Test cricket is considered the toughest format in the sport. Scoring a century in this format is a big achievement, showing the player’s patience, skill, and mental strength. Over the years, many Most Centuries in Test Cricket have made their mark by consistently scoring hundreds.
This article takes a deep look at the top 10 Most Centuries in Test Cricket in cricket history. We’ll explore their achievements, playing styles, and how they helped shape the game. Each section includes a detailed stats table for better understanding.
List of 10 Batsmen with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket History
10. Brian Lara

Brian Lara, one of the most stylish left-handers in cricket, played for the West Indies from 1990 to 2006. He is famous for his massive scores and elegant stroke play. Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in a Test innings 400 not out Most Centuries in Test Cricket.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 1990–2006 |
Matches | 131 |
Innings | 232 |
Not Outs | 6 |
Runs | 11,953 |
Highest Score | 400* |
Batting Avg | 52.88 |
Balls Faced | 19,753 |
Strike Rate | 60.51 |
100s | 34 |
50s | 48 |
Ducks | 17 |
Fours | 1559 |
Sixes | 88 |
9. Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar was India’s first true Test giant. Playing between 1971 and 1987, he faced some of the world’s fastest bowlers without helmets and still made hundreds look easy. His technique and mental strength set the benchmark for future Indian openers Most Centuries in Test Cricket.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 1971–1987 |
Matches | 125 |
Innings | 214 |
Not Outs | 16 |
Runs | 10,122 |
Highest Score | 236* |
Batting Avg | 51.12 |
Balls Faced | 14,184+ |
Strike Rate | 43.35 |
100s | 34 |
50s | 45 |
Ducks | 12 |
Fours | 908+ |
Sixes | 26 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Highest 10th Wicket Partnerships in Test Cricket History
8. Younis Khan

Younis Khan was one of Pakistan’s most dependable batsmen in the longest format. Known for his strong temperament and ability to score under pressure, he was especially good at playing big innings, including a triple century Most Centuries in Test Cricket.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 2000–2017 |
Matches | 118 |
Innings | 213 |
Not Outs | 19 |
Runs | 10,099 |
Highest Score | 313 |
Batting Avg | 52.05 |
Balls Faced | 19,375 |
Strike Rate | 52.12 |
100s | 34 |
50s | 33 |
Ducks | 19 |
Fours | 1082 |
Sixes | 70 |
7. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid, nicknamed “The Wall”, was known for his rock-solid defense and calm demeanor. He was a master of building innings and often played match-saving or match winning knocks for India Most Centuries in Test Cricket.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 1996–2012 |
Matches | 164 |
Innings | 286 |
Not Outs | 32 |
Runs | 13,288 |
Highest Score | 270 |
Batting Avg | 52.31 |
Balls Faced | 31,258 |
Strike Rate | 42.51 |
100s | 36 |
50s | 63 |
Ducks | 8 |
Fours | 1654 |
Sixes | 21 |
6. Joe Root

Joe Root is one of the Most Centuries in Test Cricket. His elegant style and ability to score all around the ground have made him a run machine for England. Even in tough conditions, Root stands tall with century after century .
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 2012–2025 |
Matches | 154 |
Innings | 281 |
Not Outs | 24 |
Runs | 13,087 |
Highest Score | 262 |
Batting Avg | 50.92 |
Balls Faced | 22,754 |
Strike Rate | 57.51 |
100s | 36 |
50s | 66 |
Ducks | 13 |
Fours | 1405 |
Sixes | 45 |
5. Steve Smith

Steve Smith has rewritten the rules of batting with his unorthodox style and sharp cricket brain. Since 2010, he has been a pillar in Australia’s batting line-up, especially in Ashes battles where he shines the most Most Centuries in Test Cricket.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 2010–2025 |
Matches | 117 |
Innings | 208 |
Not Outs | 25 |
Runs | 10,350 |
Highest Score | 239 |
Batting Avg | 56.55 |
Balls Faced | 19,313 |
Strike Rate | 53.59 |
100s | 36 |
50s | 42 |
Ducks | 11 |
Fours | 1127 |
Sixes | 61 |
4. Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara combined class, timing, and intelligence to become Sri Lanka’s most elegant Test batsman. His ability to adapt and score big runs across conditions made him a global cricketing legend.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 2000–2015 |
Matches | 134 |
Innings | 233 |
Not Outs | 17 |
Runs | 12,400 |
Highest Score | 319 |
Batting Avg | 57.40 |
Balls Faced | 22,882 |
Strike Rate | 54.19 |
100s | 38 |
50s | 52 |
Ducks | 11 |
Fours | 1491 |
Sixes | 51 |
3. Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting led Australia through a golden era and scored tons of runs while doing it. A natural stroke-maker, Ponting often took the attack to the bowlers and scored runs at a brisk pace.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 1995–2012 |
Matches | 168 |
Innings | 287 |
Not Outs | 29 |
Runs | 13,378 |
Highest Score | 257 |
Batting Avg | 51.85 |
Balls Faced | 22,782 |
Strike Rate | 58.72 |
100s | 41 |
50s | 62 |
Ducks | 17 |
Fours | 1509 |
Sixes | 73 |
2. Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis was not just a brilliant batsman but also a top-class all-rounder. His calm presence at the crease and ability to build long innings helped him score hundreds consistently for South Africa.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 1995–2013 |
Matches | 166 |
Innings | 280 |
Not Outs | 40 |
Runs | 13,289 |
Highest Score | 224 |
Batting Avg | 55.37 |
Balls Faced | 28,903 |
Strike Rate | 45.97 |
100s | 45 |
50s | 58 |
Ducks | 16 |
Fours | 1488 |
Sixes | 97 |
READ MORE: Top 5 Best All Rounders in T20I Cricket History
1. Sachin Tendulkar

No one in cricket history has scored more Most Centuries in Test Cricket than Sachin Tendulkar in Test matches. Often called the “Master Blaster,” Sachin played for over two decades and made batting look like an art. His discipline, focus, and passion made him a cricketing icon.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Span | 1989–2013 |
Matches | 200 |
Innings | 329 |
Not Outs | 33 |
Runs | 15,921 |
Highest Score | 248* |
Batting Avg | 53.78 |
Balls Faced | 29,437+ |
Strike Rate | 54.04 |
100s | 51 |
50s | 68 |
Ducks | 14 |
Fours | 2058+ |
Sixes | 69 |
This list shows how special each of these players was in the longest and toughest format of the game. Scoring a hundred in Tests is hard but doing it again and again shows true greatness Most Centuries in Test Cricket.