Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: List of most expensive overs in Test cricket | What is the most expensive over in Test history?
In another example of cricket’s unpredictability, Jasprit Bumrah is the unlikeliest record holder of the most runs scored off a single over in Test history. Bumrah, on Test captaincy debut in the 2022 Edgbaston Test against England, hit Stuart Broad for a record-breaking 35 in the first innings.
The Twitter reactions to Bumrah’s feat against Broad told the story. The tailender, whose batting has rarely stood up to Test bowling attacks, went on a rampage as England once again went away from their lines and lengths against India’s tail. In the process, he went past the great Brian Lara and others en route to a record he will be sure to tell his grandkids about.
Most expensive overs in Test history
Here is a list of the most expensive overs in Test history. Bumrah’s 35 took him past lara, George Bailey and Keshav Maharaj.
35, Jasprit Bumrah vs Stuart Broad, 2022
15 years after Broad conceded the most runs in T20I history (36 vs Yuvraj Singh), he conceded the most runs in Test history (35). Out of the 35, 29 came off Bumrah’s bat, which is still the record for most runs in a single over.
28, Brian Lara vs Robin Peterson, 2003
One of the most famous overs. The great Brian Charles Lara went on a rampage in the 2003 Test against South Africa in Johannesburg, smashing 28 off left-arm spinner Robin Peterson. He went on to score 202 in the first innings – nearly half of the Windies’ total of 410 – which was ultimately not enough to avoid defeat.
28, George Bailey vs James Anderson, 2013
After winning the Ashes in 2009, 2010/11 and 2013, England were on the mat as the Ashes were about to head back to Australia. With the Aussies leading the series 2-0 and holding a mammoth 475-run lead in the third Test at Perth, George Bailey took to James Anderson in a display that reflected Australia’s dominance.
28, Keshav Maharaj vs Joe Root, 2019
Another England bowler on the wrong end of the most expensive overs in Test history. Joe Root, with England in a strong position in the second innings, decided to bowl himself with the new ball. Keshav Maharaj was having none of it, smashing 28 off a single over to give the Proteas fans something to smile about in an otherwise disappointing Test where they lost by an innings and 53 runs.
27, Shahid Afridi vs Harbhajan Singh, 2006
Batsmen dominated the 2006 Lahore Test between Pakistan and India. Shahid Afridi smashed 27 off one Harbhajan Singh over, which was the second-most ever at the time. Pakistan went on to score 679/7d only for India to reply with 410/1 in a rain-affected, record-filled Test.
