The Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket are timeless reminders of resilience, patience, and mental strength. Far from the flamboyant cover drives and sixes that dominate modern T20 narratives, these innings embody the grit and concentration required to survive for hours, sometimes days, at the crease. In an era obsessed with pace and innovation, the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket stand tall as monuments to old-school endurance and the purest form of cricketing defiance.
Each of these knocks didn’t just test the opposition’s bowlers; it tested the crowd’s patience, commentators’ voices, and even the scoreboard operators’ stamina. Yet, the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket have etched their place in history for the sheer magnitude of the grind, the context in which they were played, and the tenacity they reflect. Let’s explore the Top 10 Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket, where every run was earned and every ball faced was a lesson in mental strength.
10. John Wright (New Zealand) – 399 Balls vs India, Auckland, 1981
Before becoming one of India’s most successful coaches, John Wright was a stubborn opener for New Zealand. His 399-ball ton against India was a display of controlled aggression and extreme patience. His knock remains one of the most underrated examples of the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket, especially in a home series where expectations were high.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Wright (NZ) | 399 | India | Auckland | 1981 |
9. Asanka Gurusinha (Sri Lanka) – 405 Balls vs Zimbabwe, Harare, 1994
One of the more recent entries on this list, Asanka Gurusinha, batted for 405 balls to bring up his hundred against Zimbabwe. On a docile Harare pitch, Gurusinha’s innings was less about domination and more about wearing down the bowlers. In an era transitioning towards faster scoring, this stood out as one of the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket of the modern era.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asanka Gurusinha (SL) | 405 | Zimbabwe | Harare | 1994 |
8. Hanif Mohammad (Pakistan) – 410 Balls vs England, Dacca, 1962
Making a second appearance, Hanif’s earlier effort in the same Test at Dacca saw him face 410 balls. His twin centuries in the match underline just how dominant and composed he was against England. This innings doubled down on his status as the flag-bearer of Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanif Mohammad (PAK) | 410 | England | Dacca | 1962 |
7. Mudassar Nazar (Pakistan) – 419 Balls vs England, Lahore, 1977
Mudassar Nazar, known for his composed temperament, ground out a century from 419 deliveries in Lahore. His innings frustrated the English bowlers endlessly and contributed to a drawn match. This was classic Test cricket, slow, methodical, and effective and rightly finds a place among the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mudassar Nazar (PAK) | 419 | England | Lahore | 1977 |
6. Peter Richardson (England) – 440 Balls vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 1956
Richardson’s monumental innings against South Africa came in difficult batting conditions. Facing 440 balls, he didn’t let the Proteas’ bowlers dominate at any stage, effectively nullifying their home advantage. This innings exemplified the kind of slow burn that makes Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket a niche but revered feat.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Richardson (ENG) | 440 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 1956 |
5. Hanif Mohammad (Pakistan) – 448 Balls vs England, Dacca, 1962
Known as “The Little Master” before the title was made famous by Tendulkar, Hanif Mohammad’s second century in Dacca (then East Pakistan) was another demonstration of his technical prowess. Facing 448 balls, Hanif’s innings helped Pakistan draw the Test. This was one of two entries by Hanif on this list, proving his mastery in compiling some of the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanif Mohammad (PAK) | 448 | England | Dacca | 1962 |
4. Albert Watkins (England) – 480 Balls vs India, Delhi, 1951
Though not a widely celebrated name, Albert Watkins holds a unique spot in Test history. His century against India, consuming 480 balls, was one of immense patience. It came at a time when batting conditions in India were challenging, with low bounce and slow turners making scoring arduous. This was one of the earliest examples of the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Watkins (ENG) | 480 | India | Delhi | 1951 |
3. Derrick McGlew (South Africa) – 485 Balls vs Australia, Durban, 1958
Derrick McGlew’s century against Australia was a patient, painstaking vigil that lasted 485 deliveries. Facing one of the most disciplined bowling attacks of the time, McGlew anchored the innings when his team needed stability the most. His innings wasn’t just about scoring, it was about survival and building a platform for others to capitalise on.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick McGlew (SA) | 485 | Australia | Durban | 1958 |
2. Nazar Mohammad (Pakistan) – 520 Balls vs India, Lucknow, 1952
The first Pakistani to score a Test century, Nazar Mohammad, batted for 520 balls and carried his bat through the innings. In only Pakistan’s second Test, this historic knock wasn’t just one of the Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket, but a statement of their arrival on the global stage. Nazar’s century ensured Pakistan’s first-ever Test win and showcased the brand of disciplined cricket that would become their hallmark.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazar Mohammad (PAK) | 520 | India | Lucknow | 1952 |
1. Michael Cowdrey (England) – 535 Balls vs West Indies, Birmingham, 1957
Michael Cowdrey’s century in the 1957 Ashes series was a masterclass in defensive batting. Against a fiery West Indian bowling attack, Cowdrey took a marathon 535 balls to notch up his hundred. It wasn’t flashy or aggressive, but it was gritty, determined, and match-saving. Cowdrey’s innings came at a time when England were rebuilding. This remains the slowest century in Test cricket in terms of balls faced.
| Player | Balls Faced | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Cowdrey (ENG) | 535 | West Indies | Birmingham | 1957 |
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