5 slowest centuries in Test cricket
To score a century in the whites requires a lot of patience and courage for a batter on the crease. Batting successfully in Test cricket needs a combination of good technique, calmness, composure and tolerance. The longest format is known for batters blocking the deliveries and occupying the crease for long hours. To score a century is an achievement but scoring it by facing a lot of balls is also a milestone.
Let’s take a look at the 5 slowest centuries in Test cricket (in terms of balls faced)
5. Hanif Mohammad (448)
Former Pakistan batter Hanif Mohammad scored a century by facing a staggering 448 balls against England in a Test match in January 1962 in Dhaka. Hanif struck centuries in both the innings of the match while opening the batting for his team. The right-handed batter scored 3915 runs in 55 Tests including 12 centuries with an average of 43.98 and the highest score of 337.
4. Allan Watkins (480)
Former England batter Allan Watkins recorded a ton in 480 deliveries against India in November 1951 in Delhi. In the second innings of the first Test match, Watkins scored 137 runs in 540 minutes batting at No. 4. The left-handed batter remained not out as the match ended in a draw. He scored 810 runs in 15 matches in his career with two centuries and an average of 40.50.
3. Jackie McGlew (485)
Former South Africa batter Jackie McGlew registered a ton in 485 deliveries against Australia in January 1958 in Durban. During the third Test of the series, McGlew scored 105 runs off 499 balls in 575 minutes in the second innings. The Test match at Kingsmead ended up in a draw. McGlew amassed 2440 runs in 34 Tests with an average of 42.06. He struck seven tons with the highest score of 255*.
2. Nazar Mohammad (520)
Pakistan batter Nazar Mohammad took his time and scored a century in 520 balls, the second-slowest innings in terms of balls in Test history, against India in October 1952 in Lucknow. During the second Test of the series, the right-hander scored an unbeaten 124 in 515 minutes in the first innings. His ton helped his side in clinching the match by an innings and 43 runs. It was his solitary hundred in his Test career, which lasted for just five matches.
1. Colin Cowdrey (535)
The slowest century in terms of balls came from former England batter Colin Cowdrey. He registered a ton in a massive 535 deliveries against West Indies in 1957 in Birmingham. In the second innings of the first Test, Cowdrey scored 154 off 621 balls in 500 minutes including 16 fours as the Test match got ended in a draw.
