Scoring a double century in Test cricket is a remarkable achievement, showcasing both skill and resilience over extended periods of play. Some of the most iconic cricketers have demonstrated their batting prowess by reaching this milestone multiple times, making their mark in the history of Test cricket. This article delves into the players with the most double centuries, the top 20 record-holders, and the teams that have produced the most prolific double-century scorers.
The record for the most double centuries in Test cricket is held by Sir Donald Bradman, who scored 12 double centuries during his illustrious career. Bradman’s extraordinary ability to convert scores into substantial innings remains unmatched. Close contenders include Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka, who amassed 11 double centuries, and Brian Lara, who recorded 9 double centuries.
A select group of players have dominated the history of Test cricket by amassing multiple double centuries. Their performances reflect not only their technical expertise but also their mental fortitude to endure long innings. The table below highlights the top 20 players who have achieved this feat:
Rank | Player | DoubleCenturies | Country |
1 | Sir Donald Bradman | 12 | Australia |
2 | Kumar Sangakkara | 11 | Sri Lanka |
3 | Brian Lara | 9 | West Indies |
4 | Wally Hammond | 7 | England |
5 | Mahela Jayawardene | 7 | Sri Lanka |
6 | Virat Kohli | 7 | India |
7 | Michael Clarke | 7 | Australia |
8 | Javed Miandad | 6 | Pakistan |
9 | Marvan Atapattu | 6 | Sri Lanka |
10 | Younis Khan | 6 | Pakistan |
11 | Ricky Ponting | 6 | Australia |
12 | Virender Sehwag | 6 | India |
13 | Sachin Tendulkar | 6 | India |
14 | Graeme Smith | 5 | South Africa |
15 | Rahul Dravid | 5 | India |
16 | Joe Root | 5 | England |
17 | Steve Smith | 5 | Australia |
18 | Garry Sobers | 5 | West Indies |
19 | David Warner | 4 | Australia |
20 | Alastair Cook | 4 | England |
Sir Donald Bradman, often regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time, leads the list with 12 double centuries in his illustrious career. Sir Donald Bradman, with an average of 99.94 in Tests, is widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time. Most double centuries in fewer innings compared to others.
Kumar Sangakkara follows closely, renowned for his elegant stroke play and ability to build big innings. Played a key role in Sri Lanka's Cricketing success.
Brian Lara, known for his attacking style and ability to score massive innings, holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, with a 400*.
One of England's greatest batsmen, dominatedduring the 1930s and set records for both double andtriple centuries.
Players like Mahela Jayawardene and Virat Kohli have also made significant contributions, showcasing their partnership ability to build long innings and lead their respective teams to success. Mahela Jayawardene is the Master of concentration and-building. including a 624-run stand with Sangakkara, the highest in Tests.
Known for his aggression and determination, ledIndia as captain in all formats and consistently scored big hundreds.
Michael Clarke played crucial innings to rescue his team in difficult situations, displaying great versatility and determination.
A cornerstone of Pakistan's batting during the 1980s and early 1990s, famous for Javed Miandad resilience and big-match temperament.
Marvan Atapattu, known for his patience and classical batting style,often scored big hundreds in critical situations for SriLanka.
Younis Khan is Pakistan's highest run-scorer in Tests, with remarkable consistency and skill in scoring big innings.
Ricky Ponting is one of Australia’s finest batsmen, leading the team to multiple World Cup titles and consistent big wins.
Virender Sehwag is known for his aggressive batting style and has been able to hit two centuries quickly even in Test matches.
Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in the history of Test cricket, known for his longevity and consistent performances.
Graeme Smith is a successful captain and opening batsman for South Africa, known for his tenacity and ability to score under pressure.
Known as "The Wall" for his defensive prowess, Dravid was one of India's most dependable batsmen.
A modern-day great, Root has been a consistent run scorer for England and known for his skill in building long innings.
Renowned for his unorthodox batting technique and ability to bat for long periods, often scoring big centuries.
An all-rounder par excellence, Sobers was known for his incredible versatility and ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
Known for his attacking batting style, Warner has scored several big innings at the top of the order.
England's leading run-scorer in Tests, famous for his patience and endurance, particularly as an opening batsman.
In terms of teams, Australia and Sri Lanka have produced some of the most prolific double-century scorers. Australia’s history is decorated with players like Sir Donald Bradman and Ricky Ponting, while Sri Lanka boasts of legends such as Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. India also has a notable presence, with Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar contributing significantly to the team's tally of double centuries.
Virat Kohli leads the Indian cricket team with 7 double centuries, surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli's ability to accelerate after reaching three figures and his penchant for big scores has made him the most prolific double-century scorer for India. Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag also feature prominently, with multiple double centuries to their names.
Rohit Sharma has scored 1 double century in Test cricket.
Virat Kohli holds the record for the most double centuries (7) in Test cricket as captain.
Virat Kohli has scored 7 double centuries in Test cricket.