The South Africa-Australia Test rivalry has produced some of the most memorable batting performances in cricket history. With both teams renowned for their competitive spirit and world-class bowling attacks, scoring big runs against the opposition has always required tremendous skill, patience and determination.
The rivalry is set to enter another exciting chapter as the Proteas and Aussies prepare to face each other in a three-match Test series beginning on October 9. The contest carries added significance as the two sides are the most recent World Test Championship (WTC) finalists, with South Africa defeating Australia in the 2025 final at Lord’s to claim the coveted title.
The opening Test will be played at Kingsmead in Durban, before the teams move to Gqeberha and Cape Town. The series also marks Australia’s first red-ball tour of South Africa since the controversial 2018 series, adding another layer of intrigue to an already fierce contest.
Over the years, several legendary batters have produced extraordinary knocks in this fixture. Here is a look at some of the highest individual scores recorded in South Africa vs Australia Test history.
5 highest individual scores in SA vs AUS Tests
1. Sir Don Bradman – 299* (Adelaide, 1932)
Sir Donald Bradman came agonisingly close to completing one of cricket’s most iconic milestones when he finished unbeaten on 299 against South Africa in Adelaide.
The Australian great produced a breathtaking innings during the fourth Test of the 1931/32 series, spending almost six hours at the crease while dismantling the South African attack. Bradman appeared destined to reach 300, but his hopes were ended when his partner, Pud Thurlow, was run out.
Despite missing out on a triple century by just one run, Bradman’s unbeaten 299 remains the highest individual score ever recorded in a Test between Australia and South Africa.
2. Graeme Pollock – 274 (Durban, 1970)
South African batting legend Graeme Pollock occupies the second spot after producing a magnificent 274 at Kingsmead in 1970.
Coming up against a strong Australian bowling attack, Pollock displayed a remarkable combination of elegance, timing and aggression. His innings included 43 boundaries and played a crucial role in putting South Africa in a commanding position.
The monumental knock remains one of the standout individual performances in South African Test cricket and helped Pollock cement his reputation as one of the finest batters of his generation.
3. Michael Clarke – 259* (Brisbane, 2012)
Michael Clarke enjoyed an extraordinary 2012, and his unbeaten 259 against South Africa at the Gabba was among the highlights of his remarkable year.
Leading Australia, Clarke produced a marathon innings that lasted close to seven hours. He combined a solid defensive technique with excellent strokeplay to counter a formidable South African attack featuring Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander.
His unbeaten double century not only showcased his technical quality but also demonstrated his ability to take responsibility as Australia’s captain during a challenging phase of the match.
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4. Dudley Nourse – 231 (Johannesburg, 1935)
Dudley Nourse delivered one of the most impressive batting performances of his career when he scored 231 against Australia at the Old Wanderers in Johannesburg in 1935.
Playing during the Christmas Test, Nourse faced sustained pressure from Australia’s bowlers but remained composed throughout his long stay at the crease. His determined approach helped South Africa build a strong first-innings total.
The innings remains an important part of Nourse’s legacy and highlights the remarkable resilience required to score heavily against Australia during that era.
5. Michael Clarke – 230 (Adelaide, 2012)
Clarke makes the list for a second time with another colossal innings against South Africa, this time scoring 230 at the Adelaide Oval in 2012.
Remarkably, the knock came only a couple of weeks after his unbeaten 259 in Brisbane. Clarke continued his stunning run of form and once again dominated the South African bowling attack.
The Adelaide double century further enhanced his incredible record in 2012 and contributed to him becoming the first batter to score four Test double centuries in a calendar year. His back-to-back performances against South Africa remain among the most remarkable feats in this rivalry.
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