In the fast-paced world of Test cricket, where patience and skill frequently reign supreme, seeing a soaring six sail over the boundary rope is both unusual and exciting.
While the longest format of the game is typically linked with classical strokeplay and dogged resistance, there have been times where batters have bucked convention, blasting a barrage of sixes that have left onlookers stunned.
Bowling conditions have a significant impact on the amount of sixes scored in a Test series. Hitting maximums on a green top or a turning wicket is quite unlikely.
Modern batters, on the other hand, are skilled at capitalizing on any scoring opportunities and taking advantage of any sloppy deliveries they come across.
On that point, here is a list of the five Test series with the most sixes scored. From spectacular exhibitions of power hitting to epic fights between bat and ball, these programs demonstrate the game’s ever-changing character.
5. 59 sixes – Pakistan vs New Zealand in U.A.E., 2014
Pakistan and New Zealand played each other in a series of three Test matches which took place in 2014 at the neutral venue of United Arab Emirates. The playing surfaces in the U.A.E match were suited to bats as the series witnessed 12 centuries scored in 3 games. The two highest run-getters of the series, Mohammad Hafeez and Brendon McCullum, were just uncovered in the fact that they were excellent tp all through the series. He smashed 92 four together with him.
McCullum had the most sixes in the series (13). Interestingly, 11 of his 13 sixes came in his 202-run knock from just 188 deliveries.
The series included 59 sixes, the fifth-highest most in a Test series. It is one of just two three-match Test series on the schedule.
4. 65 sixes – The Ashes in Australia, 2013/14
The Ashes is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious Test series in cricket, boasting a fierce and traditional rivalry between England and Australia, dating back to 1882.
Australia played on the British court in the 2013-14 Ashes series and left no doubt about the result as they demolished England with a fitting 5-0 triumph. The win marked their first Ashes win since 2006-07, serving as a significant comeback after losing the previous three series to England.
Mitchell Johnson, an Australian speed bowler, was essential in their victory, collecting 37 wickets and earning Player of the Series honors.
While Brad Haddin shined with the bat, scoring 493 runs and nine sixes (the most by any player in the series), Australia’s domination went beyond individual efforts.
They combined for 40 sixes compared to England’s 25, displaying their aggressive attitude. Throughout the series, an incredible 65 maximums were hit in Australian stadia.
3. 65 sixes – South Africa’s tour of India, 2019
India, a force to be reckoned with in the longest format, dominated the much-anticipated series. The Virat Kohli-led team dominated the proceedings, winning all three Tests convincingly.
In Vishakhapatnam, Mayank Agarwal scored 215 and Rohit Sharma scored twin century (176 and 127) to kick off the series.
India Player Rohit was outstanding throughout the series, scoring 529 runs, including 19 lusty sixes, the highest by a batter in a Test series at the time.
Interestingly, Umesh Yadav scored five sixes in the series, more than Virat Kohli (3), Faf du Plessis (2), and Ajinkya Rahane (2).
The Indian bats clobbered 44 out of the 65 sixes hit during the series.
2. 74 sixes – The Ashes in England, 2023
The first Test series in the ‘Bazball’ era to appear on the list is the 2023 Ashes series in England. The boldness of English hitters actually drove Australia to play outside of its comfort zone.
It was extremely fascinating for cricket fans since the series was played at a run rate of 4.74, the highest cumulative run rate in a five-match Test series in history.
74 sixes were struck during the thrilling series, which lasted five Tests. English skipper Ben Stokes had the most sixes, hitting 15 out of the ground, including nine sixes on his way to 155 in the second Test at Lord’s.
Mitchell Marsh struck seven maximums for Australia, including four during his run-a-ball 118 in Leeds. While the series concluded in a dramatic 2-2 tie, it will be remembered for the tremendous power and entertainment it provided, demonstrating the changing face of Test cricket.
1. 83* – England’s tour of India, 2024
The present Test series between India and England is only one match from conclusion, but it has already set a record for the most sixes in a Test series.
Across the four Tests played thus far, 83 maximums have been struck, demonstrating the magnificent exhibition of power-hitting on offer.
It is worth mentioning that India have struck 59 of the 83 sixes, accounting for more than 71%. Yashasvi Jaiswal, without a question, is the driving force behind this Indian offensive.
The teenage prodigy, who has two successive double hundreds, has hit 23 maximums so far, the highest by any hitter in a Test series.
Furthermore, the substantial experience gap between the Indian and English spin bowling units has occasionally resulted in English spinners delivering sloppy deliveries.