List of South Africa Test cricket records
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Test cricket is the oldest form of cricket played at international level.[1] A Test match is scheduled to take place over a period of five days,[a][b] and is played by teams representing full member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC).[5][6] This is a list of South African Test cricket records. It is based on the List of Test cricket records, but concentrates solely on records dealing with the South African Test cricket team, and any cricketers who have played for them.
Key
The top five records are listed for each category, except for the team wins, losses, draws and ties and the partnership records. Tied records for fifth place are also included. Explanations of the general symbols and cricketing terms used in the list are given below. Specific details are provided in each category where appropriate. All records include matches played for South Africa only, and are correct as of January 2020[update].
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| † | Player or umpire is currently active in Test cricket |
| * | Player remained not out or partnership remained unbroken |
| ♠ | Test cricket record |
| d | Innings was declared (e.g. 8/758d) |
| Date | Starting date of the Test match |
| Innings | Number of innings played |
| Matches | Number of matches played |
| Opposition | The team India was playing against |
| Period | The time period when the player was active in Test cricket |
| Player | The player involved in the record |
| Venue | Test cricket ground where the match was played |
Team records
| Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Tied | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 191 | 162 | 126 | 0 | 39.87 |
| .Last Updated: 30 January 2025[7] | |||||
Team wins, losses, draws and ties
As of January 2026[update], South Africa has played 479 Test matches resulting in 191 victories, 162 defeats and 126 draws for an overall winning percentage of 39.87.[7]
| Opponent | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Tied | % Won | % Lost | % Drew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Australia | 102 | 27 | 54 | 21 | 0 | 26.47 | 52.94 | 20.58 |
 Bangladesh | 16 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 87.50 | 0.00 | 12.50 |
 England | 156 | 35 | 66 | 55 | 0 | 22.43 | 42.30 | 35.25 |
 India | 46 | 20 | 16 | 10 | 0 | 43.47 | 34.78 | 21.73 |
 New Zealand | 49 | 26 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 53.06 | 14.28 | 34.04 |
 Pakistan | 32 | 18 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 56.25 | 21.87 | 21.87 |
 Sri Lanka | 33 | 18 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 54.54 | 27.27 | 18.18 |
 West Indies | 34 | 23 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 67.64 | 8.82 | 23.52 |
 Zimbabwe | 11 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 90.90 | 0.00 | 9.09 |
Statistics are correct as of  South Africa v India at Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati, 2nd Test, 22-26 November 2025.[8] | ||||||||
First Test series wins
First Test match wins
| Opponent | Home | Away | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | Year | Venue | Year | |
 Afghanistan | YTP | YTP | YTP | YTP |
| Australia | Johannesburg | 1966 | Adelaide | 1911 |
| Bangladesh | Durban | 2002 | Chittagong | 2004 |
| England | Johannesburg | 1906 | Lord's | 1935 |
| India | Port Elizabeth | 1992 | Kolkata | 1996 |
 Ireland | YTP | YTP | YTP | YTP |
| New Zealand | Durban | 1953 | Christchurch | 1932 |
| Pakistan | Johannesburg | 1995 | Faisalabad | 1997 |
| Sri Lanka | Cape Town | 1998 | Colombo (SSC) | 1993 |
| West Indies | Johannesburg | 1998 | Port of Spain | 2001 |
| Zimbabwe | Bloemfontein | 1999 | Harare | 1995 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[10] | ||||
Team scoring records
Most runs in an innings
The highest innings total scored in Test cricket came in the series between Sri Lanka and India in August 1997. Playing in the first Test at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the hosts posted a first innings total of 6/952d. This broke the longstanding record of 7/903d which England set against Australia in the final Test of the 1938 Ashes series at The Oval. The second Test of the 2003 series against the England saw South Africa set their highest innings total of 682/6d.[11][12]
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 682/6d | England | Lord's, London, England | 31 July 2003 |
| 2 | 658/9d | West Indies | Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 26 December 2003 |
| 3 | 651 | Australia | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town South Africa | 19 March 2009 |
| 4 | 637/2d | England | The Oval, London, England | 19 July 2012 |
| 5 | 627/7d | England | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town South Africa | 2 January 2016 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[13] | ||||
Highest successful run chases
South Africa's highest fourth innings total is 450/7 in an unsuccessful run chase against India at Johannesburg in December 2013. India had set a target of 457. South Africa's second highest fourth innings total of 423/7 came in another draw against England at The Oval in 1947. South Africa's highest successful run chase occurred against Australia at Perth in 2008, and is also the second highest successful fourth innings total. Australia had set South Africa a target of 414[14]
| Rank | Score | Target | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 414/4 | 414 | Australia |
WACA Ground, Perth, Australia | 17 December 2008 |
| 2 | 340/5 | 335 | Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 15 March 2002 | |
| 3 | 297/4 | 295 | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia | 6 February 1953 | |
| 4 | 287/9 | 284 | England |
Old Wanderers, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2 January 1906 |
| 5 | 282/5 | 282 | Australia |
Lord’s, London, England | 11 June 2025 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[15] | |||||
Fewest runs in an innings
The lowest innings total scored in Test cricket came in the second Test of England's tour of New Zealand in March 1955. Trailing England by 46, New Zealand was bowled out in their second innings for 26 runs.[16] The lowest score in Test history for South Africa is 30 scored twice against England in 1896 and 1924.[17][18]
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 | England |
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 13 February 1896 |
| Edgbaston, Birmingham, England | 14 June 1924 | |||
| 3 | 35 | Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 1 April 1899 | |
| 4 | 36 | Australia |
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia | 12 February 1932 |
| 5 | 43 | England |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 25 March 1889 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[17] | ||||
Most runs conceded in an innings
The highest innings total scored against South Africa is by Sri Lanka when they scored 756/5d in the first Test of the South Africa's tour of Sri Lanka in 2006 at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.[12]
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 756/5d | Sri Lanka |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 27 July 2006 |
| 2 | 747 | West Indies |
Antigua Recreation Ground, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda | 29 April 2005 |
| 3 | 654/5 | England |
Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 3 March 1939 |
| 4 | 652/7d | Australia |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 22 February 2002 |
| 5 | 643/6d | India |
Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India | 14 February 2010 |
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[19] | ||||
Fewest runs conceded in an innings
The lowest innings total scored against South Africa is 45 in the first test of New Zealand's tour of South Africa in 2013[18]
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42 | Sri Lanka |
Kingsmead, Durban South Africa | 27 November 2024 |
| 2 | 45 | New Zealand |
Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town South Africa | 2 January 2013 |
| 3 | 47 | Australia |
9 November 2011 | |
| 4 | 49 | Pakistan |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 1 February 2013 |
| 5 | 53 | Bangladesh |
Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 31 March 2022 |
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[20] | ||||
Result records
A Test match is won when one side has scored more runs than the total runs scored by the opposing side during their two innings. If both sides have completed both their allocated innings and the side that fielded last has the higher aggregate of runs, it is known as a win by runs. This indicates the number of runs that they had scored more than the opposing side. If one side scores more runs in a single innings than the total runs scored by the other side in both their innings, it is known as a win by innings and runs. If the side batting last wins the match, it is known as a win by wickets, indicating the number of wickets that were still to fall.[21]
