Test Cricket is still regarded as the most intense format of the game and a test of all the characters of a cricketer. While ODIs and T20s can provide temporary adrenalin rushes, they can never compensate for the mind games and skills on offer in a 5-day long Test match. Women’s version of the game has also seen some amazing Test games from time to time, and players have smashed some amazing records. Here are the three highest individual scores in the history of Women’s Tests.
3. Ellyse Perry, Australia – 213*
We kickstart the list with one of Australia’s Test greats, Ellyse Perry. In 2017’s one-off Women’s Ashes, England won the toss and elected to bat first. Tammy Beaumont’s 70 off 173 and Heather Knight’s 62 off 111 helped England post a competitive 280 before being bowled out. In reply, Australia failed at a good start, losing 3 wickets at the score of 61. However, Ellyse Perry, batting at number 4, came up with an unbeaten 213 off 374 to help Australia to 448/7 before declaring. However, her efforts went in vain because England batter brilliantly to avoid defeat and salvage a draw out of the match. Perry’s unbeaten 213 remains the third-highest individual score in Women’s Tests.
2. Mithali Raj, India – 214
On number two, we have one of India’s most successful woman cricketers of all time, Mithali Raj. In 2002’s India Women’s tour of England’s second Test, India won the loss and chose to field first. England responded well to the visitor’s invitation to bat first, putting 329 on the board. Laura Newton (98 off 197) and Mandie Goldiman (65 off 219) remained the key contributors for the hosts. In reply, India rode on Mithali Raj’s finest Test innings of her career, knocking 214 off 407. However, England salvaged a draw out of the game with some exceptional batting. Raj broke Karen Rolton’s record of 209* to become the player with the highest individual score in Women’s Tests. However, she would only hold on to her record for a couple of years.
1. Kiran Baluch, Pakistan – 242
On number one, we have Pakistan’s Kiran Baluch, whose 242 against West Indies in 2004 remains the highest individual score by any batter in Women’s Tests. In 2004, West Indies tour of Pakistan’s one-off Test, the visitors won the toss and chose to field first. The charge for the hosts was led by opener Kiran Baluch who smashed 242 off 488 balls, breaking Mithali Raj’s previous record of 214. In reply, West Indies were bundled out for 147 as the game looked like an easy win for Pakistan. However, following on, the Windies made a comeback putting 440 on the board, which resulted enough for them to salvage a draw. The match would be remembered for Baluch’s heroic innings, never mind the results.