Only one South African batsman has managed more than 40 hundreds in Test cricket.
A century in test cricket is one of the most important achievements for any batsman in their career. Growing up idolizing the game, every young cricketer dreams of the day when he will reach triple figures for his country. Test century requires a lot of dedication, patience and hard work. The longest format of the game sometimes demands survival through challenging spells and attacking weaker bowlers. Identifying and capitalizing on opportunities is the hallmark of a good shot test.
The South African cricket team has been blessed with many great players throughout its history. Playing most of their games on hostile pitches, these legends have etched their names alongside some of the best players in history. In this article, we will discuss the list of elite South African batsmen who have scored the most centuries in test cricket.
List of 10 South African batsmen with most centuries in test cricket:
10. Faf Du Plessis – 10
Former South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis was a key figure in the Proteas middle order for a decade. Making his debut in 2012, Faf Du Plessis took the cricket world by storm in his first test match against Australia in Adelaide. Scoring 110* in the second innings, Du Plessis helped South Africa snatch a draw from the brink of defeat. Du Plessis finished his test career with 4163 runs and 10 centuries.
9. Prince Ashwell – 11
Ashwell Prince is a formidable left-handed middle-order batsman for South Africa. Making his debut in 2002 against Australia in Johannesburg, Prince was someone who placed a high premium on his wicket. Finishing his career in 2011 against Sri Lanka in Durban, he amassed 3665 runs in his career with the help of 11 centuries.
8. Herschelle Gibbs – 14
Herschelle Gibbs is known for his flamboyant and aggressive playing style. Remembered across the cricketing world for his 175-run haul chasing a target of 434 runs in an ODI against Australia, Gibbs was equally influential for the Proteas in red-ball cricket. He scored 14 centuries in his test career, including a brilliant 228 against Pakistan in Cape Town in 2003. Gibbs closed his career in 2008 retiring with 6167 runs at an average of 41.95.
7. Dean Elgar – 14
Former Proteas captain Dean Elgar epitomizes grit and determination. Not the most elegant batsman to watch, Elgar’s playing style revolved around tiring the opposition and taking the shine off the new ball. Elgar scored 5347 runs in his test career with the help of 14 centuries and 23 half-centuries. Dean retires in January 2024, playing his final test against India in Cape Town.
6.Daryll Cullinan – 14
Debuting in 1993, Daryll Cullinan quickly became a mainstay in the Proteas batting lineup. Cullinan scored 14 test centuries in his career, with his career-best score of 275* coming against New Zealand in Auckland. Daryll finished his career with 4554 test runs at an excellent average of 44.21.
5. Gary Kirsten – 21
Gary Kirsten was one of South Africa’s most important batsmen in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Kirsten’s strength is staying put for hours. Gary’s best Test knock of 275 runs came against England in 1999 where he single-handedly helped South Africa to a test in Durban. Gary played 101 test matches throughout his career scoring 7289 runs with 21 centuries.
4. AB de Villiers – 22
Known for his superb stroke play in the limited overs format, AB de Villiers is equally good in test cricket. Considered “Mr. 360” due to his impeccable batting ability, AB de Villiers also has the temperament to play long innings. In his 114 match test career, AB scored 8765 test runs with the help of 22 hundreds and 46 half centuries. His incredible batting average of 50.66 in test cricket is a testament to his glorious career.
3. Graeme Smith – 27
One of the most successful test captains of all time, Graeme Smith is a South African cricket legend. Opening the innings for the Proteas, Smith amassed 27 test hundreds to his name. The classy left-hander known for his powerful side-foot play, scored 9265 runs in his test career at a healthy average of 48.25. Smith retired in 2014 playing his final test against Australia in Cape Town.
2. Hasyim Amla – 28
Following his opening partner on the list is Hashim Amla. Amla is one of the classiest players to watch. An expert at playing long innings, Amla is also the only South African batsman to score three centuries in test cricket. Amla scored 9282 runs in his test career with the help of 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries.
1.Jacques Kallis – 45
At the top of the list is Jacques Kallis, considered by many to be the game’s greatest all-rounder. Kallis’ illustrious career spanned 18 years. With 45 test hundreds, Kallis holds the record for the most test hundreds in South Africa and the second most by anyone globally, just behind Sachin Tendulkar. Kallis scored 13289 runs in test cricket for South Africa at an average of 55.4. He also took 292 wickets in test cricket.
(All statistics updated to October 21, 2024)
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