Greatest win margins (by innings)
The fifth Test of the 1938 Ashes series at The Oval saw England win by an innings and 579 runs, the largest victory by an innings in Test cricket history. The largest victory for South Africa, which is the 17th largest, is there win against Bangladesh in the first Test of the 2017 tour at the Mangaung Oval, where the hosts won by an innings and 254 runs.[22]
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Innings and 273 runs | Bangladesh |
Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium Bangladesh | 31 October 2024 |
| 2 | Innings and 254 runs | Bangladesh |
Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, South Africa | 6 October 2017 |
| 3 | Innings and 236 runs | Zimbabwe |
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 6 July 2025 |
| 4 | Innings and 229 runs | Sri Lanka |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 2 January 2001 |
| 5 | Innings and 220 runs | West Indies |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 17 December 2014 |
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[23] | ||||
Greatest win margins (by runs)
The greatest winning margin by runs in Test cricket was England's victory over Australia by 675 runs in the first Test of the 1928–29 Ashes series. The largest victory recorded by South Africa, which is the fourth largest victory, is the final Test of the 2018 series against Australia by 492 runs.[24]
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 492 runs | Australia |
New Wanderers, Johannesburg, South Africa | 30 March 2018 |
| 2 | 408 runs | India |
Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati, India | 22 November 2025 |
| 3 | 358 runs | New Zealand |
New Wanderers, Johannesburg, South Africa | 8 November 2007 |
| 4 | 356 runs | England |
Lord's, London, England | 21 July 1994 |
| 5 | 351 runs | West Indies |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 15 January 1999 |
| Last updated: 26 November 2025[23] | ||||
Greatest win margins (by 10 wickets)
South Africa have won a Test match by a margin of 10 wickets on 10 occasions.[23]
| Rank | Victories | Opposition | Most recent venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | England |
Headingley, Leeds, England | 18 July 2008 |
| 2 | 2 | Sri Lanka |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 3 January 2021 |
| Pakistan |
Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa | 3 January 2025 | ||
| 4 | 1 | Australia |
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia | 24 January 1964 |
| West Indies |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 16 January 2004 | ||
| India |
Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 26 December 2013 | ||
| Last updated: 6 January 2025[23] | ||||
Narrowest win margins (by runs)
South Africa's narrowest win by runs was against Australia in the second Test of the 1993-94 tour at Sydney Cricket Ground. Set 117 runs for victory in the final innings, Australia were bowled all out for 111 to give victory to South Africa by five runs. This was the sixth-narrowest win in Test cricket, with the narrowest being the West Indies' one-run win over Australia in 1993.[25]
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 runs | Australia |
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia | 2 January 1994 |
| 2 | 7 runs | Sri Lanka |
Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 30 July 2000 |
| 3 | 17 runs | England |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 15 February 1957 |
| 4 | 19 runs | Old Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 1 January 1910 | |
| 5 | 28 runs | 24 December 1930 | ||
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[26] | ||||
Narrowest win margins (by wickets)
South Africa's narrowest win by wickets came in the first Test of the English cricket team in South Africa in 1905-06 in January 1906. Played at the Old Wanderers Stadium, the hosts won the match by a margin of one wicket, one of only fifteen one-wicket victories in Test cricket.[27]
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 wicket | England |
Old Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 2 January 1906 | |
| 2 | 2 wickets | Pakistan |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 26 December 2024 | |
| 3 | 3 wickets | England |
Old Trafford, Manchester, England | 7 July 1955 | |
| Sri Lanka |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 15 November 2002 | |||
| 5 | 4 wickets | England |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 7 March 1910 | |
| Old Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 28 January 1928 | ||||
| West Indies |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 26 November 1998 | |||
| India |
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India | 24 February 2000 | |||
| New Zealand |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 5 May 2006 | |||
| Pakistan |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 14 February 2013 | |||
| Last updated: 20 May 2025[26] | |||||
Greatest loss margins (by innings)
The Oval in London played host the greatest defeat by an innings in Test cricket.[22] The final Test of the 1938 Ashes saw England defeat the tourists by an innings and 579 runs, to the draw the series at one match all.[28] South Africa's biggest defeat came at home during the Australian tour in 2002 when they lost by an innings and 360 runs at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.[29]
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Innings and 360 runs | Australia |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 22 February 2002 |
| 2 | Innings and 276 runs | New Zealand |
Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand | 17 February 2022 |
| 3 | Innings and 259 runs | Australia |
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 3 March 1950 |
| 4 | Innings and 202 runs | England |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 25 March 1889 |
| India |
JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, India | 19 October 2002 | ||
| Last updated: 19 February 2022[29] | ||||
Greatest loss margins (by runs)
The first Test of the 1928–29 Ashes series saw Australia defeated by England by 675 runs, the greatest losing margin by runs in Test cricket.[24] South Africa's biggest defeat by runs was against England in the fourth Test of the 1910-11 tour at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 530 runs | Australia |
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia | 17 February 1911 |
| 2 | 337 runs | India |
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, India | 3 December 2015 |
| 3 | 313 runs | Sri Lanka |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 11 August 2004 |
| 4 | 312 runs | England |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 1 January 1957 |
| 5 | 288 runs | St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 13 February 1896 | |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[29] | ||||
Greatest loss margins (by 10 wickets)
South Africa have lost a Test match by a margin of 10 wickets on 12 occasions with most recent being during the 3rd test of the South Africa's tour of Australia in 2001-02.
Narrowest loss margins (by runs)
The narrowest loss of South Africa in terms of runs is by 23 runs against England in the fifth test of the South Africa's tour of England in 1998.[30]
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 runs | England |
Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, England | 6 August 1998 |
| 2 | 29 runs | Pakistan |
Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 26 February 1998 |
| 2 | 32 runs | England |
Old Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 14 February 1899 |
| 4 | 40 runs | New Zealand |
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 16 February 1962 |
| 5 | 52 runs | West Indies |
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados | 18 April 1992 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[30] | ||||
Narrowest loss margins (by wickets)
The narrowest loss of South Africa in terms of wickets is by 1 wicket, once against England and twice against Sri Lanka.[30]
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 wicket | England |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 1 January 1957 |
| Sri Lanka |
P Sara Oval, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 4 August 2006 | ||
| Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 13 February 2019 | |||
| 4 | 2 wickets | England |
16 December 1948 | |
| Australia |
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 14 March 1997 | ||
| England |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 14 January 2000 | ||
