Wicketkeepers are usually praised for their sharp reflexes and exceptional glove work behind the stumps. However, some of them have showcased extraordinary batting talent and played unforgettable innings in Test cricket. This article highlights the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers, showcasing the top 10 run-scoring knocks in Test history by wicketkeeper-batsmen. Each of these innings was a symbol of patience, power, and perfect technique.
Let us count down from 10 to 1 and revisit the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
List of Top 10 Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers in History
10. Mushfiqur Rahim
In 2013, Mushfiqur Rahim made history for Bangladesh with a monumental 200-run knock against Sri Lanka in Galle. Facing a formidable bowling attack on foreign soil, Rahim displayed great skill, technique, and maturity. His innings was the first-ever double century by a Bangladeshi batsman in Test cricket. He built vital partnerships and ensured Bangladesh remained competitive throughout the match. It was a landmark moment that showed Rahim’s evolution into a world-class wicketkeeper-batsman.
Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers gained new meaning with this historic double ton.
| Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs | 200 |
| Balls Faced | 321 |
| Fours | 22 |
| Sixes | 1 |
| Opposition | Sri Lanka |
9. Brendon Kuruppu
Brendon Kuruppu, a Sri Lankan wicketkeeper, created history in 1987 when he scored 201* on his Test debut against New Zealand. This legendary knock remains one of the longest in Test history, as he batted for more than 12 hours. Kuruppu’s patience and focus were outstanding. Though he didn’t play many Tests later, this innings alone placed him among the greats. His double century came at a time when Sri Lanka was still new to Test cricket, and it boosted the nation’s confidence at the international level.
This is still remembered as one of the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers on debut.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 201* |
| Balls Faced | 548 |
| Fours | 24 |
| Sixes | 0 |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
8. Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist redefined the role of wicketkeeper-batsmen with his aggressive style. In 2002, he scored a blazing 204* against South Africa in Johannesburg. His innings came off just 213 balls, showcasing his brutal stroke play. Gilchrist smashed 19 fours and 8 sixes, dismantling the opposition bowlers and helping Australia dominate. It was one of the fastest double hundreds by a wicketkeeper and remains one of the most thrilling Test knocks.
A thrilling entry in the list of Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 204* |
| Balls Faced | 213 |
| Fours | 19 |
| Sixes | 8 |
| Opposition | South Africa |
7. BJ Watling
BJ Watling was known for his composure and consistency. Against England in 2019, he played one of the most resilient innings by a wicketkeeper, scoring 205 off 473 balls. Watling batted with discipline and formed key partnerships that turned the game in New Zealand’s favor. His innings was a perfect example of Test match grit and determination. It helped New Zealand post a huge total and eventually win the match.
His knock earned him a deserving spot among the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 205 |
| Balls Faced | 473 |
| Fours | 24 |
| Sixes | 1 |
| Opposition | England |
6. Imtiaz Ahmed
Imtiaz Ahmed was one of the pioneers of Pakistan cricket. In 1955, he scored a brilliant 209 against New Zealand in Lahore. It was a majestic effort in the early days of Pakistan’s Test journey. His ability to bat for long hours and play attacking strokes made his double century remarkable. At a time when wicketkeeper-batsmen rarely scored big, Imtiaz Ahmed’s innings stood tall.
A timeless classic among the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 209 |
| Balls Faced | N/A |
| Fours | 28 |
| Sixes | 0 |
| Opposition | New Zealand |
5. Taslim Arif
Taslim Arif played only a handful of Tests, but in 1980, he made a huge impact by scoring 210* against Australia. His innings came in testing conditions and was filled with fine strokes and strong temperament. Though his international career was short, this knock was enough to etch his name in cricket history. It’s one of the most memorable innings by a Pakistani wicketkeeper.
A valuable addition to the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers list.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 210* |
| Balls Faced | 379 |
| Fours | 20 |
| Sixes | 0 |
| Opposition | Australia |
4. Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur Rahim made yet another historic contribution in 2018, this time scoring 219* against Zimbabwe in Mirpur. His second double century displayed maturity, patience, and great technique. He anchored the innings and ensured Bangladesh built a massive score. His role as both a leader and a finisher was evident throughout the innings.
Another gem in the collection of Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 219* |
| Balls Faced | 421 |
| Fours | 18 |
| Sixes | 1 |
| Opposition | Zimbabwe |
3. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni’s 224 in Chennai was a truly iconic knock. Leading from the front, Dhoni took on a strong Australian attack and punished them with fearless batting. His innings came in quick time and included 24 fours and 6 sixes. He reached his double hundred with a six and continued to build the lead. This was Dhoni’s best Test knock and the highest by an Indian wicketkeeper.
One of the most aggressive entries in the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 224 |
| Balls Faced | 265 |
| Fours | 24 |
| Sixes | 6 |
| Opposition | Australia |
2. Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara was a masterclass of elegance and technique. Against Pakistan in Lahore, he played a majestic knock of 230. His batting was full of timing, placement, and calmness. Sangakkara’s innings was key to Sri Lanka’s big total and proved his dominance as a wicketkeeper-batsman. It’s one of the finest innings in Asian Test cricket history.
A legendary moment in the list of Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 230 |
| Balls Faced | 327 |
| Fours | 33 |
| Sixes | 3 |
| Opposition | Pakistan |
1. Andy Flower
At the top of the chart is Andy Flower’s unbeaten 232 against India in 2000. Batting under pressure in Nagpur, Flower carried Zimbabwe’s innings single-handedly. He batted for more than 9 hours and displayed courage, class, and control. This remains the Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers in the history of the format. It was an innings of character and endurance that earned global admiration.
A truly historic knock that defines the essence of Highest Test Innings by Wicketkeepers.
| Stats | Value |
| Runs | 232* |
| Balls Faced | 444 |
| Fours | 30 |
| Sixes | 2 |
| Opposition | India |
READ MORE:
- Top 10 Highest strike rates for England vs India in Tests
- Top 10 players with the Highest Batting Averages in England vs India Tests
FAQ
1. Who holds the record for the highest score by a wicketkeeper in Tests?
Andy Flower holds the record with 232* against India in 2000.
Has any Indian wicketkeeper scored a double century in Tests?
Yes, MS Dhoni scored 224 against Australia in Chennai in 2013.
Which wicketkeeper has scored two double centuries in Test cricket?
Mushfiqur Rahim has done it twice—for 219* and 200.
Who scored the fastest double century among wicketkeepers?
Adam Gilchrist scored 204* at a strike rate of 95.77, one of the fastest by a wicketkeeper.
Are there any debut double centuries by wicketkeepers?
Yes, Brendon Kuruppu scored 201* on debut against New Zealand in 1987.