Most expensive overs in Tests (Top 3)
Among the three formats of the game, it is Test cricket wherein batters take matters slow, scoring at their own pace but with the agenda to win the contest. However, in the white-ball format, especially in the 20-over contests, batters are in a hurry to score runs and explode by targeting bowlers. The shortest format has seen numerous batters getting aggressive against the rival bowlers and blasting massive runs off just an over. That said, seldom do we get to witness something similar in the longest format of the contest as batters tend to play a more delicate innings. However, there have been instances wherein few cricketers have amassed humongous scores in a single over.
Here are the top three most expensive overs in Test cricket:
Zahid Mahmood (PAK) and Harbhajan Singh (IND) – 27 runs
In the first Test match of the ongoing Pakistan-England red-ball series, Zahid was smashed for 27 runs by Harry Brook. The young sensation did not show any mercy on Zahid and battered him for as many as 24 runs of the first five balls with only sixes and fours and the final ball resulting in three runs. Similarly, Harbhajan Singh also leaked the same kind of runs in 2005-06 when the side played arch rivals Pakistan. Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who is also known to be an explosive hitter, targeted the Indian spinner for 27 runs in just six balls.
Joe Root (ENG), James Anderson (ENG) and Robin Peterson (SA) – 28 runs
In the 2019-20 Test match between South Africa and England, Keshav Maharaj picked on Joe Root for a mammoth 28 runs by only dealing with boundaries in the red-ball contest. Veteran pacer James Anderson and South Africa international, Robin Peterson too gave away those many runs in matches against Australia and West indies. George Bailey and the legendary cricketer Brian Lara had scored the runs off a single over in their respective fixtures.
Stuart Broad (ENG) – 35 runs
The Englishman leaked 35 runs in a single over to India’s Jasprit Bumrah in the match at Edgbaston in 2022. It was recorded as most number of runs conceded in a single over by any player in Test cricket. Interestingly, Bumrah was leading the side and remained unbeaten with his 31 runs from 16 deliveries in the contest.
