Test cricket is considered the purest format of the game because it is played over a longer period of time, more than any other format. A Test match is played for up to five days. Since the match is already long, we can expect plenty of drama, spice, excitement and thrill factor.
When the game stretches to the fifth and the final day, there would be plenty of drama that would keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Case in point, scoring runs in this format is quite a challenge against quality bowlers. However, some batters passed the ultimate test and gave the bowlers a run for their money.
In this article, let’s learn about the names of three players who took the least innings to score 32 Test centuries.
1. Steve Smith
Steve Smith has been making waves in Test cricket for a long time now. He is the best Test batter among the active players and his performances serve as a testament to this fact. Australia’s current best batsman comes first on the list as he took the least innings to score 32 Test centuries.
Smith achieved the feat in just 174 innings. Nicknamed “Smudge”, Steve Smith scored 9079 runs in 99 Tests at a fabulous batting average of 59.73. On the other hand, he slammed four double centuries, 32 centuries and 37 half-centuries respectively.
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2. Ricky Ponting
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting comes second on the list as he is the second fastest to score 32 centuries in the purest format of the game. Australia’s batting great took 176 innings to achieve the feat in his elite career.
Overall, he scored 13,378 runs in 168 Tests at a superb batting average of 51.9. Notably, he slammed 41 centuries, six double centuries and 62 half-centuries in his stellar Test career.
3. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time and his statistics in both Tests and ODIs serve as a testament to this fact. He is the leading run-scorer in the history of One-Day Internationals and Tests.
The Master Blaster is the third-fastest batter to reach 32 centuries in Tests. Overall, he aggregated 15,921 runs in 200 Tests at a scintillating batting average of 53.8 including six double centuries, 51 centuries and 48 fifties.
