective communication between the batsmen is crucial. Understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Clear communication helps in avoiding misunderstandings, ensures proper shot selection, and helps in running between the wickets.
Adapt to Conditions:
Assess the playing conditions, pitch, and weather. Adapt your game accordingly. In challenging conditions, a more cautious approach might be necessary, while on a batting-friendly pitch, batsmen can be more expansive.
Patience and Selective Aggression:
Test cricket demands patience. Batsmen should be prepared to face challenging periods without taking unnecessary risks. However, there are times when selective aggression is required to capitalize on loose deliveries and scoring opportunities.
Shot Selection:
Choose shots wisely based on the merit of the ball. Avoid unnecessary risks, especially early in the partnership. Focus on playing the ball on its merits and wait for scoring opportunities.
Rotate Strike:
Keep the scoreboard ticking by rotating the strike. Singles and twos not only add runs but also help in breaking the rhythm of the bowlers. This can relieve pressure and create scoring opportunities.
Individual Roles:
To make strong partnerships, each batsman should understand their role in the partnership. One might play a more defensive role, holding an end, while the other takes on a more aggressive role. Roles can switch based on form and situation.
Build a Platform:
Initially, focus on building a solid platform. Consolidate the innings, and as the partnership grows, gradually look to score more freely.
Team Situation:
Understand the team situation and play accordingly. If the team is in a strong position, consolidating the advantage is crucial. If the team is under pressure, the partnership might need to be more proactive in scoring.
Fitness and Endurance:
Test matches can be physically demanding. Ensure both batsmen are physically fit and have the endurance to bat for extended periods.
Highest 5th Wicket Partnership in Test | Top 10
10. Brian Lara, Jimmy Adams – 322Â Runs Partnership:
In Kingston on March 13, 1999, Brian Lara and Jimmy Adams combined forces for West Indies against Australia. Australia posted scores of 256 and 177, while West Indies chased down the target of 3/0, securing a convincing 10-wicket victory.
This partnership showcased the batting prowess of Lara and Adams, contributing to a memorable West Indies win.
9. Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting – 327 Runs Partnership:
At Perth on November 26, 1999, Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting’s partnership contributed significantly to Australia’s innings victory against Pakistan.
Pakistan posted scores of 155 and 276, while Australia declared at 451, securing a win by an innings and 20 runs.
8. Allan Border, Steve Waugh – 332 Runs* Partnership:
In a Test match at Leeds on July 22, 1993, Allan Border and Steve Waugh’s unbroken 332-run partnership for Australia against England was instrumental in their comprehensive victory.
Australia declared at 653/4, and England, following on, managed scores of 200 and 305. The match concluded with Australia winning by an innings and 148 runs.
7. Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey – 334 Runs* Partnership:
At Sydney on January 3, 2012, Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey’s unbeaten 334-run partnership for Australia against India played a crucial role in their team’s victory.
India posted scores of 191 and 400, while Australia declared at 659/4. The match ended with Australia winning by an innings and 68 runs.
6. Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers – 338 Runs Partnership:
In a Test match against Pakistan at Dubai (DSC) on October 23, 2013, Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers played pivotal roles for South Africa.
Pakistan struggled, posting scores of 99 and 326. In response, South Africa declared at 517, securing an emphatic victory by an innings and 92 runs.
5. Zak Crawley, Jos Buttler – 359 Runs Partnership:
The partnership between Zak Crawley and Jos Buttler for England against Pakistan at Southampton on August 21, 2020, resulted in a drawn match.
England declared at 583/8, and Pakistan, following on, managed scores of 273 and 187/4.
The resilience displayed by Pakistan in the second innings denied England a win, emphasizing the significance of partnerships in saving matches.
4. Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim – 359 Runs Partnership:
In a Test match against New Zealand at Wellington on January 12, 2017, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim put up a valiant effort for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh declared at 595/8 and 160. New Zealand, however, emerged victorious by 7 wickets, chasing the target of 217/3.
Despite the loss, Shakib and Rahim’s partnership showcased Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness in Test cricket.
3. VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid – 376 Runs Partnership:
At Eden Gardens on March 11, 2001, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid orchestrated one of the most iconic comebacks in Test cricket for India against Australia.
After Australia set a challenging target with scores of 445 and 212, India faced follow-on at 171.
However, Laxman and Dravid’s stellar partnership, contributing to a total of 657/7 declared, turned the tide.
India ultimately won the match by 171 runs, marking it as one of the greatest Test victories.
2. Steve Waugh, Greg Blewett – 385 Runs Partnership:
On February 28, 1997, at Johannesburg, Steve Waugh and Greg Blewett etched their names in cricket history with a remarkable 385-run partnership for Australia against South Africa.
The South African team struggled, posting scores of 302 and 130. In contrast, Australia declared at a commanding 628/8.
The match ended with Australia winning by an innings and 196 runs, a testament to the batting prowess displayed by Waugh and Blewett.
1. Sid Barnes, Don Bradman – 405 Runs Partnership:
In a historic encounter at Sydney on December 13, 1946, Sid Barnes and Don Bradman orchestrated a phenomenal 405-run partnership for Australia against England.
