How Many Batsmen Have Scored Two Double Centuries in the Same Match?

In the vast and illustrious history of Test cricket, the rarity of a batsman scoring two double centuries (200 runs) in a single match is uncanny. As of August 2023, only one player has achieved this remarkable feat.

Brian Lara: A Unique Historical Achievement

During a Test match between the West Indies and England at the Antigua Recreation Ground in 2004, Brian Lara shattered the record books by scoring 400 not out in the first innings and 200 in the second. This double century performance along with another 200 in the second innings remains a singular achievement in the annals of Test cricket.

Arthur Fagg: The Unmatched Record in First-Class Cricket

While no modern-day Test cricketer has ever accomplished the double century in both innings of the same match, in the realm of first-class cricket, there is one unique player - Arthur Fagg. In 1938, during a first-class match between Kent and Essex, Fagg scored 244 runs in the first innings and followed it up with an astonishing 202 in the second, making him the only cricketer to have achieved such a feat in official cricket matches.

Closest to the Record: Graham Gooch

Graham Gooch came closest to this legendary record. Against India in 1993, he scored 333 runs in one innings and 133 in the other, totalling 456 runs. This near-miss demonstrates how difficult it is to achieve such a rare performance that has stood the test of time.

Other Notable Performances

Interestingly, only three players have managed to score 400 or more runs in a single Test match. Leading this list is Graham Gooch, who achieved the feat of 333 and 123 against India at Lord's in 1990. Mark Taylor and Brian Lara are the other two players, with Taylor scoring 334 and 92 against Pakistan in 1998, and Lara's impressive 400 against England in 2004.

The Unmatched PERFORMANCE By Sangakkara

Another noteworthy mention is Kumar Sangakkara, who scored a triple century of 319 runs and a century of 105 in a match against Bangladesh in 2014 at Chittagong. While this isn't a pair of double centuries, it still underscores the incredible prowess and consistency of elite Test batsmen.

Conclusion

The rarity of a batsman achieving two double centuries in a single Test match is a testament to the skill and determination required in the sport. While no player has done so, the performances of Arthur Fagg, Brian Lara, and Graham Gooch stand as benchmarks.