Test matches are named thus for a reason, they are an ultimate test of character and temperament. With the advent of T20s, the game of cricket is becoming fast paced and a treat to watch for the audience, but the dream of every cricketer is to score a test match hundred. Here, we look at some of the greats of the game who went on to realize their dream of scoring a test match century and not stopping there, but taking their game to the next level and making it big on the international arena.
Also Read: Tendulkar, Sangakarra, Ponting, Kallis: Players in 10,000-run club in ODI cricket
10. Steve Waugh
Rounding of the top 10 is the former Aussie captain with as many as 32 centuries under his belt in 168 games. He was a vital cog in ensuring the success of his team, both with his intelligent captaincy and excellent outings with the bat.
9. Brian Lara
The former West Indian captain is at the 9th spot with 34 centuries in 131 games with a personal best of 400* which till late happens to be the highest individual score in Test Cricket. Lara ensured that the Windies kept fighting through their tough period after losing the Invincibles tag to the Aussies in the late 80s.
8. Sunil Gavaskar
Next up is a former Indian Captain who was the first to breach the 10,000 run mark. With 34 centuries in as many as 125 games, the original little master, as he is fondly remembered, instilled a winning spirit into the team along with Kapil Dev and from then on there has been no looking back for the Indian team.
7. Mahela Jayawardene
The former Sri Lankan captain has 34 centuries in 148 games with a personal best of 374. Along with Sangakkara, he has been instrumental in the rise on the Lankans as a super power in modern day cricket and features in this list above Lara and Gavaskar by virtue of having a higher average than both. He was recently appointed as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians franchise in the IPL.
6. Younis Khan
The lone Pakistani in the top 10, Younis Khan has done justice to the famous saying "The wine gets better by the day". He is on a dream run of late and with the current run of form, we can surely expect to see him climb the ladder further and finish higher up the rankings. He has 34 centuries in 113 games with a very healthy average.
5. Rahul Dravid
At number five is the ever dependable former Indian captain Rahul Dravid, who also holds the record for the highest number of catches by a non-wicketkeeper. With 36 centuries in as many as 165 games, Jammy was a part of the Fab Four who took Indian cricket to new heights and taught them how to win overseas.
4. Kumar Sangakkara
The other Sri Lankan in the list is Kumar Sangakkara with 38 centuries in 134 games with a personal best of 287 which came in a record breaking stand with Mahela Jayawardene who went on to score 374 in the same game. Apart from this, his keeping exploits has also been revered by many.
3. Ricky Ponting
Arguably, Australia's most successful captain clinching back to back world cups, Ricky Ponting comes in at No. 3 on this list with 41 centuries in 168 games. He was a pillar at the top of the order who was looked upon by his peers and opposition likewise. With his outstanding captaincy, the Aussies scaled heights like never before and were a force to reckon with for a greater part of the first decade of the 21st century.
2. Jacques Kallis
The man who has scored as many runs as Rahul Dravid has and picked up as many wickets as Zaheer Khan, he is indeed a champion cricketer and a fine servant of South African decade for many years. He is someone who is widely respected for his sportsmanship and comes in at No. 2 on this list with 45 centuries in 166 games with a personal best of 224.
There are no guesses for who's first on this list. It's none other than the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar. With a stunning 51 centuries in 200 Test Matches, no batting record list is complete without this man. Having graced the game for a record 23 years, the little man has done it all and was instrumental in taking India to the global stage with his batting prowess. He is revered by one and all and heads this list of heavyweights of the game.
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