On this day: Matthew Hayden created the record for the highest Test score

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 10: Matthew Hayden of Australia relaxes in the rooms after scoring 380 to break Brian Lara of The West Indies world record of 375 during day two of the First Test between Australia and Zimbabwe played at the WACA Ground on October 10, 2003 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
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Matthew Hayden of Australia relaxes in the rooms after scoring 380 to break Brian Lara of The West Indies world record of 375 during day two of the First Test between Australia and Zimbabwe played at the WACA Ground on October 10, 2003 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

On this day: Matthew Hayden created the record for the highest Test score: On 10th October 2003, Matthew Hayden became the highest individual run scorer in a Test innings at WACA, Perth. He achieved this feat against Zimbabwe. Hayden’s 380, the then world record; it took him 10 hours 22 minutes to break the 9-year-old record held by West Indian genius Brain Lara. This innings is still counted as one of the finest and most dominant display of batting skills.

It all started when, Heath Streak, after winning the toss kindly put Australian to bat. But, little did the Zimbabwe team know that there was a carnage waiting for them at the hands of the burly left-hander.

Hayden batted sensibly for the first two sessions until tea and was on the score of 76. However, he had ruthless plans in his mind at the time of coming out to bat after tea. And, by the time the day ended, he had easily crossed his century and was comfortably sitting unbeaten at the score of 180.

At the end of the day, fitness coach Jock Campbell asked Hayden how he was feeling after a tiring day of batting in the sun. “180, no problems. I’ll turn it into 380 tomorrow,” Hayden replied confidently.

The next day saw many records getting surpassed. Hayden looked unstoppable and batted fearlessly. On the way to the world record score, he surpassed many batting legends. Graham Gooch (333), Don Bradman (334), Wally Hammond (336*), Hanif Mohammed (337*), Sanath Jayasuriya (340), Len Hutton (364) and Gary Sobers (365).

Ray Price was bowling the last over before tea of day 2. He gently pushed one towards mid-off and took a single. With that single Hayden went ahead of Lara and rewrote the record books. Hayden’s epic effort took 437 balls. He scored at a strike-rate of close to 87. He struck 38 fours, 11 sixes and a five.

It was a special moment not only for Mathew Hayden but also for the Australian fans. Everyone had their focus on the television screen as soon the Hayden went past Sir Don Bradman’s 334.

He was congratulated by many greats of the game. He received a call from the man whose record he had broken, Brain Lara.

Lara later spoke with The Guardian, “I am, and will always be grateful to have been chosen to hold the Test record for nearly 10 years and to belong to the elite group of batsmen who have headed the all-time scoring list. The record for Matthew is a testament to Australian cricket and their fast pace of play. A standard has been set which we must strive to achieve and pass. I wish Matthew and his family peace and happiness.”

Facts:

1. The entire Zimbabwe team could not cross Matthew Hayden’s individual score in either innings.

2. Six months later, Brain Lara took-over his record back after he smashed 400* against England.

3. Australia declared at a mammoth 735/6 and won the match by an innings and 175 runs.

Brief scores:

Australia 735 for 6 decl. (Matthew Hayden 380, Adam Gilchrist 113*; Sean Ervine 4 for 146)

Zimbabwe 239 (Trevor Gripper 53; Brett Le 3 for 48, Jason Gillespie 3 for 52) and

321 (Mark Vermeulen 63, Heath Streak 71*; Andy Bichel 4 for 63, Darren Lehmann 3 for 61) lost by an innings and 175 runs.

Man of the Match: Matthew Hayden

Watch: Mathew Hayden’s world record innings of 380:

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