Top 10 South Africa batsmen with most centuries (100) in test cricket

Only one South African batsman has hit more than 40 hundreds in test cricket.

A century in test cricket is one of the most important achievements for any batter in their career. Growing up idolizing the game, every young cricketer dreams of the day when he will reach the triple figure mark for his country. A test century takes a lot of dedication, patience and hard work. The longest format of the game at times demands surviving through challenging spells and attacking weaker bowlers. Identifying and seizing opportunity is a hallmark of good test batting.

South African cricket team has been blessed with many batting greats throughout its history. Playing most of their games on hostile bouncy pitches, these legends have etched their name along with some of the best players in history. In this article, we will talk about the elite list of South African batters who have scored the most centuries in test cricket.

List of top 10 South African batsmen with the most centuries in test cricket:

10. Faf Du Plessis – 10

Former South African 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 cricketing world by storm in his first test match against Australia in Adelaide. Scoring 110* in the second innings, Du Plessis helped South Africa pull out a draw from the jaws of defeat. Du Plessis finished his test career with 4163 runs and 10 centuries.

9. Ashwell Prince – 11

Ashwell Prince was a gritty left-hand middle-order batsman for South Africa. Making his debut in 2002 against Australia at Johannesburg, Prince was someone who kept a high price on his wicket. Finishing his career in 2011 against Sri Lanka at Durban, he amassed 3665 runs in his career with the help of 11 centuries.

8. Herschelle Gibbs – 14

Herschelle Gibbs was famous for his flamboyant and aggressive style of play. Remembered all across the cricketing world for his knock of 175 runs chasing down the 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 pulled the curtains on his career in the year 2008 retiring with 6167 runs at an average of 41.95.

7. Dean Elgar – 14

Former Proteas captain Dean Elgar symbolized grit and determination. Not the most elegant batter to watch, Elgar’s playing style revolved around tiring the opposition and taking the shine away from the new ball. Elgar scored 5347 runs in his test career with the help of 14 centuries and 23 half-centuries. Dean retired in January 2024, playing his last test against India at 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 at 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 the most important batters for South Africa during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Kirsten’s strength was to bat long hours. Gary’s best test knock of 275 runs came against England in 1999 where he single-handedly helped South Africa draw the test at Durban. Gary played 101 test matches across his career scoring 7289 runs with 21 centuries.

4. AB de Villiers – 22

Known for his excellent stroke play in the limited overs format, AB de Villiers was just equally good in test cricket as well. Regarded as “Mr. 360” for his flawless stroke-playing capabilities, AB de Villiers also had the temperament to play long innings. In his 114-match test career, AB scored 8765 test runs with the help of 22 hundred and 46 half-centuries. His excellent 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 cricketing legend of South Africa. Opening the innings for Proteas, Smith amassed 27 test hundreds to his name. The classy left-hander renowned for his strong leg side game, scored 9265 runs in his test career with a healthy average of 48.25. Smith retired in 2014 playing his last test against Australia at Cape Town.

2. Hashim Amla – 28

Following his opening partner on the list is Hashim Amla. Amla was one of the most classy players to watch. Master of playing long innings, Amla is also the only South African batsman to score a triple century in test cricket. Amla scored 9282 runs in his test career with help of 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries.

1. Jacques Kallis – 45

At the top of the list is Jacques Kallis, who is regarded by many as the greatest ever all-rounder to play the game. Kallis’ illustrious career spanned over 18 years. With 45 test hundreds to his name, Kallis holds the record for most test hundreds by a South African and second most by anyone globally, just behind Sachin Tendulkar. Kallis scored 13289 runs in test cricket for South Africa averaging 55.4. He also took 292 wickets in test cricket.

(All stats updated till 21st October, 2024)

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