| Australia |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 31 March 2006 | ||
| 17 November 2011 | ||||
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[30] | ||||
Batting records
Most career runs
South Africa's Jacques Kallis has scored the third highest runs in Test cricket with 13,206. He is the only South African batsman to have scored more than 10,000 runs in Test cricket.[31]
| Rank | Runs | Player | Matches | Innings | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13,206 | Jacques Kallis | 165 | 278 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 9,282 | Hashim Amla | 124 | 215 | 2004–2019 |
| 3 | 9,253 | Graeme Smith | 116 | 203 | 2002–2014 |
| 4 | 8,765 | AB de Villiers | 114 | 191 | 2004–2018 |
| 5 | 7,289 | Gary Kirsten | 101 | 176 | 1993–2004 |
| 6 | 6,167 | Herschelle Gibbs | 90 | 154 | 1996–2008 |
| 7 | 5,498 | Mark Boucher | 146 | 204 | 1997–2012 |
| 8 | 5,347 | Dean Elgar | 86 | 152 | 2012–2024 |
| 9 | 4,554 | Daryll Cullinan | 70 | 115 | 1993–2001 |
| 10 | 4,163 | Faf du Plessis | 69 | 118 | 2012–2021 |
| Last updated: 3 January 2024[32] | |||||
Most runs against each team
| Opposition | Runs | Player | Matches | Innings | Period | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
YTP | |||||
| Australia |
2,068 | AB de Villiers | 24 | 45 | 2005–2018 | [33] |
| Bangladesh |
743 | Graeme Smith | 8 | 9 | 2002–2008 | [34] |
| England |
2,732 | Bruce Mitchell | 30 | 57 | 1929–1949 | [35] |
| India |
1,734 | Jacques Kallis | 18 | 31 | 2000–2013 | [36] |
| Ireland |
YTP | |||||
| New Zealand |
1,919 | Jacques Kallis | 18 | 28 | 1999–2013 | [37] |
| Pakistan |
1,564 | 19 | 33 | 1997–2013 | [38] | |
| Sri Lanka |
917 | Daryll Cullinan | 11 | 19 | 1993–2001 | [39] |
| West Indies |
2,356 | Jacques Kallis | 24 | 43 | 1998–2010 | [40] |
| Zimbabwe |
679 | 6 | 7 | 1999–2005 | [41] | |
| Last updated: 12 January 2021. | ||||||
Fastest runs getter
| Runs | Batsman | Match | Innings | Record Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | Graeme Smith | 12 | 17 | 31 July 2003 | [42] |
| 2,000 | Graeme Pollock | 21 | 40 | 5 February 1970 | [43] |
| 3,000 | Graeme Smith | 37 | 63 | 24 April 2005 | [44] |
| 4,000 | Herschelle Gibbs | 55 | 91 | 2 January 2004 | [45] |
| 5,000 | 63 | 108 | 13 January 2005 | [46] | |
| 6,000 | Hashim Amla | 74 | 128 | 12 February 2014 | [47] |
| 7,000 | Jacques Kallis | 90 | 151 | 31 March 2005 | [48] |
| 8,000 | 101 | 170 | 18 May 2006 | [49] | |
| 9,000 | 110 | 188 | 8 November 2007 | [50] | |
| 10,000 | 129 | 217 | 26 February 2009 | [51] | |
| 11,000 | 139 | 234 | 18 June 2010 | [52] | |
| 12,000 | 147 | 249 | 17 November 2011 | [53] | |
| 13,000 | 159 | 263 | 2 January 2013 | [54] | |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020 | |||||
Most runs in each batting position
| Batting position | Batsman | Innings | Runs | Average | Test Career Span | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opener | Graeme Smith | 196 | 9,030 | 49.08 | 2002–2014 | [55] |
| Number 3 | Hashim Amla | 174 | 7,993 | 49.96 | 2004–2019 | [56] |
| Number 4 | Jacques Kallis | 170 | 9,033 | 61.87 | 1995–2013 | [57] |
| Number 5 | AB de Villiers | 74 | 3,913 | 62.11 | 2004-2018 | [58] |
| Number 6 | 50 | 2,394 | 52.04 | 2004–2018 | [59] | |
| Number 7 | Mark Boucher | 124 | 2,939 | 26.01 | 1997–2012 | [60] |
| Number 8 | Shaun Pollock | 79 | 1,796 | 30.97 | 1995-2008 | [61] |
| Number 9 | Nicky Boje | 37 | 804 | 26.80 | 2000–2006 | [62] |
| Number 10 | Dale Steyn | 61 | 568 | 11.83 | 2004–2019 | [63] |
| Number 11 | Makhaya Ntini | 76 | 344 | 9.05 | 1998-2009 | [64] |
| Last updated: 1 July 2020. Qualificaiotn: Batted 20 Innings at the position | ||||||
Highest individual score
Two players from South Africa have scored a triple century in Test cricket. Hashim Amla first achieved the feat during South Africa's tour of England in 2012, and most recently Wiaan Mulder during South Africa's tour of Zimbabwe in 2025 to hold the record of South Africa's highest individual score.[65]
| Rank | Runs | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 367* | Wiaan Mulder | Zimbabwe |
Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 6 July 2025 |
| 2 | 311* | Hashim Amla | England |
The Oval, London, England | 19 July 2012 |
| 3 | 278* | AB de Villiers | Pakistan |
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE | 20 November 2010 |
| 4 | 277 | Graeme Smith | England |
Edgbaston, Birmingham, England | 24 July 2003 |
| 5 | 275* | Daryll Cullinan | New Zealand |
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand | 27 February 1999 |
| Last updated: 7 July 2025[65] | |||||
Highest individual score – progression of record
Highest individual score against each team
| Opposition | Runs | Player | Venue | Date | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
YTP | ||||
| Australia |
274 | Graeme Pollock | Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 5 February 1970 | [66] |
| Bangladesh |
232 | Graeme Smith | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh | 29 February 2008 | [67] |
| England |
311* | Hashim Amla | The Oval, London, England | 19 July 2012 | [68] |
| India |
253* | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, India | 6 February 2010 | [69] | |
| Ireland |
YTP | ||||
| New Zealand |
275* | Daryll Cullinan | Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand | 27 February 1999 | [70] |
| Pakistan |
278* | AB de Villiers | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE | 20 November 2010 | [71] |
| Sri Lanka |
224 | Jacques Kallis | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa | 3 January 2012 | [72] |
| West Indies |
208 | Hashim Amla | Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 17 December 2014 | [73] |
| Zimbabwe |
367* | Wiaan Mulder | Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 6 July 2025 | [74] |
| Last updated: 7 July 2025. | |||||
Highest scores at each batting position
| Batting position | Player | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date |
| Opener | Graeme Smith | 277 | England | Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, England | 24 July 2003 |
| Number 3 | Wiaan Mulder | 367* | Zimbabwe | Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 6 July 2025 |
| Number 4 | Daryll Cullinan | 275* | New Zealand | Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand | 27 February 1999 |
| Number 5 | AB de Villiers | 278* | Pakistan | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE | 20 November 2010 |
| Number 6 | 217* | India | Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Ahmedabad, India | 3 April 2008 | |
| Number 7 | Denis Lindsay | 182 | Australia | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 23 December 1966 |
| Number 8 | Mark Boucher | 122* | West Indies | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa | 2 January 2004 |
| Number 9 | Shaun Pollock | 111 | Sri Lanka | Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 20 January 2001 |
| Number 10 | Pat Symcox | 108 | Pakistan | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 14 February 1998 |
| Number 11 | Kagiso Rabada | 71 | Pakistan | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan | 22 October 2025 |
| Last updated: 29 June 2025[75] | |||||
Highest career average
A batsman's batting average is the total number of runs they have scored divided by the number of times they have been dismissed.[76]
| Rank | Average | Player | Innings | Runs | Not out | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 60.97 | Graeme Pollock | 41 | 2,256 | 4 | 1963–1970 |
| 2 | 55.25 | Jacques Kallis | 278 | 13,206 | 39 | 1995–2013 |
| 3 | 53.81 | Dudley Nourse | 62 | 2,960 | 7 | 1935–1951 |
| 4 | 50.66 | AB de Villiers | 191 | 8,765 | 18 | 2004–2019 |
| 5 | 49.08 | Colin Bland | 39 | 1,669 | 5 | 1961–1966 |
| Qualification: 20 innings. Last updated: 20 June 2020[77] | ||||||
Highest average in each batting position
| Batting position | Batsman | Innings | Runs | Average | Career Span | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opener | Bruce Mitchell | 48 | 2,390 | 56.90 | 1929–1949 | [78] |
| Number 3 | Hashim Amla | 174 | 7,993 | 49.96 | 2004–2019 | [79] |
| Number 4 | Graeme Pollock | 37 | 2,065 | 62.58 | 1963–1970 | [80] |
| Number 5 | AB de Villiers | 74 | 3,913 | 62.11 | 2004–2018 | [81] |
| Number 6 | 50 | 2,394 | 52.04 | 2004–2018 | [82] | |
| Number 7 | Brian McMillan | 23 | 1,051 | 58.38 | 1992–1998 | [83] |
| Number 8 | Mark Boucher | 47 | 1,387 | 36.50 | 1997–2012 | [84] |
| Number 9 | Shaun Pollock | 20 | 534 | 41.07 | 1995–2007 | [85] |
| Number 10 | Peter Pollock | 20 | 292 | 22.46 | 1964–1970 | [86] |
| Number 11 | Allan Donald | 32 | 204 | 13.60 | 1992–2002 | [87] |
| Last updated: 1 July 2020. Qualification: Min 20 innings batted at position | ||||||
Most half-centuries
A half-century is a score of between 50 and 99 runs. Statistically, once a batsman's score reaches 100, it is no longer considered a half-century but a century.
