5 batsmen who scored the slowest century in Test cricket
By Ravi - Nov 27, 2025 12:30 PMLast 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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