It was on this day, October 10, in 2003, when Australia’s Matthew Hayden broke Brian Lara’s long-standing record for the highest individual score of 375, as he struck 380* against Zimbabwe. This was the first test between Australia and Zimbabwe that was played at WACA Stadium in Perth.
After winning the toss against Australia in Perth, then Zimbabwean captain, the late Heath Streak, made the wrong call choosing to field. The unfortunate Zimbabweans had to take the brunt on the batting-friendly surface, which was exactly what an in-form Hayden needed.
Hayden had opened the innings with Justin Langer and was the last wicket out before Australia declared their first innings. While Hayden continued to hammer the Zimbabwe bowlers, Damien Martyn (53), Steve Waugh (78), and Adam Gilchrist (113*) continued to score runs from the other end.
Hayden slammed 380 runs in 437 runs with 38 fours and 11 sixes and broke Lara’s record of 375, which he scored against England in 1994 in Antigua.
Australia made 735/6d in their first innings and bowled Zimbabwe out for 239 and 321, winning the match by an innings and 175 runs.
Hayden’s world record stood for merely five months as Brian Lara reclaimed the feat with a record 400* against England at the same venue, Antigua, in 2004.
Meanwhile, Hayden scored 8625 runs at an average of 50.73 in 103 Tests, including 30 centuries and 29 fifties. Hayden was selected as one of Wisden’s five 2003 Cricketers of the Year. He announced his retirement from cricket in 2009. Hayden also won the 2003 and 2007 ICC World Cups for Australia.
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