Top five highest individual scores by New Zealand batters in Test cricket

New Zealand played their first test match in Christchurch against England in 1930, marking the beginning of their test cricket history. Their early days were difficult because they had to wait until 1956 to win their first test match, which they did in Auckland against the West Indies.

Even the best batters find it extremely difficult to succeed in New Zealand because of the country's generally seam and swing-friendly conditions. Nevertheless, both in New Zealand and globally, Kiwis have produced some of the greatest Test batters who have flourished in challenging batting environments.

Over the years, New Zealand batters have played a key role in the team’s success, showcasing their grit to tackle fire with fire. 

In light of this, let's examine the top five New Zealand batters in the longest format by individual score.

5. Bryan Young – 267* vs Sri Lanka, Dunedin, 1997

In the first test match of Sri Lanka's 1997 tour of New Zealand, Bryan Young led the Kiwi innings with an unbeaten 267* in the first innings of the test. Young led New Zealand to a dominant total of 586/7 by opening the batting and displaying incredible patience while facing 422 balls.

The Black Caps won the game by an innings and 36 runs on the fourth day thanks to Young's marathon knock. Bryan's double hundred earned him the Player of the Match award.

4. Stephen Fleming – 274* vs Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2003

Stephen Fleming, the captain of New Zealand at the time, gave it his all in 2003 in Colombo, where he hit an unbeaten 274*. In the extreme heat and humidity of Sri Lanka, the Kiwi skipper led from the front, tackling Sri Lanka’s spinners with ease. As New Zealand declared their first innings for a huge score of 515/7, Fleming's double hundred proved to be crucial.

Sri Lanka responded with a valiant first innings score of 483 to give New Zealand a slim lead. The game ended in a draw in the end. Fleming won Player of the Match after scoring 69* in the second inning. 

3. Ross Taylor – 290 vs Australia, Perth, 2015

During the test match against Australia in Perth, Ross Taylor produced one of the best knocks ever made by a Kiwi batter. New Zealand were under pressure after Australia declared their first innings at a massive score of 559/9. New Zealand in reply were 87/2 when Taylor joined Williamson. Together, they scored 265 runs, and Taylor's deft stroke play tormented the Australian attack.

Although the game ended in a draw, Taylor's effort allowed him to record the highest score ever recorded by a Kiwi batter in Australia. His outstanding 290 and 35* in the first and second innings earned him Player of the Match award.

2. Martin Crowe – 299 vs Sri Lanka, Wellington, 1991

At Wellington in 1991, Martin Crowe scored an incredible 299 against Sri Lanka, coming extremely close to a triple century. His innings came when the Black Caps were under tremendous pressure after conceding a massive 373-run lead in their first innings.

Crowe’s excellent innings of 299 saw him add 467 runs with Andrew Jones for the third wicket. At the end of play on the fifth day, New Zealand had finished their second innings with 671/4, thanks to a heroic effort from Crowe that helped them secure a draw.

1. Brendon McCullum – 302 vs India, Wellington, 2014

In 2014, Brendon McCullum scored 302 against India in Wellington, becoming the first batsman from New Zealand to reach a triple century in test cricket. McCullum’s innings came when New Zealand were on the back foot. In the second innings, New Zealand was behind by 246 runs after being bowled out for 192 in the first. 

Before declaring their innings, McCullum, BJ Watling, and Jimmy Neesham helped New Zealand reach 680/8 after more than 12 hours of batting. McCullum’s effort saw New Zealand secure a draw in a test match that seemed to be heading towards an Indian victory. McCullum was named Player of the Match for his incredible triple ton.

Cover Credits - ESPN