Sachin Tendulkar of India has scored the most half-centuries in Test cricket with 68. He is followed by the West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul on 66, India's Rahul Dravid and Allan Border of Australia on 63 and in fifth with 62 fifties to his name, Australia's Ricky Ponting. Jacques Kallis is the highest rated South African with 58 fifties to his name.[88]
| Rank | Half centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 58 | Jacques Kallis | 278 | 13,206 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 46 | AB de Villiers | 191 | 8,765 | 2004–2019 |
| 3 | 41 | Hashim Amla | 215 | 9,282 | 2004–2019 |
| 4 | 38 | Graeme Smith | 203 | 9,253 | 2002–2014 |
| 5 | 35 | Mark Boucher | 204 | 5,498 | 1997–2012 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[89] | |||||
Most centuries
A century is a score of 100 or more runs in a single innings.
Tendulkar has also scored the most centuries in Test cricket with 51. South Africa's Jacques Kallis is next on 45 and Ricky Ponting with 41 hundreds is in third.[90]
| Rank | Centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45 | Jacques Kallis | 278 | 13,206 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 28 | Hashim Amla | 215 | 9,282 | 2004–2019 |
| 3 | 27 | Graeme Smith | 203 | 9,253 | 2002–2014 |
| 4 | 22 | AB de Villiers | 191 | 8,765 | 2004–2019 |
| 5 | 21 | Gary Kirsten | 176 | 7,289 | 1993–2004 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[91] | |||||
Most double centuries
A double century is a score of 200 or more runs in a single innings.
Bradman holds the Test record for the most double centuries scored with twelve, one ahead of Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara who finished his career with eleven. In third is Brian Lara of the West Indies with nine. England's Wally Hammond and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka both scored seven double centuries. Graeme Smith has scored the most double centuries for South Africa, with 5.[92]
| Rank | Double centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | Graeme Smith | 203 | 9,253 | 2002–2014 |
| 2 | 4 | Hashim Amla | 215 | 9,282 | 2004–2019 |
| 3 | 3 | Gary Kirsten | 176 | 7,289 | 1993–2004 |
| 4 | 2 | Dudley Nourse | 214 | 10,122 | 1971–1987 |
| Graeme Pollock | 62 | 2,960 | 1935–1951 | ||
| Herschelle Gibbs | 154 | 6,167 | 1996–2008 | ||
| AB de Villiers | 191 | 8,765 | 2004–2019 | ||
| Jacques Kallis | 278 | 13,206 | 1995–2013 | ||
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[93] | |||||
Most triple centuries
A triple century is a score of 300 or more runs in a single innings.
Hashim Amla and Wiaan Mulder are the only South Africans to have scored a triple century for South Africa.[94]
| Rank | Double centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Hashim Amla | 215 | 9,282 | 2004–2019 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 34 | 1,153 | 2019–2025 | ||
| Last updated: 7 July 2025[95] | |||||
Most sixes
| Rank | Sixes | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 96 | Jacques Kallis | 278 | 13,206 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 64 | AB de Villiers | 191 | 8,765 | 2004–2019 |
| 3 | 47 | Herschelle Gibbs | 154 | 6,167 | 1996–2008 |
| 4 | 36 | Dale Steyn | 119 | 1,251 | 2004–2019 |
| 5 | 35 | Shaun Pollock | 156 | 3,781 | 1995–2008 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[96] | |||||
Most fours
| Rank | Fours | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,477 | Jacques Kallis | 278 | 13,206 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 1,170 | Hashim Amla | 215 | 9,282 | 2004–2019 |
| 3 | 1,164 | Graeme Smith | 203 | 9,253 | 2002–2014 |
| 4 | 1,024 | AB de Villiers | 191 | 8,765 | 2004–2019 |
| 5 | 922 | Gary Kirsten | 176 | 7,289 | 1993–2004 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[97] | |||||
Most runs in a series
The 1930 Ashes series in England saw Don Bradman set the record for the most runs scored in a single series, falling just 26 short of 1,000 runs. He is followed by Wally Hammond with 905 runs scored in the 1928–29 Ashes series. Aubrey Faulkner with 732 in the 1910 tour of Australia is the highest South African on the list.[98]
| Rank | Runs | Player | Matches | Innings | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 732 | Aubrey Faulkner | 5 | 10 | South African cricket team in Australia in 1910–11 |
| 2 | 714 | Graeme Smith | 9 | South Africa in England in 2003 | |
| 3 | 712 | Jacques Kallis | 4 | 6 | Sir Vivian Richards Trophy in 2003-04 |
| 4 | 625 | 5 | 10 | Basil D'Oliveira Trophy in 2004-05 | |
| 5 | 621 | Dudley Nourse | 9 | South African cricket team in England in 1947 | |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[99] | |||||
Most ducks
A duck refers to a batsman being dismissed without scoring a run.[100] Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada have scored the equal sixteen-highest number of ducks in Test cricket.[101] Glenn McGrath has scored the equal third-highest number of ducks in Test cricket behind Courtney Walsh with 43 and Chris Martin with 36.[101]
| Rank | Ducks | Player | Matches | Innings | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Morne Morkel | 86 | 104 | 2006–2018 |
| 2 | 22 | Kagiso Rabada† | 72 | 109 | 2015–2025 |
| 3 | 21 | Makhaya Ntini | 101 | 116 | 1998–2009 |
| 4 | 19 | Keshav Maharaj† | 61 | 94 | 2016–2025 |
| 5 | 17 | Allan Donald | 72 | 94 | 1992–2002 |
| Last updated: 16 November 2025[102] | |||||
Highest partnerships by wicket
In cricket, two batsmen are always present at the crease batting together in a partnership. This partnership will continue until one of them is dismissed, retires or the innings comes to a close.
A wicket partnership describes the number of runs scored before each wicket falls. The first wicket partnership is between the opening batsmen and continues until the first wicket falls. The second wicket partnership then commences between the not out batsman and the number three batsman. This partnership continues until the second wicket falls. The third wicket partnership then commences between the not out batsman and the new batsman. This continues down to the tenth wicket partnership. When the tenth wicket has fallen, there is no batsman left to partner so the innings is closed.
Highest partnerships by runs
The highest Test partnership by runs for any wicket is held by the Sri Lankan pairing of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene who put together a third wicket partnership of 624 runs during the first Test against South Africa in July 2006. This broke the record of 576 runs set by their compatriots Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama against India in 1997. South Africa's Jacques Rudolph and Boeta Dippenaar hold the 10th highest Test partnership with 429 made in 2003 against Bangladesh.[104]
| Wicket | Runs | First batsman | Second batsman | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd wicket | 429* | Jacques Rudolph | Boeta Dippenaar | Bangladesh |
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh | 24 April 2003 | |
| 1st wicket | 415 | Neil McKenzie | Graeme Smith | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh | 29 February 2008 | ||
| 3rd wicket | 377* | Hashim Amla | Jacques Kallis | England |
The Oval, London, England | 19 July 2012 | |
| 1st wicket | 368 | Graeme Smith | Herschelle Gibbs | Pakistan |
Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa | 2 January 2003 | |
| 3rd wicket | 341 | Eddie Barlow | Graeme Pollock | Australia |
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia | 24 January 1964 | |
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[105] | |||||||
Highest overall partnership runs by a pair
| Rank | Runs | Innings | Players | Highest | Average | 100/50 | T20I career span | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3,923 | 67 | Hashim Amla & Jacques Kallis | 377* | 61.29 | 11/10 | 2004-2013 | |
| 2 | 3,658 | 65 | Hashim Amla & Graeme Smith | 259 | 57.15 | 10/12 | 2006-2014 | |
| 3 | 3,592 | 64 | Jacques Kallis & Gary Kirsten | 249 | 61.93 | 9/17 | 1997-2004 | |
| 4 | 3,274 | 68 | Herschelle Gibbs & Graeme Smith | 368 | 50.36 | 7/13 | 2002-2008 | |
| 5 | 3,108 | 44 | AB de Villiers & Jacques Kallis | 256 | 75.8 | 13/7 | 2004-2013 | |
| An asterisk (*) signifies an unbroken partnership (i.e. neither of the batsmen was dismissed before either the end of the allotted overs or the required score being reached). Last updated: 10 July 2025[106] | ||||||||
Bowling records
Most career wickets
A bowler takes the wicket of a batsman when the form of dismissal is bowled, caught, leg before wicket, stumped or hit wicket. If the batsman is dismissed by run out, obstructing the field, handling the ball, hitting the ball twice or timed out the bowler does not receive credit.
