When the ICC introduced the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2019, it wasn’t just about adding structure to the format—it was about reviving the soul of Test cricket. In an age dominated by T20 leagues and ODI spectacles, the WTC brought back the glory days where skill, stamina, and strategy reigned supreme over four to five intense days of cricket.
This new era didn’t just test players physically—it challenged their mental strength, consistency, and ability to deliver under pressure. Every match counted. Every run mattered. Every century has become a symbol of domination, patience, and resilience. In this high-stakes arena, a handful of players rose above the rest, turning pressure into performance and innings into history. Their centuries weren’t just milestones—they were match-defining masterclasses. These batsmen didn’t just score runs; they crafted legacies in whites, one century at a time.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 players who have scored the most centuries in WTC history—legends who stood tall in the toughest format, on the grandest stage.
5. Rohit Sharma (India) – 9 Centuries
Total WTC Matches: 40
Runs: 2,716
Average: 41.15
Highest Score: 212
Rohit Sharma’s journey in Test cricket has been one of reinvention. Once considered a white-ball specialist, Rohit embraced the longest format as an opener in 2019, and the transformation has been remarkable. In World Test Championship matches, he has scored 9 centuries and has become India’s most reliable batter at the top of the order.
Rohit combines elegance with controlled aggression. His ability to dominate spin, especially on subcontinental tracks, makes him lethal. He blends defensive technique with his trademark pull shots and straight drives. As captain, Rohit has led by example, especially in India’s home dominance and their journey to the 2023 championship Final. His role as an opener has added immense value to the team, providing stability and launching pads in key matches.
4. Marnus Labuschagne (Australia) – 11 Centuries
Total WTC Matches: 52
Runs: 4,186
Average: 48.67
Highest Score: 215
Marnus Labuschagne burst onto the Test scene during the 2019 Ashes and has since become a cornerstone of Australia’s batting unit. With 11 championship centuries already, he’s cemented his place as one of the most consistent No. 3s in world cricket. His style is built on grit, long concentration spans, and an appetite for big runs.
Marnus is a volume scorer—once he gets in, he usually goes big. His 215 against New Zealand and 185 against Pakistan were masterclasses in focus and tempo control. He’s known for his rapid reflexes, smart shot selection, and ability to adapt to different surfaces quickly. In the championship context, Labuschagne’s reliability has been crucial, especially when batting first or building a lead. He’s also shown success in home conditions and is steadily improving abroad.
3. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 11 Centuries
Total WTC Matches: 28
Runs: 2,822
Average: 61.34
Highest Score: 251
Kane Williamson is the epitome of grace, patience, and leadership in modern Test cricket. With just 28 championship matches under his belt, Williamson has already smashed 11 centuries, showcasing an incredible conversion rate and consistency. His average of 61.34 is the highest among players with 1,500+ WTC runs.
Williamson’s technique is textbook perfect—compact defence, elegant cover drives, and late cuts. But what sets him apart is his composure under pressure. His double century (251) against the West Indies and gritty 200 against Bangladesh are prime examples of building an innings with composure. He also led New Zealand to the inaugural World Test Championship Final win in 2021, scoring a crucial unbeaten 52 in the second innings at Southampton to seal the title.
2. Steve Smith (Australia) – 13 Centuries
Total WTC Matches: 52
Runs: 4,072
Average: 50.90
Highest Score: 211
Steve Smith is perhaps the most unconventional yet effective Test batsman of this generation. With 13 centuries in the World Test Championship, Smith has repeatedly shown that technique is secondary when determination, judgment, and mental clarity are on point. His quirky style—shuffling across the stumps, exaggerated leaves, and sudden bursts of aggression—makes him incredibly hard to bowl to.
Smith has produced some monumental performances, including a double century (211) against England and several game-changing centuries in the Ashes. His ability to read bowlers early and control the tempo of an innings makes him a dangerous prospect, especially in high-pressure matches. His centuries aren’t just about run-making; they’re about psychological warfare. In the championship setup, where every match carries weight, Smith’s ability to deliver when it matters most has been a game-changer.
1. Joe Root (England) – 18 Centuries
Total WTC Matches: 64
Runs: 5,543
Average: 51.80
Highest Score: 262
Joe Root stands tall as the leading century-maker in World Test Championship history. His 18 centuries are a testament not just to his consistency but to his hunger to carry England’s batting lineup on his shoulders through some turbulent years. As England’s former captain, Root was often the lone warrior in a fragile middle order, especially during away tours to India, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
Root’s batting is built around classical technique—tight defence, graceful drives, and immense patience. He plays spin with supreme confidence and has developed strokes on both sides of the wicket to counter reverse swing and turn. What makes Root exceptional in the WTC era is not just the number of centuries, but the quality and timing of them. He has frequently stepped up when his team was struggling, making his contributions even more valuable.
Summary Table:
| Player | Centuries | WTC Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | 18 | 64 | 5,543 | 51.80 | 262 |
| Steve Smith | 13 | 52 | 4,072 | 50.90 | 211 |
| Kane Williamson | 11 | 28 | 2,822 | 61.34 | 251 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 11 | 52 | 4,186 | 48.67 | 215 |
| Rohit Sharma | 9 | 40 | 2,716 | 41.15 | 212 |
Conclusion
Test cricket is the toughest format in the sport. It’s slow-burning, gruelling, and demands the absolute best from a cricketer. In the context of the championship, every game carries weight, and every century feels like a triumph against time, fatigue, and world-class bowling. The players on this list—Joe Root, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Kane Williamson, and Rohit Sharma—have done more than just rack up big numbers. They’ve shown the world that Test cricket is still alive, exciting, and deeply rewarding. Their centuries have not only shaped games but also revived fan interest in the longest format.
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