For a batsman, playing a Test in a foreign country and producing an innings of note is regarded as the toughest task in cricket. There have been several instances in history where even technically excellent batsmen have struggled away from home. Patience and perseverance are two necessary qualities required by an individual to survive a testing spell in overseas conditions. Here we will take a look at the highest individual scores away from home,
#5 Chris Gayle 333 vs Sri Lanka, Galle
Gayle’s incredible T-20 career has largely overshadowed his achievements in Tests but his 333 is still fondly remembered by cricket fans. West Indies batted first in their first Test of the tour and the openers put on a 100 run partnership. Gayle was batting in ODI mode as he reached his fifty off 61 balls and century off 116 balls.
He reached his double century before the end of the first day and remained unbeaten at the crease along with Chanderpaul. At the start of the next day, Chris Gayle showed a lot of temperament amidst disciplined bowling from the Lankans. His knock included 34 fours and 9 sixes.
#4 Don Bradman 334 vs England, Leeds
The greatness of Bradman has transcended generations and millions of fans still marvel over his impossible test average of 99.94. This innings came in the 1930 Ashes in which he scored 974 runs, a record that can never be broken by anyone.
Coming into this game, the series was level at 1-1 and both teams were looking for a victory. Opener Jackson was dismissed early and Bradman joined hands with Bill Woodfull at the crease. He was at the crease for 383 minutes and scored 46 fours on his way to the then world record tally of 334.
#3 Mark Taylor 334* vs Pakistan, Peshawar
This knock cemented Mark Taylor’s status as one of all-time great Test openers. Australia batted first and lost Michael Slater early. Langer and Taylor stitched a double-century stand to put Australia in a commanding position.
Taylor played with an iron will and remained at the crease for almost two days. He took 594 balls to reach 334 and declared soon as a mark of great respect for Bradman. Shoaib Akhtar was targeted repeatedly by Taylor throughout the innings as his pace allowed Taylor to play his natural game.
#2 Wally Hammond 336* vs New Zealand, Auckland
This knock did come against one of the weaker attacks of the era but Hammond’s ruthless aggression in a bygone era is the highlight of this innings. The Black Caps were dismissed for 158 in the first innings and England lost Sutcliffe early in the second innings.
Hammond walked out to bat at number 3 and did not show any mercy for the bowlers. He struck 10 sixes during the knock and this record was unbroken for more than 50 years. His effort gave England a last gasp chance to go for the win but the game did end up like a drawn affair.
#1 Hanif Mohammad 337 vs West Indies, Bridgetown
Long before Pakistan became a well-respected cricketing unit, Hanif Mohammad played the innings of a lifetime against a mighty West Indian outfit in 1958. West Indies made 579 in the first innings and dismissed Pakistan for just 109.
Innings victory was in sight for West Indies with Pakistan asked to follow on. But one man refused to give up and stood firm for 970 minutes, the longest individual innings by minutes. He only scored 24 fours in the knock and the rest of the runs were achieved by hard running between the wickets.
