Table of Contents
- The Man With a Perfect Record
- Why Bradman Isn’t Number One Here
- Andy Ganteaume’s Legendary 112
- The Cruel Twist of Cricket Fate
- Official Records and Eligibility Debates
- Conclusion: A Single Innings for the Ages
- Sources
When cricket fans talk about the highest batting average in Test history, the name that instantly springs to mind is Sir Don Bradman—his near-mythical 99.94 average is etched into sporting folklore. But what if we told you there’s a player whose Test average is even higher? In fact, it’s not just higher—it’s a perfect 112.00. And he only batted once.
His name? Andy Ganteaume. Born 105 years ago in Trinidad, this West Indian batsman played a single Test innings in 1948 and walked away with a record that statistically tops even the great Don. While Bradman’s legacy remains untouchable in terms of volume and consistency, Ganteaume’s story is a fascinating footnote in cricket history—one that challenges how we define greatness.
The Man With a Perfect Record
Andy Ganteaume made his Test debut for the West Indies against England at Port of Spain in February 1948. In front of his home crowd, the 26-year-old opener delivered a masterclass in composure and technique, scoring 112 runs in his very first—and only—Test innings .
He never played another Test match. Not due to injury or poor form, but because of selection politics and stiff competition in a golden era of West Indies batting. Yet, that solitary knock was enough to give him a career Test batting average of 112.00—surpassing Bradman’s 99.94 and every other player in history with at least one completed innings .
Why Bradman Isn’t Number One Here
This isn’t to diminish Bradman’s achievements. Over 52 Tests and 80 innings, he amassed 6,996 runs—an almost superhuman feat of endurance and excellence. His average of 99.94 is widely regarded as the greatest statistical achievement in any major sport .
But averages are calculated simply: total runs divided by number of dismissals. Since Ganteaume was dismissed just once (after scoring 112), his average is exactly 112.00. The math doesn’t lie—but context matters. Most official record books, including those from the ICC and ESPNcricinfo, include disclaimers for players with minimal innings, often requiring a minimum of 20 innings for “serious” consideration .
Andy Ganteaume’s Legendary 112
Ganteaume’s century came in challenging conditions. England’s attack included the formidable Alec Bedser, and the pitch offered assistance to the bowlers. Yet, Ganteaume batted with grace and grit, anchoring the West Indies’ first innings .
His knock helped set up a draw in a match where the West Indies were under pressure. Teammates and journalists praised his temperament. C.L.R. James, the famed Trinidadian historian and cricket writer, later called it “one of the most composed debuts I’ve ever seen” .
The Cruel Twist of Cricket Fate
Despite his stellar debut, Ganteaume was dropped for the next Test. Why? The West Indies selectors opted for more experienced players like Jeffrey Stollmeyer and Frank Worrell. Some historians suggest internal team dynamics and regional representation played a role—Ganteaume was from Trinidad, while the team leadership leaned heavily on players from Barbados and Jamaica .
He continued playing first-class cricket for over a decade, finishing with over 7,000 runs at an average of 44. But the Test cap never returned. He later became a respected coach and administrator, but always carried the quiet dignity of a man who had touched immortality in a single afternoon.
Official Records and Eligibility Debates
So, does Ganteaume “officially” hold the highest batting average in Test history? Technically, yes. But most cricket statisticians apply a minimum qualification to avoid outliers. For example:
- ICC: No formal minimum, but contextual notes are added.
- ESPNcricinfo: Lists all players but highlights those with 20+ innings for “elite” rankings.
- Wisden Almanack: Often includes footnotes when discussing such anomalies.
Other one-innings players with high averages include Lawrence Rowe (214* and 100* in his first Test, average 314.00 before being dismissed later) and K.F. Barrington, but none have a single completed innings with a higher average than Ganteaume .
For a deeper dive into cricket’s statistical quirks, check out our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:unusual-cricket-records].
Conclusion: A Single Innings for the Ages
Andy Ganteaume’s story is a poignant reminder that cricket, like life, isn’t always fair. He earned his place on the world stage with a flawless performance, yet circumstance denied him a longer run. While Sir Don Bradman remains the undisputed king of sustained batting excellence, Ganteaume holds a unique, unbreakable statistical crown: the highest batting average in Test history—achieved in just one unforgettable innings. His legacy endures not in numbers alone, but in the romance of what might have been.
Sources
[1] Times of India. “Who has highest batting average in Test history? Short answer: It’s not Bradman”. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/who-has-the-highest-batting-average-in-test-history-short-answer-its-not-don-bradman/articleshow/127166701.cms
[2] Wisden Almanack. “West Indies vs England, 1948: Match Report”.
[3] ESPNcricinfo Statsguru. “Test Batting Averages – All Players”. https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;type=batting
[4] James, C.L.R. “Beyond a Boundary”. Duke University Press, 1963.
[5] International Cricket Council (ICC). “Sir Don Bradman: The Legend”. https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1344567
[6] CricketArchive. “Players with One Test Innings”.
[7] Nandy, Ashis. “The Tao of Cricket”. Oxford University Press, 1989.