Sri Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for taking the most wickets in Test cricket with 800. South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is tenth on the list, having taken 439 wickets.[107]
| Rank | Wickets | Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 439 | Dale Steyn | 93 | 171 | 10,077 | 2004–2019 |
| 2 | 421 | Shaun Pollock | 108 | 202 | 9,733 | 1995–2008 |
| 3 | 390 | Makhaya Ntini | 101 | 190 | 11,242 | 1998–2009 |
| 4 | 340 | Kagiso Rabada† | 73 | 134 | 7,493 | 2015–2025 |
| 5 | 330 | Allan Donald | 72 | 129 | 7,344 | 1992–2002 |
| 6 | 309 | Morne Morkel | 86 | 160 | 8,550 | 2006–2018 |
| 7 | 291 | Jacques Kallis | 165 | 270 | 9,497 | 1995–2013 |
| 8 | 224 | Vernon Philander | 64 | 119 | 5,000 | 2011–2020 |
| 9 | 218 | Keshav Maharaj† | 62 | 106 | 6,370 | 2016–2025 |
| 10 | 170 | Hugh Tayfield | 37 | 61 | 4,405 | 1949–1960 |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026[108] | ||||||
Most career wickets against each team
| Opposition | Wickets | Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Period | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
YTP | ||||||
| Australia |
70 | Dale Steyn | 15 | 28 | 1,923 | 2008–2016 | [109] |
| Bangladesh |
37 | Keshav Maharaj† | 6 | 12 | 603 | 2017–2025 | [110] |
| England |
91 | Shaun Pollock | 23 | 42 | 2,160 | 1995–2005 | [111] |
| India |
65 | Dale Steyn | 14 | 23 | 1,400 | 2008–2018 | [112] |
| Ireland |
YTP | ||||||
| New Zealand |
68 | Dale Steyn | 12 | 23 | 1,091 | 2008–2016 | [113] |
| Pakistan |
59 | 13 | 26 | 1,374 | 2007–2019 | [114] | |
| Sri Lanka |
48 | Shaun Pollock | 13 | 24 | 1,072 | 1998–2006 | [115] |
| West Indies |
70 | 16 | 31 | 1,607 | 1998–2008 | [116] | |
| Zimbabwe |
23 | 5 | 10 | 356 | 1999–2005 | [117] | |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026 | |||||||
Fastest wicket taker
| Wickets | Bowler | Match | Record Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Vernon Philander | 7 | 23 March 2012 | [118] |
| 100 | 19 | 18 December 2013 | [119] | |
| 150 | Hugh Tayfield | 29 | 24 December 1949 | [120] |
| Dale Steyn | 26 December 2008 | |||
| 200 | 39 | 10 June 2010 | [121] | |
| 250 | 49 | 15 December 2011 | [122] | |
| 300 | 61 | 2 January 2013 | [123] | |
| 350 | 69 | 26 December 2013 | [124] | |
| 400 | 80 | 30 July 2015 | [125] | |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026 | ||||
Best figures in an innings
Bowling figures refers to the number of the wickets a bowler has taken and the number of runs conceded.[126] There have been three occasions in Test cricket where a bowler has taken all ten wickets in a single innings – Jim Laker of England took 10/53 against Australia in 1956, India's Anil Kumble in 1999 returned figures of 10/74 against Pakistan and in 2021 Ajaz Patel of New Zealand took 10/119 against India. South Africa's Hugh Tayfield and Keshav Maharaj are one of 17 bowlers who have taken nine wickets in a Test match innings.[127]
| Rank | Figures | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9/113 | Hugh Tayfield | England |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 15 February 1957 |
| 2 | 9/129 | Keshav Maharaj† | Sri Lanka |
Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 20 July 2018 |
| 3 | 8/53 | Godfrey Lawrence | New Zealand |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 26 December 1961 |
| 4 | 8/64 | Lance Klusener | India |
Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India | 27 November 1996 |
| 5 | 8/69 | Hugh Tayfield | England |
Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 25 January 1957 |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026[128] | |||||
Best figures in an innings against each team
| Opposition | Figures | Player | Venue | Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
YTP | ||||
| Australia |
7/23 | Hugh Tayfield | Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 20 January 1950 | [129] |
| Bangladesh |
7/32 | Keshav Maharaj† | 31 March 2022 | [130] | |
| England |
9/113 | Hugh Tayfield | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 15 February 1957 | [131] |
| India |
8/64 | Lance Klusener | Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India | 27 November 1996 | [132] |
| Ireland |
YTP | ||||
| New Zealand |
8/53 | Godfrey Lawrence | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 26 December 1961 | [133] |
| Pakistan |
7/29 | Kyle Abbott | Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 22 February 2013 | [134] |
| Sri Lanka |
9/129 | Keshav Maharaj† | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 20 July 2018 | [135] |
| West Indies |
7/37 | Makhaya Ntini | Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago | 8 April 2005 | [136] |
| Zimbabwe |
8/71 | Allan Donald | Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe | 13 October 1995 | [137] |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026 | |||||
Best figures in a match
A bowler's bowling figures in a match is the sum of the wickets taken and the runs conceded over both innings.
