Most Centuries in Test Cricket for South Africa

Test Cricket: South Africa hasn’t won any major ICC tournaments in the game of cricket, but they are still among the top teams in the world. It is due to the level of competitiveness with which they have played, regardless of the circumstances. South Africa has given the world some of the greatest cricketers of all time.

On the other hand, this team already has some modern-day greats. In this article, we will talk about the list of players with the most centuries for South Africa in Test cricket. Notably, a South African batter holds the record for the second-most test centuries in history. So let’s go over the entire list. 

5. Gary Kirsten (21 centuries) in 101 Tests

Former South African skipper and former coach of the Indian team who led them to the 2011 ODI World Cup win, Gary Kirsten, is fifth on this list. The former left hander made his test debut on December 30 against Australia at Melbourne Ground. He played 11 years for his country at the highest level. Kirsten featured in 101 test matches and scored 7289 runs at an average of 45.27, including 21 centuries and 34 half-centuries.

4. AB de Villiers (22 centuries) in 114 Tests

Former South African skipper and one-of-a-kind batter AB de Villiers is fourth on this list. De Villiers was known for playing inventive shots that earned him success in the second half of his career. The right hander made his debut against England in December 2004 and has played 114 Tests for his country. He has scored 8765 runs at an average of 50.66. De Villiers also scored 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries in his test career.

3. Greame Smith (27 centuries) in 116

Former captain, who also holds the record for most games and wins as a captain in Test, Greame Smith is third on the list. The left-hander made his first test appearance in March 2002 against Australia in Cape Town and scored 68 runs in his debut test. He played 117 Tests for South Africa and scored 9265 runs at an average of 48.25, along with 27 centuries and 38 half-centuries. He holds the record for most tests (109) as a captain.

2. Hashim Amla (28 centuries) in 124 Tests

One of the finest all-format batters for South Africa, Hashim Amla, has hit the second most test centuries for the country. Amla was the most consistent batter of the last decade across all three formats. He played his first test in December 2004 against India at Eden Gardens. He established himself as the backbone of South African batting. Amla played 124 tests and scored 9282 runs at an average of 46.64, with 28 centuries and 41 half-centuries in the longest format.

1. Jacques Kallis (45 centuries) in 165 Tests

When it comes to the best all-rounders in the game, Jacques Kallis will undoubtedly be at the top of the list. The former all-rounder was an asset for any team he played for. From opening the batting to opening the bowling, he did everything. Kallis made his test debut in December 1995 against England and played a total of 166 tests. He scored 13289 runs at an average of 55.37, with 45 centuries (the second most in test history) and 58 half-centuries. He also took 292 wickets with the ball.

Most Centuries in Test Cricket for South Africa

Team Wise Most Centuries in Test Cricket