Most number of centuries by both the openers in same innings in test cricket

In the just concluded India vs Afghanistan test match, both the Indian openers made centuries each in the first innings. In the long history of test cricket, there have been many instances where both the openers made centuries. Let us have a look at the record of most number of centuries by both openers in the same innings in test cricket.

Criteria : Minimum three instances.

#1. Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden (6 times)

The most successful opening combination in tests in the 21st century. The Aussie openers were involved in six such instances which is a world record. They used to lay the foundation on which the likes of Ponting, Clarke and co. used to build on.

i. 104 and 136 vs New Zealand at Brisbane (AUS), 2001.

ii. 126 and 105 vs South Africa at Sydney (AUS), 2002.

iii. 250 and 102 vs England at Melbourne (AUS), 2002.

iv. 111 and 177 vs West Indies at Antigua (WI), 2003.

v. 162 and 117 vs Sri Lanka at Cazaly's (AUS), 2004.

vi. 105 and 138 vs England at Kennington Oval (ENG), 2005.

#2. Bill Lawry and Bob Simpson (4 times)

Yet another Aussie iconic opening pair of Lawry and Simpson featured in four instances where both made century in the same innings.

i. 106 and 311 vs England at Old Trafford (ENG), 1964.

ii. 210 and 201 vs West Indies at Kensington Oval (WI), 1965.

iii. 119 and 125 vs England at Adelaide Oval (AUS), 1966.

iv. 100 and 109 vs India at Melbourne (AUS), 1967.

#3. Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe (3 times)

The legendary english opening pair of were involved in three such opening stands.

i. 211 and 122 vs South Africa at Melbourne (AUS), 1924.

ii. 154 and 176 vs Australia Lords (ENG), 1925.

iii. 100 and 161 vs Australia Melbourne (AUS), 1926.

#4. Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes (3 times)

The openers featured in the mighty West Indian team of 1980's where they tormented almost all the bowling attacks in the world at that time. They provided the platform for Vivian Richards and co. to build on.

i. 154 and 136 vs India at Antigua (WI), 1983.

ii. 120 and 103 vs Australia at Georgetown (WI), 1984.

iii. 149 and 167 vs England Antigua (WI), 1990.

#5. Graeme Smith and Herchelle Gibbs (3 times)

The charismatic captain of South African cricket team along with Gibbs had three such stands. Although stakes of Gibbs as a test player decreased in mid 2000's, nevertheless he was a treat to watch in test matches when in form.

i. 151 and 228 vs Pakistan at Capetown (SA), 2003.

ii. 277 and 179 vs England at Edgbaston (ENG), 2003.

iii. 139 and 192 vs West Indies at Centurion (SA), 2004.

#6. Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan (3 times)

The only currently active opening pair in the list have featured in three such instances. Although all the stands have come in subcontinent conditions, now they have enough experience to succeed overseas.

i. 153 and 187 vs Australia at Mohali (IND), 2013.

ii. 150 and 173 vs Bangladesh at Fatullah (BAN), 2015.

iii. 105 and 107 vs Afghanistan at M Chinnaswamy (IND), 2018.