Masterful milestones – the 7 highest Test scores against Australia down under since 2000

Jonhenry Wilson 24 Aug 2026

Bangladesh recorded their first ever Test win over Australia in August 2026.

The first Test between Australia and Bangladesh in Darwin saw Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan, playing his first ever Test in Australia, strike a wonderful century.

It was a fine knock and a critical knock as the tourists sought to capitalize on Australia’s first innings failure by securing a healthy lead. Eventually out for 101 from 197 balls, he helped steer his side to a score of 426 and a first innings lead of 228 runs.

Big Test scores against Australia in Australia are not common, especially in recent times. With bowlers who have traditionally revelled on their bouncy home pitches, scoring big runs against the Baggy Greens has not been a common thread in recent times.

So how does Tanzid’s knock compare? Let’s look at the highest Test cricket scores made against Australia, in Australia, since the turn of the century.

1. Ross Taylor (New Zealand) vs Australia – 290

Match Details: 374 balls, 567 minutes, W.A.C.A Ground, Perth, November 2015
Strike Rate: 77.54
Innings Played: Second innings

Ross Taylor produced a masterclass in defiance and aggression during the 2015 tour. Facing a fierce Australian pace attack on a characteristically quick Perth pitch, the Kiwi veteran fell just ten runs short of a historic triple century.

His incredibly fluid scoring rate forced the home side onto the defensive, completely shifting the momentum of the match (Australia had made 559 when they batted, with David Warner setting the tone with a brisk 253).

Taylor occupied the crease for over nine hours, single-handedly turning what could have been a massive first innings deficit into a position of strength for New Zealand. The game ended as a draw.

2. Alastair Cook (England) vs Australia – 244 not out

Match Details: 409 balls, 634 minutes, Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 2017
Strike Rate: 59.65
Innings Played: Second innings

Entering the iconic Boxing Day Test under immense pressure after a string of low scores, Alastair Cook reminded the cricketing world of his legendary endurance. He carried his bat through the innings, frustrating the Australian bowlers for more than ten hours.

Cook took full advantage of a flat Melbourne pitch to register the highest ever score by a visiting batsman at the venue. It remains a definitive modern example of pure concentration and defensive steel against the moving ball.

Cook was imperious, the next highest score by an England batsman was Joe Root’s 61.

Also read: How good was Hasan Mahmud? The 7 best Test bowling performances against Australia this century

3. Sachin Tendulkar (India) vs Australia – 241 not out

Match Details: 436 balls, 613 minutes, Sydney Cricket Ground, January 2004
Strike Rate: 55.27
Innings Played: First innings

This memorable knock is widely remembered as a supreme display of mental discipline. Struggling with his timing on the cover drive earlier in the series, Sachin Tendulkar made a conscious choice to eliminate the shot from his repertoire.

He batted for over ten hours scarcely playing a single shot through the offside against the fast bowlers.

The result was a flawless, undefeated double century that set up a massive first innings total for India (they posted 705 for seven declared) and entered cricket folklore. The game ended as a draw.

4. Alastair Cook (England) vs Australia – 235 not out

Match Details: 428 balls, 625 minutes, The Gabba, Brisbane, November 2010
Strike Rate: 54.90
Innings Played: Third innings

Alastair Cook features twice on this list due to his phenomenal run scoring during the 2010 Ashes series. After England conceded a substantial first innings lead in Brisbane, the gritty left hander anchored a historic comeback.

His massive opening partnership of 188 with Andrew Strauss wiped out the deficit and completely deflated the Australia bowling unit. When Strauss was out for 110, Cook was joined by Jonathan Trott who bagged a century of his own.

Cook remained unbeaten to help England secure a famous draw, laying the psychological foundation for his team to eventually win the series.

5. Rahul Dravid (India) vs Australia – 233

Match Details: 446 balls, 594 minutes, Adelaide Oval, December 2003
Strike Rate: 52.24
Innings Played: Second innings

Affectionately known as The Wall, Rahul Dravid played what many consider his finest Test innings to secure a historic victory in Adelaide.

Responding to Australia’s colossal first innings total, Dravid paired up with VVS Laxman to stitch together a monumental partnership. Displaying unmatched patience, perfect leave selection, and solid defensive technique, Dravid wore down the Australian attack over nearly ten hours.

His masterclass set up an emotional and rare Test victory for India on Australian soil.

6. Kevin Pietersen (England) vs Australia – 227

Match Details: 308 balls, 428 minutes, Adelaide Oval, December 2010
Strike Rate: 73.70
Innings Played: Second innings

In stark contrast to the patient accumulation of his contemporaries, Kevin Pietersen dismantled the Australian bowling attack with sheer arrogance and flair. During England’s dominant 2010 tour, Pietersen strode out in Adelaide and completely dictated terms.

He punished both pace and spin, striking 33 boundaries and a six to achieve a rapid double century. His dominant performance pushed the match out of Australia’s reach, leading directly to an innings victory for the visitors.

7. Brian Lara (West Indies) vs Australia – 226

Match Details: 298 balls, 405 minutes, Adelaide Oval, November 2005
Strike Rate: 75.83
Innings Played: First innings

West Indian maestro Brian Lara lit up Adelaide in late 2005 with a display of batting that was as beautiful as it was destructive. Facing a legendary bowling lineup, Lara relied on his signature high back lift and quick footwork to find gaps effortlessly.

Scoring at an incredible strike rate of over 75, he danced down the wicket to spinners and cut fast bowlers ruthlessly. It was a classic, majestic innings that reminded everyone of his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.