Test Cricket has always been seen as the ultimate format, as a true test of patience, technique, and mental strength. While T20s and ODIs attract massive crowds with quick entertainment, Tests represent the purest form of the game, where batters need to show unwavering focus and adaptability over five long days, Scoring a hundred in this format is a major milestone, and achieving it consistently over a career is what separates legends from great players.
Recently, England’s Joe Root added another golden chapter to this tradition. On July 11, 2025, during the third Test against India at Lord’s, Root scored his 37th Test century or hundred. With this, he surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith and now sits in fifth place on the all-time list of most hundreds in Test Cricket. This milestone is a testament to Root’s incredible form and dedication throughout his career. While Sachin Tendulkar still holds the record for the most centuries in Test history with 51 hundreds, players like Root continue to chase these legendary numbers. Tendulkar’s record, set between 1989 and 2013, is widely regarded as one of the toughest to break in cricket. South Africa’s Jacques Kallis(45), Australia’s Ricky Ponting (41), and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (38) follow him on the all-time list.
Root’s recent feat in Test shows the evolving nature of Test Cricket. Despite the rise of shorter formats, batters like him prove that Test matches still hold unmatched value and prestige. So let’s take a look at the elite group of players who have scored the most Hundreds in Test cricket and what makes them truly special.
List of top 10 batters with most Hundreds in Test Cricket
| Rank | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
| 1 | SR Tendulkar (IND) | 1989-2013 | 200 | 329 | 33 | 15,921 | 248* | 53.78 | 29,437+ | 54.04 | 51 | 68 | 14 | 2058+ | 69 |
| 2 | JH Kallis (ICC/SA) | 1995-2013 | 166 | 280 | 40 | 13,289 | 224 | 55.37 | 28,903 | 45.97 | 45 | 58 | 16 | 1488 | 97 |
| 3 | RT Ponting (AUS) | 1995-2012 | 168 | 287 | 29 | 13,378 | 257 | 51.85 | 22,782 | 58.72 | 41 | 62 | 17 | 1509 | 73 |
| 4 | KC Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 134 | 233 | 17 | 12,400 | 319 | 57.40 | 22,882 | 54.19 | 38 | 52 | 11 | 1491 | 51 |
| 5 | JE Root (ENG) | 2012-2025 | 156* | 284 | 25 | 13,218 | 262 | 51.03 | 23,008 | 57.44 | 37 | 66 | 13 | 1418 | 45 |
| 6 | SPD Smith (AUS) | 2010-2025 | 118 | 210 | 25 | 10,424 | 239 | 56.34 | 19,438 | 53.62 | 36 | 43 | 11 | 1134 | 62 |
| 7 | R Dravid (ICC/IND) | 1996-2012 | 164 | 286 | 32 | 13,288 | 270 | 52.31 | 31,258 | 42.51 | 36 | 63 | 8 | 1654 | 21 |
| 8 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000-2017 | 118 | 213 | 19 | 10,099 | 313 | 52.05 | 19,375 | 52.12 | 34 | 33 | 19 | 1082 | 70 |
| 9 | SM Gavaskar (IND) | 1971-1987 | 125 | 214 | 16 | 10,122 | 236* | 51.12 | 14,184+ | 43.35 | 34 | 45 | 12 | 908+ | 26 |
| 10 | BC Lara (ICC/WI) | 1990-2006 | 131 | 232 | 6 | 11,953 | 400* | 52.88 | 19,753 | 60.51 | 34 | 48 | 17 | 1559 | 88 |
5 Top Players with Most Hundreds in Test Cricket
Sachin Tendulkar (India)- 51 Hundreds
Sachin Tendulkar, famously known as the “God of Cricket,” is teh undisputed leader when it comes to Test centuries. Over a career spanning 24 years, he scored 51 hundreds in 200 matches and became the first player to cross 15,000 Test runs. Tendulkar’s technique against both pace and spin, combined with his mental strength set him apart from every batter. His centuries came in all conditions and pitches from bouncy Australian racks to turning pitches in India which showcases his versatility and mastery over the game. Many also believe that his record of 51 Test centuries will remain unchallenged for decades.
Read Also:- Most Runs in Test Cricket for India
Jacques Kallis (South Africa)- 45 Hundreds
Kallis is widely considered the greatest all-rounder in cricket history. While he was brilliant with the ball, his batting was equally remarkable. He scored 45 centuries in 166 Tests and averaged over 55, a rare feat among all rounders. Kallis often anchored many of the South African innings and played match-winning knocks under pressure, making him a true match winner player. His calm approach, ability to adjust to different game situations and contribution across all departments make him one of the most complete cricketers ever.
Ricky Ponting (Australia)-41 Hundreds
Rickt Ponting was the backbone of Australia’s batting lineup during their dominant years. In his 168 Tests matches Ponting smashed 41 hundreds and scored runs against every top side. Known for his aggressive stroke play and fierce competitive spirit, he often led from the front and turned games with big innings. His highest score of 257 and several other double hundred highlights his hunger and ability to score big. As captain, Ponting also lifted Australia to new heights, combining leadership with individual record.
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)- 38 Hundreds
One of the most elegant and technically sound batters ever, Kumar Sangakkara scored 38 Test centuries in just 134 matches. He had a remarkable average of over 57, which showed his consistency and dominance. Sangakkara played many memorable innings, including a career-best 319, and was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup for over a decade. His ability to play long innings and stick at the crease made him a delight to watch. Beyond batting, Sangakkara was a brilliant wicketkeeper and a respected leader both on and off the field.
See Also:- Most Test Centuries by Indian Wicket Keepers
Joe Root (England)-37 Hundreds
Joe Root has emerged as one of modern cricket’s greatest Test batters. With 37 hundreds in 156* Tests(as of July 2025), Root has overtaken legends like Steve Smith and Rahul Dravid to claim the fifth spot. He has carried England’s batting through challenging periods and has a reputation for scoring big,match defining innings. His technique against both pace and spin, particularly in tough conditions, sets him apart. Still active, Root has a strong chance of climbing even higher on this list and potentially challenging the top spots in the coming years. His latest century not only strengthened his standing in modern cricket but also wrote his name firmly among the greatest of all time. As he continues his career, fans around the world eagerly watch to see how high he can climb on this list of records for the most hundreds in Test cricket.
RUN OUT! 🙌
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— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2025