No bowler in the history of Test cricket has taken all 20 wickets in a match. The closest to do so was Jim Laker of England. During the fourth Test of the 1956 Ashes series, Laker took 9/37 in the first innings and 10/53 in the second to finish with match figures of 19/90. Makhaya Ntini, with figures of 13/132, taken during the second match of the South Africa tour of West Indies in 2005, is the best in Test cricket for South Africa.[138]
| Rank | Figures | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13/132 | Makhaya Ntini | West Indies |
Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago | 8 April 2005 |
| 2 | 13/144 | Kagiso Rabada† | England |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 22 January 2016 |
| 3 | 13/165 | Hugh Tayfield | Australia |
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia | 24 December 1952 |
| 4 | 13/192 | England |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 15 February 1957 | |
| 5 | 12/127 | Tip Snooke | Old Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 10 March 1906 | |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026[139] | |||||
Best career average
A bowler's bowling average is the total number of runs they have conceded divided by the number of wickets they have taken. Nineteenth century English medium pacer George Lohmann holds the record for the best career average in Test cricket with 10.75. J. J. Ferris, one of fifteen cricketers to have played Test cricket for more than one team,[140] is second behind Lohmann with an overall career average of 12.70 runs per wicket.[141]
| Rank | Average | Player | Wickets | Runs | Balls | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21.10 | Neil Adcock | 104 | 2,195 | 6,391 | 1953–1962 |
| 2 | 21.12 | Marco Jansen† | 89 | 1,880 | 3,408 | 2021–2025 |
| 3 | 21.79 | Simon Harmer† | 69 | 1,504 | 3,134 | 2015–2025 |
| 4 | 22.03 | Kagiso Rabada† | 340 | 7,493 | 13,436 | |
| 5 | 22.15 | Alf Hall | 40 | 886 | 2,361 | 1923–1931 |
| Qualification: 2,000 balls. Last updated: 1 March 2026[142] | ||||||
Best career economy rate
A bowler's economy rate is the total number of runs they have conceded divided by the number of overs they have bowled.[100] English bowler William Attewell, who played 10 matches for England between 1884 and 1892, holds the Test record for the best career economy rate with 1.31. South Africa's Trevor Goddard, with a rate of 1.64 runs per over conceded over his 41-match Test career, is third on the list.[143]
| Rank | Economy rate | Player | Wickets | Runs | Balls | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.64 | Trevor Goddard | 123 | 3,226 | 11,736 | 1955–1970 |
| 2 | 1.74 | John Watkins | 29 | 816 | 2,805 | 1949–1957 |
| 3 | 1.79 | Anton Murray | 18 | 710 | 2,374 | 1952–1954 |
| 4 | 1.94 | Hugh Tayfield | 170 | 4,405 | 13,568 | 1949–1960 |
| 5 | 1.98 | Tufty Mann | 58 | 1,920 | 5,796 | 1947–1951 |
| Qualification: 2,000 balls. Last updated: 1 March 2026[144] | ||||||
Best career strike rate
A bowler's strike rate is the total number of balls they have bowled divided by the number of wickets they have taken.[100] As with the career average above, the top bowler with the best Test career strike rate is George Lohmann with strike rate of 34.1 balls per wicket. South Africa's Kagiso Rabada is at fourth position in this list.[145]
| Rank | Strike rate | Player | Wickets | Runs | Balls | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38.29 | Marco Jansen† | 89 | 1,880 | 3,408 | 2021–2025 |
| 2 | 38.84 | Duanne Olivier† | 59 | 1,432 | 2,292 | 2017–2024 |
| 3 | 39.51 | Kagiso Rabada† | 340 | 7,493 | 13,436 | 2015–2025 |
| 4 | 42.38 | Dale Steyn | 439 | 10,077 | 18,608 | 2004–2019 |
| 5 | 43.18 | Bert Vogler | 64 | 1,455 | 2,764 | 1906–1911 |
| Qualification: 2,000 balls. Last updated: 16 November 2025[146] | ||||||
Most five-wicket hauls in an innings
A five-wicket haul refers to a bowler taking five wickets in a single innings.[147] Dale Steyn is tenth on the list of most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.[148]
| Rank | Hauls | Player | Innings | Balls | Wickets | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 | Dale Steyn | 171 | 18,608 | 439 | 2004–2019 |
| 2 | 20 | Allan Donald | 129 | 15,519 | 330 | 1992–2002 |
| 3 | 18 | Makhaya Ntini | 190 | 20,834 | 390 | 1998–2009 |
| 4 | 17 | Kagiso Rabada† | 134 | 13,436 | 340 | 2015–2025 |
| 5 | 16 | Shaun Pollock | 202 | 24,353 | 408 | 1995–2008 |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026[149] | ||||||
Most ten-wicket hauls in a match
A ten-wicket haul refers to a bowler taking ten or more wickets in a match over two innings. As with the five-wicket hauls above, Anil Kumble is not only behind Muralitharan, Warne and Hadlee, he is also behind Rangana Herath of Sri Lanka in taking the most ten-wicket hauls in Test cricket.[150]
| Rank | Ten-wicket hauls | Player | Matches | Balls | Wickets | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | Dale Steyn | 93 | 18,608 | 439 | 2004–2019 |
| 2 | 4 | Kagiso Rabada† | 73 | 13,436 | 340 | 2015–2025 |
| Makhaya Ntini | 101 | 20,834 | 390 | 1998–2009 | ||
| 4 | 3 | Allan Donald | 72 | 15,519 | 330 | 1992–2002 |
| 5 | 2 | Hugh Tayfield | 37 | 4,405 | 170 | 1949–1960 |
| Fanie de Villiers | 18 | 2,063 | 85 | 1993-1998 | ||
| Vernon Philander | 64 | 11,391 | 224 | 2011–2020 | ||
| Last updated: 1 March 2026[151] | ||||||
Worst figures in an innings
The worst figures in a single innings in Test cricket came in the third Test between the West Indies at home to Pakistan in 1958. Pakistan's Khan Mohammad returned figures of 0/259 from his 54 overs in the second innings of the match.[152][153] The worst figures by a South African is 0/221 that came off the bowling of Nicky Boje in the first test of the South Africa's tour of Sri Lanka in 2006.[154]
| Rank | Figures | Player | Overs | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0/221 | Nicky Boje | 65 | Sri Lanka |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 27 July 2006 |
| 2 | 0/180 | Imran Tahir | 23 | Australia |
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia | 22 November 2012 |
| 3 | 0/135 | Keshav Maharaj† | 41.5 | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia | 26 December 2022 | |
| 4 | 0/130 | Makhaya Ntini | 29 | England |
Lord's, London, England | 10 July 2008 |
| 5 | 0/122 | Jimmy Blanckenberg | 36 | The Oval, London, England | 16 August 1924 | |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026[155] | ||||||
Worst figures in a match
The worst figures in a match in Test cricket were taken by South Africa's Imran Tahir in the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in November 2012. He returned figures of 0/180 from his 23 overs in the first innings and 0/80 off 14 in the third innings for a total of 0/260 from 37 overs.[156] He claimed the record in his final over when two runs came from it – enough for him to pass the previous record of 0/259, set 54 years prior.[157]
| Rank | Figures | Player | Overs | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0/260 | Imran Tahir | 37 | Australia |
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia | 22 November 2012 |
| 2 | 0/221 | Nicky Boje | 65 | Sri Lanka |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 27 July 2006 |
| 3 | 0/173 | Paul Adams | 173 | West Indies |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 2 January 2004 |
| 4 | 0/138 | Arthur Langton | 43 | England |
Old Wanderers, Johannesburg, South Africa | 24 December 1938 |
| Duanne Olivier† | 34 | New Zealand |
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | 4 February 2024 | ||
| Last updated:1 March 2026[158] | ||||||
Most wickets in a series
England's seventh Test tour of South Africa in 1913–14 saw the record set for the most wickets taken by a bowler in a Test series. English paceman Sydney Barnes played in four of the five matches and achieved a total of 49 wickets to his name. South Africa's Hugh Tayfield is joint 13th with his 37 wickets taken against England during the 1956–57 tour.[159]
Hat-trick
In cricket, a hat-trick occurs when a bowler takes three wickets with consecutive deliveries. The deliveries may be interrupted by an over bowled by another bowler from the other end of the pitch or the other team's innings, but must be three consecutive deliveries by the individual bowler in the same match. Only wickets attributed to the bowler count towards a hat-trick; run outs do not count. In Test cricket history there have been just 44 hat-tricks, the first achieved by Fred Spofforth for Australia against England in 1879. In 1912, Australian Jimmy Matthews achieved the feat twice in one game against South Africa. The only other players to achieve two hat-tricks are Australia's Hugh Trumble, against England in 1902 and 1904, Pakistan's Wasim Akram, in separate games against Sri Lanka in 1999, and England's Stuart Broad.
