Most Test centuries in first innings
Steve Smith smashed his 32nd Test ton during the second Test of the Ashes 2023, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. In the process, the batter got his name associated with multiple records in the longest format. One of them is getting the most number of centuries in the first innings of a Test match, therefore, on that note, we take a look at the top three most first innings Test tons-
3. Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar | 20
The former South African batter Jacques Kallis takes the third spot along with the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for the most centuries in Tests in the first innings. Kallis registered 20 first innings Test tons in 80 appearances at an average of 56.80. On the other hand, Sachin got as many centuries, having played 91 matches in the first innings.
2. Ricky Ponting | 21
The Aussie great was known for his terrific batting exploits and he garnered massive runs during his stint with the national team. Ricky Ponting played 92 matches in the first innings and with this, he notched up as many as 21 centuries. The former Aussie skipper maintained an average of 61.39, having collected 5403 runs, with his best of 242 runs.
1. Steve Smith | 22
Steve Smith eclipsed Ponting’s record in the second Test of the Ashes 2023 when he scored a delicate 110 off 184 balls in the first innings of the contest. In the process, Smith registered his 22nd first innings ton in Tests, becoming the batter with the most centuries in the first innings. The flamboyant batter also has the joint-most centuries for Australia in the format with 32 under his belt along with Ponting. While Ponting got it in 176 innings, Smith scored it in just 174 innings, becoming the quickest to attain the feat.
