Top 5 batsmen with most runs in a three-match Test series

#1 Graham Gooch (752 runs)

Graham Gooch

Former England captain and opener, Graham Gooch holds the record for most runs in a three-match series, by some distance. He amassed 752 runs in three Tests during India’s tour of England in 1990.

The first Test was played at Lord’s from July 26-31. Gooch made a masterly 333 from 485 balls, but Indians remember the match for the dropped catch by Kiran More off Sanjeev Sharma’s bowling. Gooch was on 36 when More grassed a regulation chance, and went on to pulverise the Indian bowling. His magnificent 333 featured 43 fours and three sixes as England posted a massive 653 for 4 batting first, with Allan Lamb and Robin Smith also posting hundreds.

In response, Ravi Shastri and Mohammad Azharuddin hit centuries before Kapil Dev (77 not out) famously hit four consecutive sixes off Eddie Hemmings to help India save the follow-on. Gooch then made 123 in the second innings as England set India a target of 472. Under pressure, India crumbled to 224 all out.

Gooch scored 116 from 163 balls as England posted 519 batting first in the second Test at Manchester, played from August 9-14. India responded with 432 as skipper Azhar slammed a magnificent 179. Gooch fell for 7 in the second innings, but Lamb’s 109 saw England declare on 320 for 4. Chasing 408, India were led to a draw by Sachin Tendulkar’s famous maiden Test hundred, 119 not out, as the visitors ended at 343 for 6.

In the final Test at The Oval, held from August 23-28, Shastri’s 187 took India to 606 for 9 batting first. In response, Gooch continued his great form with 85 from 248 balls. However, Manoj Prabhakar’s four-for restricted England to 340. Made to follow-on, Gooch again contributed 88 from 190 deliveries. However, it was David Gower’s unbeaten 157 that sealed a draw, and the series for England.