In the world of sports, they say “records are made to be broken.” But in the 150-year history of cricket, a few milestones have been set so high that they seem to belong to the realm of fantasy rather than reality. As the game evolves with shorter formats, flatter pitches, and faster scoring rates, these legendary feats stand as immovable monuments.
From the “Don’s” mythical average to a spin wizard’s mountain of wickets, here are 5 cricket records that will likely stay in the history books forever.
1. Sir Don Bradman’s Test Batting Average of 99.94
There is no statistic in any sport more famous than this one. Sir Donald Bradman retired with a Test average of 99.94. To put this in perspective, the next best average for any retired player with a significant career is in the low 60s.
Why it’s unbreakable: In modern cricket, a career average of 50 is considered “great,” and 60 is “legendary.” For a player to average 100, they would need to be twice as good as the best players in the world for over a decade. With modern video analysis, specialized bowling tactics, and relentless schedules, the consistency required to reach 99.94 is humanly impossible.
2. Jim Laker’s 19 Wickets in a Single Test Match
In 1956, during the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, England off-spinner Jim Laker did something unthinkable. He took 9 for 37 in the first innings and followed it up with all 10 for 53 in the second. He finished the match with figures of 19 for 90.
Why it’s unbreakable: A team only has 20 wickets to lose. For one bowler to take 19 of them, his teammates must essentially take almost zero wickets over five days. In today’s era of balanced bowling attacks and “pace-from-one-end, spin-from-the-other” tactics, it is nearly impossible for one bowler to dominate so completely without a teammate chipping in.
3. Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800 Test Wickets
When Sri Lanka’s spin king Muttiah Muralitharan dismissed Pragyan Ojha with his final ball in Test cricket, he reached the magic number of 800.
Why it’s unbreakable: To reach 800 wickets, a bowler needs incredible longevity, a body made of steel, and a captain who will let them bowl marathon spells. Most modern bowlers struggle with injuries or retire from Tests early to play T20 leagues. With the decline in the number of Test matches played globally, reaching even 600 is now considered a monumental task.
4. Brian Lara’s 400* – Highest Individual Test Score
In 2004, at St. John’s, Antigua, Brian Charles Lara reclaimed his throne by scoring 400 not out against England. He remains the only player in history to score a quadruple century in a Test match.
Why it’s unbreakable: Modern Test cricket has become much more result-oriented. Captains today prefer to declare early to give their bowlers enough time to take 20 wickets. To score 400, a batter usually needs to bat for nearly two full days—a luxury that modern “win-at-all-costs” strategies rarely allow.
5. Wilfred Rhodes’ 30-Year Test Career
English all-rounder Wilfred Rhodes made his debut in 1899 and played his final Test in 1930. His career spanned 30 years and 315 days, making him the longest-serving Test cricketer in history. He even played a Test match at the age of 52!
Why it’s unbreakable: The physical demands of the modern game are grueling. Between T20s, ODIs, Tests, and franchise leagues like the IPL, players’ bodies are under constant strain. Most modern careers last 12–15 years; the idea of someone playing international cricket for three decades in the 21st century is practically unimaginable.
Conclusion
These records represent a perfect storm of talent, era, and opportunity. While we see incredible talent in the likes of Virat Kohli or Jasprit Bumrah, these specific benchmarks are so extreme that they serve less as targets and more as reminders of the legendary figures who once graced the “Circle of Cricket.”
