Top 10 South Africa batters with most centuries in Test cricket

One of the most significant milestones in a batter's career in test cricket is reaching a century. Growing up idolizing the game, every young cricket player dreams of the day when they will achieve the triple figure mark for their nation. A test century needs a lot of commitment, perseverance, and hard work. The game's longest format sometimes demands attacking weaker bowlers and enduring through difficult spells. Identifying and seizing opportunity is a hallmark of good test batting.

Throughout its history, the South African cricket team has been fortunate to have a number of outstanding batters. Along with some of the greatest players in history, these legends have made their mark by playing the majority of their games on hostile, bouncy fields.

In this article, let’s discuss the elite group of South African batters who have amassed the most hundreds in Test cricket

10. Faf Du Plessis – 10

Former South African captain Faf Du Plessis was a key member in the Proteas middle order for a decade. Faf Du Plessis made his cricketing debut in 2012 and stunned everyone with his first test match against Australia in Adelaide. Du Plessis helped South Africa escape defeat with a draw after scoring 110* in the second innings. He finished his Test career with 4163 runs and 10 centuries.

9. Ashwell Prince – 11

Ashwell Prince was a tough left-hand middle-order batsman for South Africa. Prince kept a high price on his wicket when he made his debut in 2002 against Australia in Johannesburg. He finished his career in 2011 against Sri Lanka in Durban, having scored 3665 runs with 11 hundreds.

8. Herschelle Gibbs – 14

Herschelle Gibbs was well-known for his flamboyant and combative play. Known throughout the cricket community for his 175-run knock in an ODI match against Australia, where he chased down a 434-run target, Gibbs had an equally significant impact for the Proteas in red-ball cricket. During his test career, he accumulated 14 hundreds, including an incredible 228 against Pakistan in Cape Town in 2003. In 2008, Gibbs concluded his career with 6167 runs at an average of 41.95.

7. Dean Elgar – 14

Former Proteas captain Dean Elgar symbolized grit and determination. Elgar's style of play was centered on wearing down the opposition and detracting from the new ball's shine, making him not the most graceful batter to watch. Throughout his test career, Elgar amassed 5347 runs with the help of 14 hundreds and 23 half-centuries. After playing his final test match against India in Cape Town in January 2024, Dean announced his retirement.

6. Daryll Cullinan – 14

Daryll Cullinan made his debut in 1993 and soon established himself as a regular in the Proteas batting order. During his career, Cullinan scored 14 test hundreds, with his highest score of 275* against New Zealand at Auckland. Daryll concluded his career with 4554 test runs at a stellar average of 44.21. 

5. Gary Kirsten – 21

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Gary Kirsten was one of South Africa's most crucial hitters. Kirsten’s strength was to bat long hours. Gary's greatest test score of 275 runs came in 1999 when he helped South Africa draw the test at Durban by himself against England. During his career, Gary played in 101 Test matches, amassing 7289 runs and 21 centuries.

4. AB de Villiers – 22

AB de Villiers, who was well-known for his superb stroke play in the limited overs format, was equally skilled in test cricket. AB de Villiers, who was regarded as "Mr. 360" for his perfect stroke play, also had the temperament to play for extended periods of time. With 22 hundred and 46 half-centuries, AB accumulated 8765 test runs during his 114-match test career. His stellar career in test cricket is evidenced by his outstanding batting average of 50.66.

3. Graeme Smith – 27

An iconic figure in South African cricket, Graeme Smith is one of the greatest test captains in history. Smith scored 27 test hundreds while opening the innings for Proteas. Throughout his test career, the elegant left-hander, known for his powerful leg-side game, managed to amass 9265 runs at a respectable average of 48.25. Smith retired in 2014 playing his last test against Australia at Cape Town.

2. Hashim Amla – 28

Following his opening partner on the list is Hashim Amla. Amla was among the most elegant players to watch. Amla is the only batter from South Africa to reach a triple century in test cricket and is a master of long innings. Amla scored 9282 runs in the longest format with the help of 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries.

1. Jacques Kallis – 45

Jacques Kallis is at the top of the list and is considered by many to be the best all-round player in history. Kallis had a distinguished career that lasted more than eighteen years. Kallis has 45 test centuries, which is the most by a South African and the second most by anyone worldwide, only surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar. Kallis scored 13289 runs in the longest format of the game for South Africa averaging 55.4. In test cricket, he also claimed 292 wickets.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports