Players With A 4th Innings Double-Century In Test Cricket: Achieving a double century in Test matches is itself an enormous achievement. To do so in the fourth innings is itself rare, as the pressure levels are high, the pitch is worn down, and the bowlers are attacking relentlessly. Very few batsmen in the entire history of cricket have been able to achieve this.
In a rather startling development, the West Indies stunned the world of cricket by squeezing a dramatic draw against the might of the New Zealand side at Christchurch.
While chasing an almost impossible score of 530, West Indies scored 457/6, thanks to a mammoth performance by the side’s newest star, Justin Greaves. Greaves’ performance puts him among the best of the best list of cricketers who have achieved a double-century in the fourth innings of a test match.
7 players With A 4th Innings Double-Century in Test Cricket
Justin Greaves – 202
West Indies vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 2025
One of the most significant innings ever in West Indies cricket was produced by Justin Greaves. Greaves was batting with the pressure of achieving 530 runs when he remained unbeaten on 202.
On the other hand, the manner in which KP built innings was a combination of discipline and aggression, including ob-side cuts and straight drives. This Test carnage has already been labelled as one of the great West Indian performances in the 21st century.
Kyle Mayers – 210*
West Indies vs Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2021
Kyle Mayers announced himself with a remarkable unbeaten knock of 210 on debut. When the West Indies required 395 to win and faced trouble early on, Mayers along with another debutant Nkrumah Bonner turned the match upside down.
While playing quality spin bowling on a wearing cricket surface, the composure and judgment of Mayers were exemplary. His double-century knock in the fourth innings of the test match was the foundation of one of the most improbable test victories.
Nathan Astle – 222
New Zealand Vs England, 2002, Christchurch
His 222 is one of the most destructive fourth-innings performances in history. New Zealand required 550 and were in trouble anyway before Astle produced a display that made the impossible seem possible.
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Though England emerged winners, Astle’s double-hundred in Test cricket is remembered for his fearless stroke play, going after a quality bowling attack.
Gordon Greenidge – 214*
West Indies vs England, Lord’s, 1984
Gordon Greenidge delivered a lesson in cricketing excellence at the Home of Cricket, as the West Indies stunned opponents with a famous nine-wicket triumph. Chasing a total of 344, Greenidge’s unblemished 214 propelled the team to a comfortable victory.
His partnership was cut short as Desmond Haynes was out early, but he was able to take over along with Larry Gomes, thoroughly dismantling the English bowlers.
This partnership for double-hundreds in the fourth innings of a Test match also helped establish Desmond Greenidge, along with Desmond Haynes, at the pinnacle of
Sunil Gavaskar – 221
India vs England, The Oval, 1979
This 221 was part of a defining period in Indian cricket, as India were facing a target of 437 runs. However, a collapse was expected, but Gavaskar’s innings turned the tide around.
His opening partnership of 213 innings laid the foundation for an innings that would be remembered as the most thrilling run chase in the history of the game. India was only eight runs away from winning the match when the game ended in a historic draw.
Bill Edrich – 219
England v South Africa, Durban, 1939
Bill Edrich’s 219 was among the earliest occurrences of a double century in the fourth innings in Test cricket. Edrich had to exhibit great patience as well as play classic cricket shots in order for his side to stay in the match.
However, his batting showcased how toughness of mind and skill have always been imperative factors in success in Test matches irrespective of the time.
George Headley – 223
West Indies vs England, Kingston, 1939
Renowned as the “Black Bradman,” George Headley slammed a mythical 223 as England declared an enormous first-class score of 849. Batting against an attacking English team on a crumbling pitch, Headley revealed the true virtues of elegance, acumen, and aggressive playing. His double century in Test matches remains one of the greatest individual performances by any West Indian.
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