Highest Centuries in Test: Top 25 Players with Most Test Hundreds
The record for the Highest Centuries in Test highlights the greatest batters to ever play the longest format of the game. Fans and analysts often track the most centuries in Test cricket to measure consistency, longevity, and adaptability across eras. From timeless legends to modern greats, the list of players with the highest test centuries showcases pure batting excellence. This guide on the most hundreds in Test cricket is curated using official match statistics and historical records to ensure accuracy and trust.
Test cricket is the ultimate examination of a batter’s technique, temperament, and longevity. Scoring a century in the longest format requires patience, skill, and the ability to adapt across conditions and eras. Over more than 145 years of Test cricket, only a select group of legends have mastered this art consistently.
In this article, we look at the highest test centuries ever scored, featuring the top 25 players with the most centuries in Test cricket history. This comprehensive list includes key batting statistics such as matches, innings, runs, averages, highest scores, and career span — making it one of the most complete resources on the topic of highest centuries in Test cricket.
Highest Test Centuries – Top 25 Players
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Centuries | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Career Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Sachin Tendulkar |
India |
200 |
329 |
51 |
15921 |
248* |
53.78 |
1989–2013 |
2 |
Jacques Kallis |
South Africa |
166 |
280 |
45 |
13289 |
224 |
55.37 |
1995–2013 |
3 |
Ricky Ponting |
Australia |
168 |
287 |
41 |
13378 |
257 |
51.85 |
1995–2012 |
4 |
Joe Root |
England |
160 |
292 |
40 |
13704 |
262 |
51.32 |
2012–2025 |
5 |
Kumar Sangakkara |
Sri Lanka |
134 |
233 |
38 |
12400 |
319 |
57.4 |
2000–2015 |
6 |
Steve Smith |
Australia |
121 |
216 |
36 |
10580 |
239 |
55.97 |
2010–2025 |
7 |
Rahul Dravid |
India |
164 |
286 |
36 |
13288 |
270 |
52.31 |
1996–2012 |
8 |
Younis Khan |
Pakistan |
118 |
213 |
34 |
10099 |
313 |
52.05 |
2000–2017 |
9 |
Sunil Gavaskar |
India |
125 |
214 |
34 |
10122 |
236* |
51.12 |
1971–1987 |
10 |
Brian Lara |
West Indies |
131 |
232 |
34 |
11953 |
400* |
52.88 |
1990–2006 |
11 |
Mahela Jayawardene |
Sri Lanka |
149 |
252 |
34 |
11814 |
374 |
49.84 |
1997–2014 |
12 |
Kane Williamson |
New Zealand |
107 |
190 |
33 |
9390 |
251 |
54.59 |
2010–2025 |
13 |
Alastair Cook |
England |
161 |
291 |
33 |
12472 |
294 |
45.35 |
2006–2018 |
14 |
Steve Waugh |
Australia |
168 |
260 |
32 |
10927 |
200 |
51.06 |
1985–2004 |
15 |
Matthew Hayden |
Australia |
103 |
184 |
30 |
8625 |
380 |
50.73 |
1994–2009 |
16 |
Virat Kohli |
India |
123 |
210 |
30 |
9230 |
254* |
46.85 |
2011–2025 |
17 |
Shivnarine Chanderpaul |
West Indies |
164 |
280 |
30 |
11867 |
203* |
51.37 |
1994–2015 |
18 |
Don Bradman |
Australia |
52 |
80 |
29 |
6996 |
334 |
99.94 |
1928–1948 |
19 |
Michael Clarke |
Australia |
115 |
198 |
28 |
8643 |
329* |
49.1 |
2004–2015 |
20 |
Hashim Amla |
South Africa |
124 |
215 |
28 |
9282 |
311* |
46.64 |
2004–2019 |
21 |
Graeme Smith |
South Africa |
117 |
205 |
27 |
9265 |
277 |
48.25 |
2002–2014 |
22 |
Allan Border |
Australia |
156 |
265 |
27 |
11174 |
205 |
50.56 |
1978–1994 |
23 |
Garfield Sobers |
West Indies |
93 |
160 |
26 |
8032 |
365* |
57.78 |
1954–1974 |
24 |
David Warner |
Australia |
112 |
205 |
26 |
8786 |
335* |
44.59 |
2011–2024 |
25 |
Inzamam-ul-Haq |
Pakistan |
120 |
200 |
25 |
8830 |
329 |
49.6 |
1992–2007 |
This ranking of the highest test centuries is based on official Test match records spanning over a century of international cricket. Each player listed has demonstrated exceptional skill across different pitches, opponents, and playing conditions. Tracking the most hundreds in Test cricket helps fans understand how batting greatness has evolved from the era of uncovered pitches to modern-day fast and spin-friendly surfaces.
