The Ashes is one of cricket’s oldest and most celebrated rivalries. Since 1882, Australia and England have played long Test series full of drama, skill, and passion. Across more than 140 years of Ashes cricket, teams have passed 700 runs only three times, showing how rare and difficult such scores are.
These large team totals usually come when conditions suit batting, the pitch stays flat, bowlers tire, and batters show patience and strong technique. Below are the five highest team totals in Ashes history, along with the context and key performances behind them.
5. Australia – 674/6 declared (Cardiff, 2009)
The only modern-day entry in this list is Australia’s 674 for 6 declared, scored during the opening Test of the 2009 Ashes in Cardiff, Wales. Unlike the earlier four scores, all from the 1930s, this innings came in the era of modern fitness, better bowling strategies, and more competitive conditions.
The key performers were Ricky Ponting, Simon Katich, Marcus North, and Brad Haddin, all of whom scored centuries. Their calm and patient approach showed how strong the Australian batting lineup was at the time. Even though Australia dominated with the bat, England managed to survive the final day and draw the Test, thanks to resilient batting from tail-enders James Anderson and Monty Panesar.
4. Australia – 695 (The Oval, 1930)
Australia appeared again in the top five with 695 runs scored at The Oval during the 1930 series, the same tour where Bradman scored his famous 334 at Headingley. Although he did not score a triple hundred in this innings, Bradman once again played a major role, he scored 232 runs.
Australia batted deep, with contributions from several players, including their middle and lower order. By the time England finally bowled them out, Australia had already built a lead that became extremely difficult to chase. This innings helped Australia secure another strong position in the 1930 series. Australia won the match by 39 runs.
3. Australia – 701 (The Oval, 1934)
The third entry also belongs to Australia. In the 1934 Test at The Oval, Australia scored 701 in their first innings. This match was defined by a record-breaking partnership between Bill Ponsford and Don Bradman, one of the most iconic duos in cricket history.
Both Ponsford & Bradman scored a double century, with confidence and elegance. Their partnership frustrated England’s bowlers and showed how powerful Australia’s batting lineup was during this era. This innings helped Australia win the match and the series, continuing their rise as a dominant cricketing nation. They won the match by 562 runs.
2. Australia – 729/6 declared (Lord’s, 1930)
Australia took the second spot with 729 for 6 declared, scored at Lord’s in the 1930 Ashes series. This series is remembered mostly for the incredible form of Don Bradman; he scored 254 runs, Bradman’s batting numbers changed cricket history. Although Bradman did not score a triple century in this particular innings, his contribution helped Australia build a commanding position.
Australia batted confidently and punished England’s bowlers whenever they bowled loose deliveries. The total gave Australia control of the match and played a key role in their success during the famous 1930 series, seen today as one of the most dominant displays in Ashes history. Australia won the match by 7 wickets.
1. England – 903/7 declared (The Oval, 1938)
The highest team total in Ashes history belongs to England. In the final Test of the 1938 series at The Oval, England scored a massive 903 for 7 declared. The innings was historic for many reasons, especially because Sir Len Hutton scored 364, which at the time became the highest individual score in Test cricket.
England batted for more than two days and built big partnerships against an Australian attack that struggled with accuracy and fatigue. Once England declared, Australia were under huge pressure and could not recover. England won the match by an innings and 579 runs, which remains one of the biggest margins in Test history. This scoreboard and Hutton’s innings continue to be remembered as legendary moments.
Why 700-Plus Totals Are Rare
Only three innings in Ashes history have crossed the 700-run mark. This is because many factors need to align, a flat pitch, strong weather conditions, weak bowling, long partnerships, and the ability to maintain concentration for days. Modern Test cricket also focuses more on forcing results, meaning teams often declare earlier instead of batting endlessly.
Conclusion
These five innings show how skill, patience, and strong teamwork can lead to unforgettable cricketing achievements. While modern pitches and strategies may make such massive totals less common today, the history of the Ashes proves that when batters take control, records can be broken, and cricket fans witness greatness.
Written by Kinjal Walantra