| No. | Bowler | Against | Inn. | Test | Dismissals | Venue | Date | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoff Griffin | England |
1 | 2/5 | Lord's, London | 24 June 1960 | [161] | |
| 2 | Keshav Maharaj† | West Indies |
2 | 2/2 |  Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet | 21 June 2021 | [162] | |
| Last updated: 1 March 2026 | ||||||||
Wicket-keeping records
The wicket-keeper is a specialist fielder who stands behind the stumps being guarded by the batsman on strike and is the only member of the fielding side allowed to wear gloves and leg pads.[163]
Most career dismissals
A wicket-keeper can be credited with the dismissal of a batsman in two ways, caught or stumped. A fair catch is taken when the ball is caught fully within the field of play without it bouncing after the ball has touched the striker's bat or glove holding the bat,[164][165] while a stumping occurs when the wicket-keeper puts down the wicket while the batsman is out of his ground and not attempting a run.[166] South Africa's Mark Boucher holds the record for most dismissals in Test cricket as a designated wicket-keeper.[167]
| Rank | Dismissals | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 553 ♠ | Mark Boucher | 146 | 1997–2012 |
| 2 | 232 | Quinton de Kock | 54 | 2014–2021 |
| 3 | 152 | Dave Richardson | 42 | 1992–1998 |
| 4 | 141 | John Waite | 50 | 1951–1965 |
| 5 | 106 | AB de Villiers | 114 | 2004–2018 |
| Last updated: 21 June 2021[168] | ||||
Most career catches
Boucher holds the record for most catches in Test cricket as a designated wicket-keeper.[169]
| Rank | Catches | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 532 ♠ | Mark Boucher | 147 | 1997–2012 |
| 2 | 221 | Quinton de Kock | 54 | 2014–2021 |
| 3 | 150 | Dave Richardson | 42 | 1992–1998 |
| 4 | 124 | John Waite | 50 | 1951–1965 |
| 5 | 101 | Ab de Villiers | 114 | 2004–2018 |
| Last updated: 21 June 2021[170] | ||||
Most career stumpings
Bert Oldfield, Australia's fifth-most capped wicket-keeper, holds the record for the most stumpings in Test cricket with 52. Boucher has most stumpings with 23.[171]
| Rank | Stumpings | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | Mark Boucher | 146 | 1997–2012 |
| 2 | 17 | John Waite | 50 | 1951–1965 |
| 3 | 16 | Percy Sherwell | 13 | 1906–1911 |
| 4 | 13 | Tommy Ward | 23 | 1912–1924 |
| 5 | 12 | Jock Cameron | 26 | 1927–1935 |
| Kyle Verreynne | 30 | 2021–2025 | ||
| Last updated: 16 November 2025[172] | ||||
Most dismissals in an innings
Four wicket-keepers have taken seven dismissals in a single innings in a Test match—Wasim Bari of Pakistan in 1979, Englishman Bob Taylor in 1980, New Zealand's Ian Smith in 1991 and most recently West Indian gloveman Ridley Jacobs against Australia in 2000.[173]
The feat of taking 6 dismissals in an innings has been achieved by 24 wicket-keepers on 32 occasions including 4 South Africans.[174]
| Rank | Dismissals | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Denis Lindsay | Australia |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 23 December 1966 |
| Mark Boucher | Pakistan |
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 6 March 1998 | ||
| Sri Lanka |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 19 March 1998 | |||
| Zimbabwe |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 11 March 2005 | |||
| Sri Lanka |
11 December 2011 | ||||
| Ab de Villiers | Pakistan |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 1 February 2013 | ||
| Quinton de Kock | England |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 26 December 2019 | ||
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[175] | |||||
Most dismissals in a match
Three wicket-keepers have made 11 dismissals in a Test match, Englishman Jack Russell in 1995, South African AB de Villiers in 2013 and most recently India's Rishabh Pant against Australia in 2018.[176]
The feat of making 10 dismissals in a match has been achieved by 4 wicket-keepers on 4 occasions.[177]
| Rank | Dismissals | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 ♠ | AB de Villiers | Pakistan | New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 1 February 2013 |
| 2 | 9 | Dave Richardson | India | St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 26 December 1992 |
| Mark Boucher | Pakistan | 6 March 1998 | |||
| England | Headingley, Leeds, England | 18 July 2008 | |||
| India | Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 26 December 2010 | |||
| Quinton de Kock | Sri Lanka | Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 16 July 2014 | ||
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[178] | |||||
Most dismissals in a series
Brad Haddin holds the Test cricket record for the most dismissals taken by a wicket-keeper in a series. He took 29 catches during the 2013 Ashes series. South African record is held by John Waite and Mark Boucher with 26 dismissals.[179]
| Rank | Dismissals | Player | Matches | Innings | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 | John Waite | 5 | 10 | New Zealand cricket team in South Africa in 1961–62 |
| Mark Boucher | South African cricket team in England in 1998 | ||||
| 3 | 24 | Denis Lindsay | Australian cricket team in South Africa in 1966–67 | ||
| 4 | 23 | John Waite | 5 | 9 | New Zealand cricket team in South Africa in 1953–54 |
| Quinton de Kock | 4 | 7 | English cricket team in South Africa in 2019-20 | ||
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[180] | |||||
Fielding records
Most career catches
Caught is one of the nine methods a batsman can be dismissed in cricket.[c] The majority of catches are caught in the slips, located behind the batsman, next to the wicket-keeper, on the off side of the field. Most slip fielders are top order batsmen.[182][183]
England's Joe Root holds the record for the most catches in Test cricket by a non-wicket-keeper with 216, followed by Steve Smith of Australia on 215.[184]
| Rank | Catches | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200 | Jacques Kallis | 165 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 166 | Graeme Smith | 116 | 2002–2014 |
| 3 | 121 | Ab de Villiers | 200 | 2004–2018 |
| 4 | 108 | Hashim Amla | 124 | 2004–2019 |
| 5 | 94 | Herschelle Gibbs | 90 | 1996–2008 |
| Last updated: 13 March 2026[185] | ||||
Most catches in a series
The 1920–21 Ashes series, in which Australia whitewashed England 5–0 for the first time,[186] saw the record set for the most catches taken by a non-wicket-keeper in a Test series. Australian all-rounder Jack Gregory took 15 catches in the series as well as 23 wickets.[187]
| Rank | Catches | Player | Matches | Innings | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Aiden Markram† | 2 | 4 | South African cricket team in India in 2025-26 |
| Bruce Mitchell | 5 | 9 | English cricket team in South Africa in 1930-31 | ||
| Bert Vogler | 10 | English cricket team in South Africa in 1909-10 | |||
| Trevor Goddard | English cricket team in South Africa in 1956-57 | ||||
| 2 | 11 | Jacques Kallis | 3 | 6 | Sri Lankan cricket team in South Africa in 2011–12 |
| Ab de Villiers | 4 | 8 | Australian cricket team in South Africa in 2017-18 | ||
| Dave Nourse | 5 | 10 | English cricket team in South Africa in 1922-23 | ||
| Last updated: 13 March 2026[188] | |||||
All-round records
1000 runs and 100 wickets
A total of 71 players have achieved the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in their Test career.[189]
| Rank | Player | Average Difference | Period | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacques Kallis | 22.61 | 1995-2013 | 165 | 13,206 | 55.25 | 291 | 32.63 |
| 2 | Shaun Pollock | 9.19 | 1995-2008 | 108 | 3,781 | 32.31 | 421 | 23.11 |
| 3 | Trevor Goddard | 8.23 | 1955-1970 | 41 | 2,516 | 34.46 | 123 | 26.22 |
| 4 | Vernon Philander | 1.71 | 2011-2020 | 64 | 1,779 | 24.04 | 224 | 22.32 |
| 5 | Dale Steyn | -9.35 | 2004-2019 | 93 | 1,251 | 13.59 | 439 | 22.95 |
| 6 | Kagiso Rabada† | -9.89 | 2015-2025 | 71 | 1,031 | 11.85 | 336 | 21.74 |
| 7 | Keshav Maharaj† | -14.44 | 2016-2025 | 59 | 1,292 | 15.38 | 203 | 29.82 |
