Most Triple Centuries In Test Cricket
Test cricket is the toughest form of cricket and runs do not come easily. Batsmen need to be able to rotate the strike, defend deliveries patiently, and capitalize on scoring opportunities judiciously.
The pressure of batting for long periods, facing world-class bowlers, and the weight of expectation can be immense.
Batsmen need exceptional mental strength to overcome setbacks, resist bowling spells designed to frustrate them and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Considering these challenges, it is no surprise that only 27 batsmen have made triple centuries in test cricket as of 05-12-2023.
The record for the most triple centuries in Test cricket is held by Don Bradman, Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, and Brian Lara. They all have made two triple centuries each.
Triple Centuries In Test Cricket | Top 10 Batsmen
Here is a detailed overview of the top 10 batsmen who have scored triple centuries in test cricket:
10. Bob Simpson (Australia) – Triple Centuries: 1
Bob Simpson played 62 test matches for Australia from 1957 to 1978. Simpson was a rock at the top of the order, providing stability and scoring crucial runs.
He amassed over 4,000 Test runs, including 12 centuries and 28 fifties. He made his highest score in test cricket 311 against England in 1974, an innings that showcased his immense talent and temperament.
Bob Simpson’s contribution to Australian cricket is undeniable. He was a champion batsman, a successful captain, and a respected figure who embodied the spirit of the game.
9. Hanif Mohammad (Pakistan) – Triple Centuries: 1
Hanif Mohammad played 55 test matches for Pakistan between 1952 and 1969. Despite playing in an era when Pakistan had limited Test opportunities, Hanif carved a niche as one of the world’s best batsmen.
His elegant technique and phenomenal concentration allowed him to bat for hours, accumulating big scores and frustrating bowlers.
He was the first Pakistani batsman to score a triple hundred, scoring 337 against West Indies in 1958.
This innings not only etched his name in history but also served as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of Pakistani cricketers.
8. Lawrence Rowe (West Indies) – Triple Centuries: 1
Lawrence Rowe represented the West Indies from 1972 to 1980. In his first 12 Tests, Rowe amassed over 1100 runs at a staggering average of 70.00, including five centuries. This included a monumental triple century against England in 1974.
Rowe was an important part of the all-conquering West Indies team of the 1970s. His contributions were significant, particularly during his early years, and he formed a formidable opening partnership with Gordon Greenidge.
He inspired a generation of young left-handed batsmen and served as a reminder of the importance of technique and temperament.
7. Bob Cowper (Australia) – Triple Centuries: 1
Bob Cowper played 27 tests for Australia between 1964 and 1968. Cowper was renowned for his classical batting style.
Unlike the more aggressive players of his era, he favored timing and precision over brute force.
He possessed a watertight defense, making him a nightmare for bowlers to dislodge. His patience and concentration allowed him to bat for long durations, wearing down attacks and building crucial partnerships. He played a mammoth innings of 307 runs against India in 1968.
6. Andy Sandham (England) – Triple Centuries: 1
Andy Sandham represented England between 1921 and 1930. Sandham was known for his elegant and technically sound batting style.
His strokeplay was a delight to watch, with precise timing and a repertoire of classical shots, particularly his cover drives and cuts. He was a purist’s batsman, prioritizing timing and placement over brute force.
He made 325 runs against Australia in 1921, making him the first Englishman to achieve this feat. Though Sandham only played 14 Tests, his impact on English cricket and the wider cricketing world was significant.
5. Karun Nair (India) – Triple Centuries: 1
Karun Nair has a unique story. While his international career spanned a brief period from 2016 to 2017, his achievements and potential deserve recognition.
In 2016, at the age of 24, Nair played an outstanding knock of 303 runs against England in Chennai.
This was only the third triple century by an Indian batsman in Test cricket and showcased his immense talent and temperament.
4. Brian Lara (West Indies) – Triple Centuries: 2
The legendary Brian Lara played 131 test matches for West Indies from 1990 to 2006.
Lara’s batting was a visual masterpiece.
His elegant strokeplay, characterized by impeccable timing and audacious innovation, left audiences spellbound.
From his flicks off his pads to his imperious cover drives, every shot was a brushstroke on the canvas of the cricket field.
Lara made his first triple century against England in 1994. Lare scored 375 runs and it was the highest individual score in Test cricket.
In another monumental performance against England on April 10, 2004. Lara rewrote history by becoming the first and only batsman to score 400 runs in a Test innings.
The 400* remains the highest individual score in Test cricket, a record that stands as a testament to Lara’s cricketing genius.
3. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – Triple Centuries: 2
The ‘Universe Boss,’ Chris Gayle, brought his explosive batting to Test cricket. In 103 matches spanning from 2000 to 2014, Gayle recorded two triple centuries.
