Test cricket is one of the game’s first and purest formats. Players always choose test cricket over ODIs or T20S because test cricket tests patience, endurance, and mental strength; it generates more hunger and makes them give their hundred percent on the field.
Scoring a century in test cricket is never easy, and doing it multiple times is harder. Only a few players have mastered the art of scoring tons of runs, and one of them is Sachin Tendulkar, the god of cricket, who has scored the most centuries in test cricket.
In this article, we will see the most centuries in test cricket.
A test century is not just about scoring runs; it’s about survival to the end and fighting for your team in tough situations. Batter faced a pace bowling attack with sharp spin on different pitches. You need discipline and sharp judgment to score a test century. One mistake can ruin all the hard work. Test cricket carries more respect than other formats. That is why test centuries are special.
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most centuries in test cricket. He scored 51 centuries in his long and legendary career. And this record remains untouched till now. Sachin played his first match in 1989 against Pakistan. He was only 17 years old when he hit his first century in the 9th test match against England. He is the only player who played 200 test matches; no other player played that many matches. Sachin Tendulkar has scored centuries all over the world, in different countries, on different pitches, and against different bowlers; he conquered everything in his master blaster career.
Only a few people have crossed the 30 test centuries milestone. These players are built differently. Some players dominate fast bowling, some players dominate spin bowling, some are aggressive, some are quiet, but they are all the same with the bat, in one word absolute beast.
# | Players | Matches | Centuries |
1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 200 | 51 |
2 | Jack Kallis (SA) | 166 | 45 |
3 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 168 | 41 |
4 | Joe Root (ENG) | 163 | 41 |
5 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 134 | 38 |
6 | Steve Smith (AUS) | 123 | 37 |
7 | Rahul Dravid (IND) | 164 | 36 |
8 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 118 | 34 |
9 | Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | 125 | 34 |
10 | Brian Lara (WI) | 131 | 34 |
Early generations have played the least number of matches per year because of the unorganised infrastructure. Despite this, they still give us match-winning centuries. Modern players have many opportunities, but also get a pretty heavy workload because of the other formats. Batters from the 90s to 2000s played good test cricket and created many memorable moments. That era has all the elements to make test cricket hard, big boundaries, lethal bowling attack and packed stadium, but players like Sachin, Ponting, kallis always find a way to score a century and help their team.
Every major cricketing nation has produced many great players. Some countries heavily focus on test cricket. Some of them are England, Australia and India, and they give us many great players. Their domestic cricket is very active and produced many young talents. Here are the most tested centuries by country.
Not all players are equal. Some are slow in their early phase of cricketing careers. Only a few players reach milestones quicker, scoring big and having the confidence to dominate further. Let’s have a look at the fastest 10 and 20 centuries in test cricket.
# | Player | Centuries | Matches |
1 | Don Bradman (AUS) | 10 | 23 |
2 | George Headley (WI) | 10 | 32 |
3 | Arthur Morris (AUS) | 10 | 36 |
4 | Denis Compton (ENG) | 10 | 40 |
5 | Neil Harvey (AUS) | 10 | 40 |
# | Player | Centuries | Matches |
1 | Don Bradman (AUS) | 20 | 55 |
2 | Sunil Gavaskar (IND) | 20 | 93 |
3 | Matthew Hayden (AUS) | 20 | 95 |
4 | Steven Smith (AUS) | 20 | 99 |
5 | Virat Kohli (IND) | 20 | 105 |
It looks like breaking Sachin’s 51 centuries record is next to impossible, but we have 2 active players root and smith who could break the record in future. In recent times, Joe Root hasbeen in tremendous form, and he has already scored 41 centuries in 163 test matches. If he manages to play 30 or 40 matches and his form lasts till the end. We will see a new record holder who has the title of most centuries in test cricket. Now we have Steve Smith, who is a pure classic test batsman. He never had an off-form other than his 2-year ban from cricket. Smith has scored 37 centuries in 123 matches and keeps scoring runs. If he plays more matches before his retirement, he can also break the most centuries.
Some test centuries are not just centuries; those are like a print on the wall that never fades. We have witnessed many of those over the years and will remember them forever. Let’s talk about the greatest test centuries ever played in test history.
Ben Stokes: In 2019, ben stokes unleash a masterclass at Headingley against Australia. hitting 135 runs in a very tough situation with 9 wicket fall and winning the match for England. Many cricket fans say that was the greatest knock ever played in test cricket history.
Aiden Markram: in world test championship 2025 final, Aiden Markram hit a crucial century (136 runs) against Australia, in the second innings while chasing a very good total. helping South Africa to win the WTC trophy, and that is why it makes the inning very special.
Having the record of Most centuries in test cricket is true greatness. Only a few players achieve this kind of consistency and longevity. Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top till now with 51 centuries. Records may fall, but this one is the greatest, and that is why test cricket still matters. What do you think? Can anyone break this record? Let me know in the comments section. Thank you. (:
I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!