A first Test century is always a memorable and exceptional feat for a batsman where he fights all odds to establish himself in the international arena. It not only gives them immense confidence and satisfaction but also helps them to seal their place in the team.
It’s even more special if these hundreds are made bigger and converted into a double or triple century which makes them historical too. These innings are a great reflection of temperament and courage of the batsman where they portray exceptional discipline to play a long and stabilising innings.
Here are top 5 maiden hundreds in Test cricket:
#1 Gary Sobers – 365 against Pakistan (1958)
Gary Sobers announced himself when Pakistan toured West Indies in 1958 for a three-match Test series. It was the third Test and West Indies were leading in the series 1-0 after drawing the first and winning the second. Pakistan put up 328 on the board batting first courtesy a brilliant century from Imtiaz Ahmed.
What came next not only surprised everybody but also became historical.
Batting at number 3, Sobers smashed his maiden Test century and eventually went on to score 365 in an innings that lasted for 614 minutes and included 38 boundaries. He was extremely quick in judging the length of the ball and played his shots accordingly to thrash the bowlers all around the ground.
He, along with Hunte, helped West Indies put up a total of 790 on the board in the first innings which helped them gain a substantive lead. West Indies eventually won the match comfortably by an innings and 174 runs.
#2 Bob Simpson – 311 against England (1964)
The Ashes is regarded to be one of the fiercest battles that are fought on the Cricket field. The intensity is high and players give their best to make a mark for themselves and their team. The 1964 Ashes also was fought with same dedication and passion where Australia crushed England to come victorious.
However, it was the 4th test when Simpson lashed out at the England bowlers and scored his maiden Test century. His innings was a classic reflection of temperament and resistance as he built and developed a beautiful innings.
He scored 311 from 743 balls in an innings that lasted 762 minutes and included 23 boundaries and a six. His foot movement was sublime and he dominated the bowlers to help his team draw the match.
#3 Karun Nair – 303* against England (2016)
England’s tour of India in 2016 was proving to be a disaster after they lost 3 out of 4 Test matches. England went into the fifth test aiming to save a washout and regain their lost glory.
They put up 477 on the board in the first innings courtesy to a brilliant century from Moeen Ali. India replied back strongly and amassed 759 runs before declaring the innings.
The Indian innings consisted of many batting highlights where KL Rahul scored 199 and nearly missed out on a well-deserved double century.
However, it was Karun Nair who was the star of the innings after he scored his maiden triple century. He remained not out on a score of 303 where his innings consisted of 32 boundaries and 4 sky-rocketing sixes. He not only displayed exceptional batting technique but also scored runs at a brisk pace.
#4 Tip Foster-287 against Australia (1903)
England’s tour of Australia for a 5 match Test series in 1903 was not only a memorable one but also a well-fought contest. The matches were well fought and both teams put up a great cricketing show.
It was the first Test and both teams entered the ground with the aim of gaining a lead over the other. Australia could only manage to put up 285 runs on the board after their batting line-up was destroyed by a breath-taking bowling spell from Arnold who picked up 4 crucial wickets.
England didn’t have a good start chasing the total and was soon reeling at 117-4 before Foster came in to bat. Foster not only provided stability to the innings but also played a scintillating knock to score his maiden test century.
He scored 287 runs while batting at the crease for 419 minutes and his innings constituted of 37 boundaries.
#5 Brian Lara – 277 against Australia (1993)
The Frank-Worrell trophy of 1993 provided great amusement to the fans when Australia decided to battle it out against the West Indies for a 5 match Test series. It was just the third match when Brian Lara decided to break lose and take on the opposition in a fashionable style.
Australia put up 503 on the board in the first innings riding on a scintillating century from Steve Waugh. West Indies replied back by scoring 606 in the first innings and it was Brian Lara who stole the limelight after scoring his maiden test century. He scored 277 from 372 balls in an innings that was 474 minutes long and included 38 boundaries.
The stylish left-handed batsman showed exemplary foot movement and played Australian bowlers with ease to reach the historic landmark.
Check RCB Squad 2024 Details. Follow Sportskeeda for IPL 2024 Live Score, Schedule, Points Table