Chris Gayle made his maiden triple century against South Africa in 2005. He scored 317 runs.
This was Gayle’s maiden triple century and announced him as a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. It remains the highest individual score by a West Indian opener in Tests.
His second triple century came against Sri Lanka in 2010. Gayle played an outstanding knock of 333 runs.
his innings cemented Gayle’s legacy as a true batting great. It remains the fourth-highest individual score by a West Indian in Tests and showcased his ability to adapt and excel in different conditions.
2. Virender Sehwag (India) – Triple Centuries: 2
Virender Sehwag was known for his aggressive batting style. He left an indelible mark in Test cricket. Between 2001 and 2013, Sehwag played 104 test matches for India.
His fearless approach and ability to dominate bowling attacks made him a formidable batsman. Sehwan scored two triple centuries in his test career.
Sehwag’s first triple century came against Pakistan in 2004. He scored 309 runs. He attacked the Pakistani bowlers from the get-go, scoring his first 100 in just 79 balls, the fastest by an Indian in Tests at the time.
Sehwag made his second triple century against South Africa in 2008. He made 319 runs. This innings showcased Sehwag’s ability to adapt and excel in difficult situations.
It remains the highest individual score by an Indian batsman in a chase and cemented his reputation as one of the most feared openers in the world.
1. Don Bradman (Australia) – Triple Centuries: 2
Don Bradman played 52 tests for Australia from 1928 to 1948. In 80 innings, he notched up two triple centuries.
His first triple century came against England in 1930. He played a remarkable knock of 334 runs, setting a new world record for the highest individual score in Test cricket at that time.Â
It also remains the highest individual score by a batsman in an Ashes series and showcased his ability to perform under immense pressure against a strong bowling attack.
Bradman played another extraordinary innings, scoring 304 runs against England in 1938. This innings not only highlighted his technical brilliance but also his ability to adapt to different conditions.
List of All the Batsmen Who Socred Triple Centuries In Test Cricket
| Sr. No. | Player | Span | Mat | Inns | 300s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don Bradman (AUS) | 1928-1948 | 52 | 80 | 2 |
| 2 | Virender Sehwag (IND) | 2001-2013 | 104 | 180 | 2 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle (WI) | 2000-2014 | 103 | 182 | 2 |
| 4 | Brian Lara (WI) | 1990-2006 | 131 | 232 | 2 |
| 5 | Karun Nair (IND) | 2016-2017 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| 6 | Andy Sandham (ENG) | 1921-1930 | 14 | 23 | 1 |
| 7 | Bob Cowper (AUS) | 1964-1968 | 27 | 46 | 1 |
| 8 | Lawrence Rowe (WI) | 1972-1980 | 30 | 49 | 1 |
| 9 | Hanif Mohammad (PAK) | 1952-1969 | 55 | 97 | 1 |
| 10 | Bob Simpson (AUS) | 1957-1978 | 62 | 111 | 1 |
| 11 | JH Edrich (ENG) | 1963-1976 | 77 | 127 | 1 |
| 12 | L Hutton (ENG) | 1937-1955 | 79 | 138 | 1 |
| 13 | WR Hammond (ENG) | 1927-1947 | 85 | 140 | 1 |
| 14 | GS Sobers (WI) | 1954-1974 | 93 | 160 | 1 |
| 15 | BB McCullum (NZ) | 2004-2016 | 101 | 176 | 1 |
| 16 | Azhar Ali (PAK) | 2010-2022 | 97 | 180 | 1 |
| 17 | ML Hayden (AUS) | 1994-2009 | 103 | 184 | 1 |
| 18 | MA Taylor (AUS) | 1989-1999 | 104 | 186 | 1 |
| 19 | ST Jayasuriya (SL) | 1991-2007 | 110 | 188 | 1 |
| 20 | MJ Clarke (AUS) | 2004-2015 | 115 | 198 | 1 |
| 21 | Inzamam-ul-Haq (PAK) | 1992-2007 | 120 | 200 | 1 |
| 22 | DA Warner (AUS) | 2011-2024 | 112 | 205 | 1 |
| 23 | Younis Khan (PAK) | 2000-2017 | 118 | 213 | 1 |
| 24 | HM Amla (SA) | 2004-2019 | 124 | 215 | 1 |
| 25 | GA Gooch (ENG) | 1975-1995 | 118 | 215 | 1 |
| 26 | KC Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 134 | 233 | 1 |
| 27 | DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 1997-2014 | 149 | 252 | 1 |
Data Source: ESPN Cricinfo
In conclusion, scoring a triple century in Test cricket is a rare feat, and only a few players have achieved it. Don Bradman, Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, and Brian Lara are some of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, and their records speak for themselves.
