Who scored 400 runs?

Brian Lara’s 400: A Record That Still Stands

When Brian Lara strode to the crease in the fourth Test against England at Antigua’s St John’s in 2004, few could have predicted the historic innings that was about to unfold. Already the holder of the record for the highest Test score—375, also made at the same ground 10 years earlier to the day—Lara was no stranger to monumental knocks. But this time, he wasn’t just chasing milestones; he was rewriting history.

On May 20, 2004, Lara reached an unbeaten 400 against England, reclaiming the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket. It wasn’t just the number that stunned the cricketing world—it was the resilience, the focus, and the sheer willpower it took to bat for over ten hours. His innings spanned 582 balls, included 43 fours and 4 sixes, and came in a match where the West Indies were fighting to level a series they were trailing in.

While Matthew Hayden had briefly taken the record in 2003 with a 380 against Zimbabwe, Lara’s response was both swift and definitive. His 400 not only restored his place at the summit of Test batting achievements but also reinforced his reputation as one of the most determined and technically gifted batsmen the game has ever seen.

Nearly two decades later, that innings remains untouched. No one has come close since. In an era where T20 cricket dominates attention, Lara’s feat stands as a towering testament to the art of Test match batting—of patience, concentration, and the ability to dominate the world’s best bowlers over long stretches.

Brian Lara’s 400 is more than a record—it’s a statement. A reminder that in the longest form of the game, human endurance and brilliance can still reach extraordinary heights. And for now, it remains cricket’s ultimate individual mountain.