Leading from the front: Four captains with the most International centuries

In any form of cricket, the role of captain is of prime importance. Particularly when a batsman is made captain, it is expected from him to score runs at a consistent rate. Some batsmen flourish immensely with the burden of leadership while some flounder. Here are four captains who managed to lead their Test side while also performing with the bat.

4. Steve Smith – 20

Steve Smith was removed from the captaincy of Australia in 2018. Before that, he had scored 5885 runs in 118 innings at an excellent average of 57.13. This includes 20 centuries and 27 half-centuries. It will be interesting to see if he is given back the captaincy of the team as he is eligible now.

3. Graeme Smith – 33

Former South Africa batsman Graeme Smith is considered among the greatest captains in cricket history. As a captain, he scored 14878 runs at an average of 43.12. He slammed 33 centuries and 77 fifties during this period with a high score of 277. Smith was captain of the South African team from 2003 to 2014. He also holds the record for most wins as a captain in Test cricket.

2. Ricky Ponting – 41

Ricky Ponting is considered among the most successful captains in the history of the game. He won two ODI World Cups as a captain of Australia, and also lifted the Champions Trophy twice. He scored 15440 runs in 376 innings at an average of 45.54. Ponting smashed 41 hundreds and 88 half-centuries as captain with a high score of 209.

1. Virat Kohli – 41

Virat Kohli has been extremely good as a Test captain for India. The team has been ruling the ICC Test ranking charts in the last five to six years under his captaincy. He has scored 12343 runs in 232 innings at an average of 62.33. Virat is at a joint-top spot with 41 centuries to his name. He has also hit 54 fifties in his captaincy career.