5 batsmen who scored the slowest century in Test cricket

Ravi pic - Thursday, Nov 27, 2025
Last Updated on Nov 27, 2025 12:30 PM

It wouldn't be wrong to call Test cricket the perfect platform for patience, concentration, and technique. The goal here isn't just to score runs; staying at the crease for long periods of time to put the team in a strong position is equally important. This patience is reflected in some of the slowest Test centuries ever, which are still remembered with great respect in cricket history.

Rank Batsman Team Opponent Minute (to reach 100) Match details
1 Mudassar Nazar Pakistan England 557 Lahore, 1977/78
2 DJ McGlew South Africa Australia 545 Durban, 1957/58
3 AP Gurusinha Sri Lanka Zimbabwe 535 Harare, 1994/95
4 JJ Crowe New Zealand Sri Lanka 516 Colombo (CCC), 1986/87
5 Sanjay Manjrekar India Zimbabwe 500 Harare, 1992/93

1. Mudassar Nazar - Pakistan

mudassar nazar

Pakistan's Mudassar, who reached his century in 557 minutes against England in Lahore in 1977-78, was not only a slow batsman but also a prime example of how to rescue a team in difficult situations. His innings is still considered the slowest century in Test history.

2. Jackie McGlew - South Africa

jackie mcglew south africa

South Africa's Jackie McGlew, who scored a century in 545 minutes against Australia at Durban in 1957-58. Bowling was very difficult in those days, and the pitches were not very good for batsmen. In such an environment, McGlew's innings was highly praised.

3. Asanka Gurusinha - Sri Lanka

asanka gurusinha sri lanka

Sri Lanka's Asanka Gurusinha, who reached his century in 535 minutes against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1994-95. This innings was highly strategic, as Sri Lanka's priority in that match was to avoid defeat, and Gurusinha bided his time accordingly.

4. Jeff Crowe – New Zealand

jeff crowe new zealand

New Zealand's Jeff Crowe scored a century in 516 minutes against Sri Lanka in the Colombo Test in 1986-87. This innings shows how a calm mind and proper technique can trouble bowlers for long periods.

5. Sanjay Manjrekar - India

sanjay manjrekar india

India's Sanjay Manjrekar reached his century in 1992-93, playing a 500-minute blockathon in Harare. Despite a difficult pitch, a slow outfield, and a tight bowling attack, Manjrekar's century is considered one of the classic innings of Indian cricket.

Also Read: Who is the bowler with the most wickets in an IPL season?

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