Top 10 Batsmen with Most Centuries in Test Cricket

Scoring a century in Test cricket is one of the most celebrated achievements for any batter, but only a few players have reached the level of greatness by holding the record for the most centuries in Test cricket. Test cricket, being the longest and most challenging format, requires patience, focus, and skill. Players who consistently score centuries are remembered as legends because they not only perform under pressure but also dominate the strongest bowling attacks.

Only a handful of cricketers have crossed the mark of 40 centuries in Test cricket. This article lists the top 10 batsmen with the most centuries in Test cricket.

List of 10 Batsmen with Most Centuries in Test Cricket

10. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 34 Centuries

Brian Lara is one of cricket’s all-time legends. The left-handed batsman is famous for his elegant strokeplay and ability to dominate the strongest bowling attacks. He holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket with 400 not out.

Lara played 131 Test matches from 1990 to 2006. He scored 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88, registering 34 centuries and 48 half-centuries. His skill and flair made him a constant threat on the field and secured him a place among the players with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
131	11,953	34	48	400*

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9. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 34 Centuries

Mahela Jayawardene was a reliable figure for Sri Lanka. Known for his calm and composed batting, he scored one of the highest individual Test scores of 374.

Jayawardene played 149 Tests between 1997 and 2014. He scored 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84, hitting 34 centuries and 50 fifties. His consistent performances make him one of the greats among players with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
149	11,814	34	50	374

8. Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 34 Centuries

Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s finest batsmen, was the first to reach 10,000 Test runs. Renowned for his impeccable technique and patience, he mastered facing some of the fastest bowlers in history.

Gavaskar played 125 Tests from 1971 to 1987, scoring 10,122 runs at an average of 51.12, with 34 centuries and 45 fifties. His remarkable career places him firmly among those with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
125	10,122	34	45	236*

7. Steve Smith (Australia) – 36 Centuries

Steve Smith is considered the best Australian batsman after Don Bradman. Known for his unorthodox technique, Smith combines concentration and precision to dominate bowling attacks consistently.

In 119 Tests, he scored over 10,400 runs at an average above 56, with 36 centuries. Starting as a leg-spinner, Smith transformed into a world-class batsman, joining the elite list of players with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
119	10,400+	36	–	–

6. Rahul Dravid (India) – 36 Centuries

Rahul Dravid, nicknamed “The Wall,” was known for his solid defense, patience, and consistency. He was the backbone of the Indian batting lineup for years.

Dravid played 164 Tests between 1996 and 2012, scoring 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31. He hit 36 centuries and 63 fifties, with a highest score of 270. His exceptional technique ensures he is counted among cricketers with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
164	13,288	36	63	270

5. Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 38 Centuries

Kumar Sangakkara was a master of elegant, consistent, and aggressive batting. With a career average of 57.40, he dominated Test cricket and became a model of reliability.

Sangakkara played 134 Tests from 2000 to 2015, scoring 12,400 runs with 38 centuries and 52 fifties. His highest score was 319, and he holds the second-most double centuries in history. He ranks among those with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
134	12,400	38	52	319

4. Joe Root (England) – 41 Centuries

Joe Root has been England’s most consistent Test batsman in modern cricket. Known for his skill and temperament, Root has regularly scored big hundreds.

Root has played over 150 Tests, scoring more than 13,900 runs with 41 centuries and 66 fifties. His highest score is 254, making him England’s record-holder and one of the players with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
150+	13,900+	41	66	254

3. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 41 Centuries

Ricky Ponting was an aggressive and consistent batsman, central to Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the late 1990s and 2000s.

Ponting played 168 Tests from 1995 to 2012, scoring 13,378 runs with 41 centuries and 62 fifties. His highest score was 257, making him one of the elite batsmen with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
168	13,378	41	62	257

2. Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 45 Centuries

Jacques Kallis is one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders. His batting was consistent and technically perfect, making him a match-winner for South Africa.

Kallis played 166 Tests, scoring 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37. He recorded 45 centuries and 58 fifties. His combination of batting and bowling skills places him among players with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
166	13,289	45	58	–

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 51 Centuries

Sachin Tendulkar, the “Master Blaster,” holds nearly every major batting record. His dedication, skill, and consistency made him the benchmark for generations.

Tendulkar played 200 Tests from 1989 to 2013, scoring 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78. He hit 51 centuries and 68 fifties, making him the undisputed leader among cricketers with most centuries in Test cricket.

Matches	Runs	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
200	15,921	51	68	248*

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