The English team, batting first, managed scores of 255 and 371. In response, Australia dominated with a colossal 659/8 declared.
The match concluded with Australia securing a resounding victory by an innings and 33 runs, underlining the sheer dominance of Barnes and Bradman in that memorable Test.
List of All the Highest 5th Wicket Partnerships in Test Cricket History
Sr. No. | Partners | Runs | Team | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
1 | Sid Barnes, Don Bradman | 405 | Australia | v England | Sydney | 13-Dec-46 |
2 | Steve Waugh, Greg Blewett | 385 | Australia | v South Africa | Johannesburg | 28-Feb-97 |
3 | VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid | 376 | India | v Australia | Eden Gardens | 11-Mar-01 |
4 | Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim | 359 | Bangladesh | v New Zealand | Wellington | 12-Jan-17 |
5 | Zak Crawley, Jos Buttler | 359 | England | v Pakistan | Southampton | 21-Aug-20 |
6 | Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers | 338 | South Africa | v Pakistan | Dubai (DSC) | 23-Oct-13 |
7 | Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey | 334* | Australia | v India | Sydney | 3-Jan-12 |
8 | Allan Border, Steve Waugh | 332* | Australia | v England | Leeds | 22-Jul-93 |
9 | Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting | 327 | Australia | v Pakistan | Perth | 26-Nov-99 |
10 | Brian Lara, Jimmy Adams | 322 | West Indies | v Australia | Kingston | 13-Mar-99 |
11 | Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman | 303 | India | v Australia | Adelaide | 12-Dec-03 |
12 | SPD Smith, MR Marsh | 301 | Australia | v England | Perth | 14-Dec-17 |
13 | SC Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh | 300 | India | v Pakistan | Bengaluru | 8-Dec-07 |
14 | S Chanderpaul, D Ramdin | 296* | West Indies | v Bangladesh | Mirpur | 13-Nov-12 |
15 | CL Hooper, S Chanderpaul | 293 | West Indies | v India | Georgetown | 11-Apr-02 |
16 | Javed Miandad, Asif Iqbal | 281 | Pakistan | v New Zealand | Lahore | 9-Oct-76 |
17 | SR Waugh, RT Ponting | 281 | Australia | v West Indies | Bridgetown | 26-Mar-99 |
18 | TT Samaraweera, TM Dilshan | 280 | Sri Lanka | v Bangladesh | Colombo (PSS) | 20-Sep-05 |
19 | MW Goodwin, A Flower | 277* | Zimbabwe | v Pakistan | Bulawayo | 14-Mar-98 |
20 | MJ Clarke, MEK Hussey | 272 | Australia | v South Africa | Adelaide | 22-Nov-12 |
21 | MTG Elliott, RT Ponting | 268 | Australia | v England | Leeds | 24-Jul-97 |
22 | JH Kallis, AG Prince | 267 | South Africa | v West Indies | St John's | 29-Apr-05 |
23 | Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim | 267 | Bangladesh | v Sri Lanka | Galle | 8-Mar-13 |
24 | SM Nurse, GS Sobers | 265 | West Indies | v England | Leeds | 4-Aug-66 |
25 | RR Sarwan, S Chanderpaul | 262* | West Indies | v Bangladesh | Kingston | 4-Jun-04 |
26 | Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq | 259 | Pakistan | v Bangladesh | Chattogram | 9-Dec-11 |
27 | Saleem Malik, Inzamam-ul-Haq | 258 | Pakistan | v New Zealand | Wellington | 17-Feb-94 |
28 | JH Kallis, AB de Villiers | 256 | South Africa | v India | Ahmedabad | 3-Apr-08 |
29 | SR Tendulkar, SK Raina | 256 | India | v Sri Lanka | Colombo (SSC) | 26-Jul-10 |
30 | KWR Fletcher, AW Greig | 254 | England | v India | Brabourne | 6-Feb-73 |
31 | MJ Clarke, MJ North | 253 | Australia | v New Zealand | Wellington | 19-Mar-10 |
32 | Shoaib Malik, Asad Shafiq | 248 | Pakistan | v England | Abu Dhabi | 13-Oct-15 |
33 | WR Hammond, LEG Ames | 242 | England | v New Zealand | Christchurch | 24-Mar-33 |
34 | SR Waugh, RT Ponting | 239 | Australia | v India | Adelaide | 10-Dec-99 |
35 | DCS Compton, NWD Yardley | 237 | England | v South Africa | Nottingham | 7-Jun-47 |
36 | DJ Malan, JM Bairstow | 237 | England | v Australia | Perth | 14-Dec-17 |
37 | DJ Mitchell, TA Blundell | 236 | New Zealand | v England | Nottingham | 10-Jun-22 |
38 | Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah | 235 | Bangladesh | v New Zealand | Hamilton | 28-Feb-19 |
39 | PA de Silva, ST Jayasuriya | 234 | Sri Lanka | v Bangladesh | Colombo (PSS) | 21-Jul-02 |
40 | S Chanderpaul, BP Nash | 234 | West Indies | v England | Port of Spain | 6-Mar-09 |
41 | GW Flower, GJ Whittall | 233* | Zimbabwe | v Pakistan | Harare | 31-Jan-95 |
42 | SE Marsh, SPD Smith | 233 | Australia | v South Africa | Centurion | 12-Feb-14 |
43 | MJ Clarke, MEK Hussey | 228 | Australia | v South Africa | Brisbane | 9-Nov-12 |
44 | V Kohli, RA Jadeja | 225 | India | v South Africa | Pune | 10-Oct-19 |
45 | AR Morris, DG Bradman | 223* | Australia | v India | Melbourne | 1-Jan-48 |
46 | NJ Astle, CD McMillan | 222 | New Zealand | v Zimbabwe | Wellington | 26-Dec-00 |
47 | KR Miller, RG Archer | 220 | Australia | v West Indies | Kingston | 11-Jun-55 |
48 | SR Tendulkar, V Sehwag | 220 | India | v South Africa | Bloemfontein | 3-Nov-01 |
49 | ED Weekes, BH Pairaudeau | 219 | West Indies | v India | Port of Spain | 21-Jan-53 |
50 | RB Simpson, BC Booth | 219 | Australia | v England | Manchester | 23-Jul-64 |
51 | BC Lara, S Chanderpaul | 219 | West Indies | v England | St John's | 16-Apr-94 |
52 | PD Collingwood, EJG Morgan | 219 | England | v Pakistan | Nottingham | 29-Jul-10 |
53 | Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq | 219 | Pakistan | v South Africa | Cape Town | 14-Feb-13 |
54 | PD Collingwood, MJ Prior | 218 | England | v West Indies | Port of Spain | 6-Mar-09 |
55 | AR Border, GM Ritchie | 216 | Australia | v England | Lord's | 27-Jun-85 |
56 | CL Hooper, S Chanderpaul | 215 | West Indies | v India | Bridgetown | 2-May-02 |
57 | M Azharuddin, RJ Shastri | 214 | India | v England | Eden Gardens | 31-Dec-84 |
58 | SR Tendulkar, VVS Laxman | 214 | India | v West Indies | Eden Gardens | 30-Oct-02 |
59 | Zaheer Abbas, Mudassar Nazar | 213 | Pakistan | v India | Karachi | 23-Dec-82 |
60 | GM Ritchie, GRJ Matthews | 213 | Australia | v New Zealand | Wellington | 21-Feb-86 |
61 | AG Prince, HH Gibbs | 213 | South Africa | v Pakistan | Centurion | 11-Jan-07 |
62 | AG Prince, AB de Villiers | 212 | South Africa | v England | Leeds | 18-Jul-08 |
63 | KS Williamson, HM Nicholls | 212 | New Zealand | v Pakistan | Abu Dhabi | 3-Dec-18 |
64 | RB Kanhai, MLC Foster | 210 | West Indies | v Australia | Kingston | 16-Feb-73 |
65 | DL Amiss, AW Greig | 210 | England | v New Zealand | Nottingham | 7-Jun-73 |
66 | AR Border, SR Waugh | 208 | Australia | v South Africa | Adelaide | 28-Jan-94 |
67 | UT Khawaja, C Green | 208 | Australia | v India | Ahmedabad | 9-Mar-23 |
68 | TT Samaraweera, TM Dilshan | 207 | Sri Lanka | v Pakistan | Lahore | 1-Mar-09 |
69 | Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq | 207 | Pakistan | v Bangladesh | Mirpur | 6-May-15 |
70 | E Paynter, DCS Compton | 206 | England | v Australia | Nottingham | 10-Jun-38 |
71 | Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das | 206 | Bangladesh | v Pakistan | Chattogram | 26-Nov-21 |
72 | F du Plessis, AB de Villiers | 205 | South Africa | v India | Johannesburg | 18-Dec-13 |
73 | SM Gavaskar, BP Patel | 204 | India | v West Indies | Port of Spain | 24-Mar-76 |
74 | ME Waugh, AR Border | 204 | Australia | v West Indies | Melbourne | 26-Dec-92 |
75 | HDRL Thirimanne, LD Chandimal | 203* | Sri Lanka | v Bangladesh | Galle | 8-Mar-13 |
76 | BA Stokes, OJ Pope | 203 | England | v South Africa | Gqeberha | 16-Jan-20 |
77 | MH Denness, AW Greig | 202 | England | v India | Lord's | 20-Jun-74 |
78 | SR Tendulkar, M Azharuddin | 202 | India | v West Indies | Nagpur | 1-Dec-94 |
79 | SM Patil, RJ Shastri | 200 | India | v Pakistan | Faisalabad | 24-Oct-84 |
80 | GM Wood, SR Waugh | 200 | Australia | v West Indies | Perth | 2-Dec-88 |
81 | BC Lara, DJ Bravo | 200 | West Indies | v Pakistan | Multan | 19-Nov-06 |
Data Source: ESPN Cricinfo