Historical Significance of Test Centuries
Achieving a place among players with the most centuries in Test cricket is considered one of the toughest accomplishments in the sport. Test hundreds often come after hours of disciplined batting, making the record of highest centuries in Test cricket a true benchmark of greatness. Legends like Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara are remembered primarily for dominating this elite list.
Active Players with Most Centuries in Test Cricket
Joe Root
England’s Joe Root is one of the leading active batsmen in Test cricket. He has scored 40 centuries in 292 innings with 13,704 runs. Root’s consistency and technique make him a formidable player, and he continues to climb the list of players with the highest centuries in Test cricket.
Steve Smith
Australia’s Steve Smith has 36 Test centuries in 216 innings, amassing 10,580 runs with a stellar average of 55.97. Smith’s unconventional style and incredible consistency make him one of the top active century-makers among players with the most hundreds in Test cricket.
Kane Williamson
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson has 33 centuries in 190 innings, scoring 9,390 runs at an average of 54.59. Williamson is known for his calm demeanor and masterful technique, and he remains a key contender among active players with the highest test centuries.
Players with Most Centuries in Test Cricket
Sachin Tendulkar
India’s Sachin Tendulkar is known as the “God of Cricket,” and for good reason. He is the most accomplished batsman of the century and has many unbreakable cricket records to his name. One such record is of the most centuries in Test cricket. Tendulkar has scored 51 hundreds in his illustrious Test career and is also the highest run scorer in Test cricket. He has made 15,921 runs over 200 matches and 329 innings. Tendulkar’s strike rate of 54.04 and average of 53.78 are also impressive, considering the games he’s played.
Jacques Kallis
South Africa’s Jacques Kallis has the second highest test centuries tally. Kallis has scored 45 centuries in 280 innings with a career run count of 13,289. Kallis is a surprising entry since most fans know him as a bowler. However, Kallis was equally proficient with both the bat and the ball and is regarded as the greatest all-rounder of all time.
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting was instrumental in Australia’s success during the early 21st century. Ponting is considered one of the most successful captains in cricket history and also a brilliant batsman. He scored 41 hundreds in 287 innings with a strike rate of 58.72 and an average of 51.85. Ponting’s strategic playing style and on-field IQ were exceptional, and he’s frequently counted among the best cricketers ever.
Why Test Centuries Matter
Unlike limited-overs cricket, Test centuries often define careers. They are scored against the red ball, over long durations, and in varied conditions — making them the gold standard for batting greatness. Players with the most hundreds in Test cricket are remembered as the true greats of the game.
Cricket historians and former players widely agree that the most centuries in Test cricket carry more weight than limited-overs centuries. Unlike white-ball formats, Test cricket tests technique, mental strength, and adaptability — which is why players with the highest test centuries are often regarded as the greatest batters of all time.
FAQs❓
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Test centuries: 51
Matches: 200
Runs: 15,921
He holds the record for the most centuries in Test cricket history.
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)
100 off 54 balls
Against: Australia
Year: 2016
Fastest century in Test cricket history.
Brian Lara (West Indies)
Score: 400*
Against: England
Year: 2004
Venue: Antigua
This is the highest individual score in Test cricket.
Only ONE player
✔ Brian Lara (400*)
Virat Kohli (India)
Test double centuries: 7
He holds the record for most double centuries as a Test captain.
Test centuries: 40
Matches: ~160
Runs: 13,700+
Joe Root is among players with the most hundreds in Test cricket.
No.
Highest Test score: 99
Shane Warne never scored a Test hundred despite playing 145 Tests.
Yes.
Joe Root has scored multiple Test centuries against Australia, including in Ashes series both home and away.
Steve Smith (Australia)
32 centuries in just 174 innings
Fastest player to reach 32 Test hundreds.