OTD | Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden scored 380 in Test against Zimbabwe

Matthew Hayden registered one of the highest individual Test scores by a batter in the match against Zimbabwe in 2003. The Southpaw smashed 380 runs against the visiting side at Perth’s old WACA. His knock came in just 437 balls and included a whopping 38 fours and 11 sixes. To date, it is the highest score for an Australian batter in the longest format of the game.

It was the first Test of the series between Zimbabwe and Australia. The home side batted first and posted a huge total of 735/6 before declaring their innings. It seemed like their only intention was to bat once and dismiss Zimbabwe twice. Hayden batted in such a way that Australia scored at a quick rate and did not waste much time.

The Zimbabwean attack did not have big names. However, Hayden displayed a great batting display. To score 380 runs at a strike rate of 86.96 was no mean feat. At the other end, he got decent support from Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist. It helped him to continue to score at a fast pace. 

While Waugh smashed 78(124), Gilchrist remained unbeaten with a score of 113*(94) which came at an astonishing strike rate of 120.21. Together, the trio hammered the Zimbabwean attack and ensured that they scored a whopping 735 runs. Sean Ervine was the pick of the bowlers who claimed 4 wickets. But it did not hamper the home side even a bit.

It was one such knock which displayed Hayden’s ability to bat longer. He was known for playing marathon knocks. Australia did not break a sweat to claim a win by an innings and 175 runs. They dismissed the visiting side for scores of 239 and 321 in their first and second innings respectively. While Zimbabwe batted better in the second innings, it was not enough to claim a win. Hayden got the Player of the Match award for his great knock.

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