4 instances of brothers scoring centuries in the same Test innings

There cannot be a rarer moment in cricket than that of brothers scoring centuries in the same Test or ODI innings. It has thus far occurred on four occasions, with all four pairs being Australians.

What started in 1972 has continued till 2017, and Sportskeeda looks back on instances when brothers made their nation proud on the cricket field by excelling on the field together.

#4 Shaun and Mitchell Marsh against England, Sydney 2017

Shaun Marsh 156 (291), Mitchell Marsh 101 (141)

The Ashes of 2017-18 will remain special for Australia not only for clinching the series 4-0 but also for witnessing a third pair of brothers from the land to achieve the unique feat of scoring Test centuries in the same innings. After the hosts were 3-0 up with one Test to play, Shaun and Mitchell Marsh made their family and country proud by notching up a hundred each in the inconsequential Sydney Test.

First, it was the turn of the elder Marsh, 34-year old Shaun, to reach three figures when he swiftly drove through the covers to raise his second hundred of the series.

The batsman at the other end when Shaun reached hundred was brother Mitchell, who followed suit soon after. The right-handed Marsh pushed the ball through point to run a couple and like his elder brother, also touched the triple-figure mark for the second time in the Ashes.

So thrilled was the pair that Mitchell’s hundredth run almost resulted in a run out as they celebrated mid-pitch. Eventually, the partnership of 169 was broken off the very next ball with Mitchell Marsh’s departure.

#3 Steve and Mark Waugh against England, The Oval 2001

Steve Waugh 157* (256), Mark Waugh 120 (176)

Twin brothers Steve and Mark Waugh both hit centuries to ensure Australia won the 2001 Ashes 4-1

One of the most renowned pairs of brothers to have played international cricket – what made them even more famous was that they were twins – Steve and Mark Waugh entered the history books by scripting a memorable win by operating in tandem. The Ashes were already sealed with wins in the first three Tests but hosts England threatened to spoil Australia’s tour by winning the fourth one at Headingley, a match which Steve had missed owing to an injury.

He returned to the eleven for the final Test at The Oval and slammed 157* standing on one foot, and scurrying to complete his hundredth run.

Mark, the few-seconds-younger twin, gave him solid company by hitting 120 of his own and adding 197 for the third wicket with brother Steve. The partnership ended when Darren Gough bowled Mark out, with Australia eventually winning the match by an innings to complete the series win by a 4-1 margin.

#2 Ian and Greg Chappell against New Zealand, Wellington 1974

Ian Chappell 145 (268) and 121 (218), Greg Chappell 247* (356) and 133 (175)

Ian and Greg Chappell both hit twin centuries against New Zealand in 1974, a bowling attack which included Sir Richard Hadlee (centre)

One of the most dreadful pairs of batsmen, Ian and Greg Chappell were known for their aggressiveness and attacking attitude on the field. On the tour of New Zealand in 1974, the brothers came together and completed a match, otherwise a dull draw, which will be remembered for their heroics in both innings. Batting first, Australia were 55/2 when captain Ian and younger brother Greg joined hands to stage a lengthy association.

The two added 264 for the third wicket to frustrate the hosts’ bowling attack of Richard Hadlee and company. While Ian’s dismissal for 145 brought an end to their partnership, Greg carried on to finish on a career-best 247*, an innings featuring 30 fours and a six. As if that was not enough, the siblings rubbed further agony on New Zealand to score 121 and 133, respectively, in the second innings.

#1 Ian and Greg Chappell against England, The Oval 1972

Ian Chappell 118 (267), Greg Chappell 113 (226)

The Chappell brothers first hit hundreds together to level the Ashes in 1972

For the first time in the history of the game, a pair of brothers ended up with a century each in the same Test innings. Ian and Greg Chappell, like the rest of the team, were desperate to level the series with England 2-1 up and after hosts England had put up 284, Australia were 34/2, searching for stability from the middle-order.

That was brought by the brothers, who strung together 201 for the third wicket in a patient partnership which slowly dragged the momentum the visitors’ way.

The first to be dismissed was younger Greg for 113, the opposition captain Ray Illingworth having him caught. But Illingworth’s counterpart Ian Chappell got 118 to take Australia into the lead and tilting the match in their favour. Come the fifth day, Australia had to chase 242 to secure a win, something which duly happened the following day, with Test matches still six days long.