| 8 | Nicky Boje | -17.41 | 2000-2006 | 43 | 1,312 | 25.23 | 100 | 42.65 |
| Last updated: 1 July 2025[190] | ||||||||
250 runs and 20 wickets in a series
A total of 18 players on 24 occasions have achieved the double of 250 runs and 20 wickets in a series.[191]
| No | Player | Matches | Runs | Wickets | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aubrey Faulkner | 5 | 545 | 29 | England in South Africa in 1909-10 |
| 2 | Trevor Goddard | 294 | 26 | Australia in South Africa in 1966-67 | |
| 3 | Jacques Kallis | 267 | 20 | Sir Vivian Richards Trophy in 2000-01 | |
| 4 | Shaun Pollock | 302 | |||
| Last updated: 22 August 2020[192] | |||||
Other records
Most career matches
India's Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most Test matches played with 200, with South Africa's Jacques Kallis being fourth having represented South Africa on 165 occasions.[193]
| Rank | Matches | Player | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 165 | Jacques Kallis | 1995-2013 |
| 2 | 146 | Mark Boucher | 1997–2012 |
| 3 | 124 | Hashim Amla | 2004–2019 |
| 4 | 116 | Graeme Smith | 2002–2014 |
| 5 | 114 | AB de Villiers | 2004–2018 |
| Last updated: 20 June 2020[194] | |||
Most consecutive career matches
Former English captain Alastair Cook holds the record for the most consecutive Test matches played with 159. He broke Allan Border's long standing record of 153 matches in June 2018.[195] AB de Villiers, the South African played 98 consecutive Test matches, is sixth.[196]
| Rank | Matches | Player | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98 | Ab de Villiers | 2004–2015 |
| 2 | 75 | Mark Boucher | 1998–2004 |
| 3 | 68 | Hashim Amla | 2006–2013 |
| 4 | 60 | Jacques Kallis | 1997-2003 |
| Dean Elgar | 2016–2024 | ||
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[196] | |||
Most matches as captain
Graeme Smith, who led the South African cricket team from 2003 to 2014, holds the record for the most matches played as captain in Test cricket with 109.[197]
| Rank | Matches | Player | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 108 | Graeme Smith | 2003–2014 |
| 2 | 53 | Hansie Cronje | 1994–2000 |
| 3 | 36 | Faf du Plessis | 2016–2020 |
| 4 | 26 | Shaun Pollock | 2000-2003 |
| 5 | 18 | Herbie Taylor | 1913-1924 |
| Dean Elgar | 2017-2024 | ||
| Last updated: 30 October 2024[198] | |||
Most man of the match awards
| Rank | M.O.M. Awards | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23 | Jacques Kallis | 165 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 12 | Graeme Smith | 116 | 2002–2014 |
| 3 | 11 | Shaun Pollock | 108 | 1995–2008 |
| 4 | 9 | Dale Steyn | 93 | 2004–2019 |
| 5 | 8 | Vernon Philander | 64 | 2011–2020 |
| Kagiso Rabada† | 66 | 2015–2024 | ||
| Allan Donald | 72 | 2004–2019 | ||
| Gary Kirsten | 101 | 1993–2004 | ||
| Last updated: 22 September 2024[199] | ||||
Most man of the series awards
| Rank | M.O.S. Awards | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | Jacques Kallis | 165 | 1995–2013 |
| 2 | 9 | Dale Steyn | 93 | 2004–2019 |
| 3 | 4 | Allan Donald | 72 | 2004–2019 |
| Dean Elgar | 86 | 2012–2024 | ||
| Makhaya Ntini | 101 | 1998–2009 | ||
| AB de Villiers | 114 | 2004–2018 | ||
| Graeme Smith | 116 | 2002–2014 | ||
| Last updated: 22 September 2024[200] | ||||
Youngest players
The youngest player to play in a Test match is claimed to be Hasan Raza at the age of 14 years and 227 days. Making his debut for Pakistan against Zimbabwe on 24 October 1996, there is some doubt as to the validity of Raza's age at the time.[201] The youngest cricketer to play Test cricket for South Africa was Kwena Maphaka who at the age of 18 years and 270 days debuted in the third Test of the series against Pakistan in January 2025 at Newlands Cricket Ground.[202]
| Rank | Age | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 years and 270 days | Kwena Maphaka | Pakistan |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 3 January 2025 | |
| 2 | 18 years and 340 days | Paul Adams | England |
St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, South Africa | 26 December 1995 | |
| 3 | 19 years and 1 day | Arthur Ochse | 12 March 1889 | |||
| 4 | 19 years and 28 days | Dante Parkin | Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 19 March 1892 | ||
| 5 | 19 years and 48 days | William Shalders | 1 April 1899 | |||
| Last updated: 28 January 2021[202][203] | ||||||
Oldest players on Debut
England left-arm slow bowler James Southerton is the oldest player to appear in a Test match. Playing in the very first inaugural test against Australia in 1876 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, in Melbourne, Australia, he was aged 49 years and 119 days. Omar Henry is the oldest South African Test debutant in the 1992–93 series against India at Kingsmead Cricket Ground.[204]
| Rank | Age | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40 years and 295 days | Omar Henry | India |
Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 12 November 1992 | |
| 2 | 40 years and 56 days | Geoff Chubb | England |
Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England | 7 June 1951 | |
| 3 | 39 years and 105 days | Jimmy Cook | India |
Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 12 November 1992 | |
| 4 | 38 years and 272 days | Johnny Lindsay | England |
Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England | 7 June 1947 | |
| 5 | 37 years and 150 days | Shaun von Berg | New Zealand |
Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand | 13 February 2024 | |
| Last updated: 13 February 2024[204][205] | ||||||
Oldest players
England all-rounder Wilfred Rhodes is the oldest player to appear in a Test match. Playing in the fourth Test against the West Indies in 1930 at Sabina Park, in Kingston, Jamaica, he was aged 52 years and 165 days on the final day's play. The oldest South African Test player is Dave Nourse who was aged 45 years and 204 days when he represented South Africa for the final time in the 1924 tour of England at The Oval.[206]
| Rank | Age | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45 years and 204 days | Dave Nourse | England |
The Oval, London, England | 16 August 1924 | |
| 2 | 44 years and 313 days | Mick Commaille | Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 31 December 1927 | ||
| 3 | 43 years and 115 days | Claude Carter | The Oval, London, England | 16 August 1924 | ||
| 4 | 42 years and 298 days | Herbie Taylor | New Zealand |
Lancaster Park, Christchurch, New Zealand | 27 February 1932 | |
| 5 | 42 years and 194 days | Aubrey Faulkner | England |
Lord's, London, England | 28 June 1924 | |
| Last updated: 28 January 2021[206][207] | ||||||
Umpiring records
Most matches umpired
An umpire in cricket is a person who officiates the match according to the Laws of Cricket. Two umpires adjudicate the match on the field, whilst a third umpire has access to video replays, and a fourth umpire looks after the match balls and other duties. The records below are only for on-field umpires.
Aleem Dar of Pakistan holds the record for the most Test matches umpired with 130. The current active Dar set the record in December 2019 overtaking Steve Bucknor from the West Indies mark of 128 matches.[208] They are followed by South Africa's Rudi Koertzen who officiated in 108.[209]
| Rank | Matches | Umpire | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 108 | Rudi Koertzen | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 82 | Marais Erasmus | 2010–2024 |
| 3 | 44 | Dave Orchard | 1995–2004 |
| 4 | 26 | Cyril Mitchley | 1992–2000 |
| 5 | 17 | Adrian Holdstock | 2020–2025 |
| Last updated: 10 July 2025[209] | |||
Notes
- For the first 50 years of Test cricket matches were played over three or four days[2] and until the 1930s some timeless Tests were played.[3]
- In October 2017, the ICC Board approved a trial of four-day Test cricket to run through until the 2019 Cricket World Cup.[4]
- In 2017, The Laws of Cricket were amended, reducing the methods of dismissals from ten to nine, with handled the ball now covered as part of obstructing the field.[181]