Scoring a century in Test cricket is a milestone every batter dreams of, as it demands immense dedication, patience, and skill to reach the three-figure mark in the longest format of the game. However, some cricketers have turned this challenging feat into a habit, consistently notching up centuries.
Remarkably, only three batters have surpassed the milestone of 40 Test centuries. In this article, we delve into the elite list of players who hold the record for the most centuries in Test cricket.
10. Brian Lara (WI) – 34
Between 1990 and 2006, Lara played 131 Tests, amassing 11,953 runs at an impressive average of 52.88. His stellar career includes 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries.
9. Mahela Jayawardene (SL) – 34
Former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene was the backbone of his team across all formats. He holds the fourth-highest individual Test score (374).
From 1997 to 2014, Jayawardene featured in 149 Tests, accumulating 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84. He registered 34 centuries and 50 fifties.
8. Sunil Gavaskar (IND) – 34
Sunil Gavaskar became the first cricketer to cross the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, doing so against some of the most fearsome fast bowlers.
Playing 125 Tests between 1971 and 1987, Gavaskar scored 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12, including 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries. His highest score was 236*.
7. Steve Smith (AUS) – 35
Considered Australia’s best Test batsman since Don Bradman, Steve Smith has been a dominant force in modern-day cricket.
In 115 Tests, Smith has compiled 10,103 runs at an outstanding average of 56, with 35 centuries. Initially a leg-spinner, Smith transformed into one of the greatest Test batters of his generation. He is only the fourth Australian to surpass 10,000 Test runs.
6. Joe Root (ENG) – 36
Joe Root has been the most consistent Test batsman since 2021, scoring runs prolifically over the past few years.
With 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries, Root has amassed over 12,500 runs, making him England’s highest Test run-scorer, surpassing Alastair Cook. He also holds the record for the most centuries and fifties for England in Test cricket.
5. Rahul Dravid (IND) – 36
Between 1996 and 2012, Dravid played 164 Tests, scoring 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31, including 36 centuries and 63 fifties. His highest Test score was 270.
4. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 38
Arguably Sri Lanka’s greatest all-format batsman, Kumar Sangakkara was a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket.
Playing 134 Tests from 2000 to 2015, he scored 12,400 runs at an astonishing average of 57.40. He registered 38 centuries, including 11 double centuries, and 52 fifties. His career-best score was 319.
3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) – 41
Ricky Ponting combined aggression with consistency, playing a crucial role in Australia’s dominance during the late 1990s and 2000s.
From 1995 to 2012, Ponting featured in 168 Tests, amassing 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85. He notched up 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries, with a top score of 257.
2. Jacques Kallis (SA) – 45
In 166 Tests, Kallis scored 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37, hitting 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 51
Sachin Tendulkar dominates nearly every batting record in Test cricket. The “Master Blaster” holds the record for most matches, runs, centuries, and half-centuries in the format.
From 1989 to 2013, Tendulkar played 200 Tests, accumulating 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78. He recorded 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.