Top 10 batters with most centuries in Test cricket

A century in test cricket represents one of the most esteemed accomplishments for any batsman throughout his career, as attaining the three-figure milestone in the longest format of the game requires immense dedication, patience, and effort. However, there are certain cricketers who appear to have developed a consistent habit of scoring centuries in test matches.

Only three batters have achieved the remarkable feat of scoring more than 40 centuries in Test cricket. 

In this article, we will talk about this elite list of batters who have scored the most centuries in Test cricket.

10. Steve Smith (AUS) – 34

Recognized as the preeminent Australian batsman since Don Bradman, Steve Smith ranks as Australia’s second-highest test centurion, having achieved 34 centuries in the longest format of the game.

In 113 matches, the former captain has accumulated 9,949 runs, boasting an average of 56 and 34 centuries. Initially, Smith began his career as a leg-spinner while Australia sought a successor to Shane Warne; however, he has since established himself as the premier Test batter of his era.

9. Brain Lara (WI) – 34

Brian Lara is regarded as one of the finest batsmen in the history of cricket. This left-handed player holds the unique distinction of being the sole batter to surpass the 400-run mark in a single innings of Test cricket.

Lara played in 131 Test matches from 1990 to 2006, scoring a total of 11,953 runs with an impressive average of 52.88. Throughout his Test career, the left-handed batter achieved 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries.

8. Mahela Jayawardene (SL) – 34

Mahela Jayawardene, the former captain of Sri Lanka, served as a pivotal figure for his team in all formats of the game. He is renowned for achieving the fourth-highest individual score in Test cricket, which stands at 374.

Jayawardene played in 149 Test matches for Sri Lanka from 1997 to 2014, accumulating a total of 11,814 runs with an impressive average of 49.84. Throughout his career, he registered 34 centuries and 50 half-centuries.

7. Sunil Gavaskar (IND) – 34

The first cricketer to achieve the milestone of 10,000 Test runs was Sunil Gavaskar. He accomplished this feat while confronting some of the most formidable fast bowlers in history, all without the protection of a proper helmet. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his status as one of the legends of the sport.

Gavaskar played 125 tests between 1971 and 1987 and scored 10122 runs at an average of 51.12. He scored 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries with a best of 236 not out.

6. Joe Root (ENG) – 36

Former England captain Joe Root has established himself as the most reliable batter in Test cricket since 2021. His statistics over the past four years are remarkable, and he is swiftly ascending the ranks of all-time Test run scorers. Root has achieved a minimum of five centuries in three of the last four years.

Root has a remarkable total of 36 centuries and 65 half-centuries, accumulating over 12,500 runs. This achievement has established him as England's all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket, surpassing the previous record held by Alastair Cook. Additionally, he holds the record for the most centuries and half-centuries for England in the format.

5. Rahul Dravid (IND) – 36

Rahul Dravid’s solid technique and defence earned him the nickname “Mr. Wall.” Dravid was a bankable batter in the Indian team for most part of his career.

Dravid played 164 Test matches from 1996 to 2012 and scored 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31, with a highest score of 270. Throughout his Test career, he smashed 36 centuries and 63 half-centuries.

4. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 38

Kumar Sangakkara is widely regarded as the premier all-format batter from Sri Lanka. At times, the left-handed batter was a formidable force in Test cricket, and his remarkable batting average of 57.40 is truly impressive.

He played 134 tests between 2000 and 2015 and scored 12400 runs with a career-best of 319. He recorded 38 centuries, including the second-most double centuries (11), and 52 half-centuries.

3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) – 41

Ricky Ponting exemplified a remarkable blend of reliability and assertiveness. His contributions were instrumental in establishing Australia's supremacy in international cricket throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Ponting played in 168 Test matches from 1995 to 2012, amassing a total of 13,378 runs at an average of 51.85, with a highest score of 257. The ex-captain of the Australian team recorded 41 centuries and 62 half-centuries during his illustrious career.

2. Jacques Kallis (SA) – 45

Jacques Kallis stands out as an exceptional cricketer, renowned for his ability to secure victories through his performances with both bat and ball. His batting average surpasses that of Sachin Tendulkar, while his bowling average is superior to that of Zaheer Khan, underscoring the significance of his legacy.

Over the course of 166 Test matches, he amassed a total of 13,289 runs, achieving an impressive average of 55.37, which includes 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) – 51

Sachin Tendulkar is prominently featured at the pinnacle of numerous batting records. Often regarded as the greatest batter in the history of cricket, he holds the distinction of having the highest number of matches played, runs scored, centuries made, and half-centuries achieved in Test cricket. 

Over the course of his career from 1989 to 2013, Tendulkar played in 200 Test matches, amassing a total of 15,921 runs with an impressive average of 53.78. During this time, he recorded 51 centuries and 68 half-centuries.

Cover Credits - BCCI Official