In Test cricket, reaching a century is a major personal milestone. However, some players have made significant contributions with the bat over long careers without ever reaching three figures. Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests highlights such cricketers who often played key roles lower down the order or as dependable partners, scoring plenty but never quite getting over that final hurdle.
List of 10 Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests
10. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka’s legendary left-arm spinner, Herath was more renowned for his bowling exploits but still made valuable contributions with the bat. Often batting at No. 10 or 11, he managed nearly 1,700 runs, with a best of 80, earning him a place among the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 93 |
| Runs | 1,699 |
| Highest Score | 80* |
| Average | 14.64 |
| Strike Rate | 49.89 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 3 |
9. John Emburey (England)
An off-spinning all-rounder, Emburey had a lengthy Test career. While not a flashy batter, he was solid and dependable, often sticking around in the middle and lower order to add crucial runs a trait that eventually saw him feature among players with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Test
| Stat | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 64 | |
| Runs | 1,713 | |
| Highest Score | 75 | |
| Average | 22.53 | |
| Strike Rate | 35.60 | |
| 100s | 0 | |
| 50s | 10 |
8. Vernon Philander (South Africa)
Known for his swing bowling, Philander also had a composed batting technique. Despite never scoring a century, he played key innings down the order, providing resistance and support in many South African victories a fact that places him among those with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 64 |
| Runs | 1,779 |
| Highest Score | 74 |
| Average | 24.04 |
| Strike Rate | 44.53 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s |
7. Malcolm Marshall (West Indies)
One of the finest fast bowlers in history, Marshall could also bat. His fearless, aggressive batting style earned him a top score of 92 and several key partnerships for the West Indies, placing him among those with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 81 |
| Runs | 1,810 |
| Highest Score | 92 |
| Average | 18.85 |
| Strike Rate | 52.73 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 10 |
6. Deryck Murray (West Indies)
A reliable wicketkeeper-batter, Murray represented the West Indies through the 60s and 70s. His consistency at the crease helped the team immensely, earning him a place among those with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests, despite him never getting past 91.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 62 |
| Runs | 1,993 |
| Highest Score | 91 |
| Average | 22.90 |
| Strike Rate | 43.30 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 11 |
5. Chetan Chauhan (India)
A gutsy Indian opener, Chauhan played during an era of great fast bowling. While he scored over 2,000 runs and supported legends like Sunil Gavaskar, he holds the unwanted distinction of being among those with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests, as a century always eluded him.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 40 |
| Runs | 2,084 |
| Highest Score | 97 |
| Average | 31.57 |
| Strike Rate | 37.05 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 16 |
4. Mitchell Starc (Australia)
A modern-day fast bowling great, Starc is also known for his ability to smash runs down the order. Featuring prominently in the list of players with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests, he has twice come agonizingly close to a hundred, with a top score of 99.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 96 |
| Runs | 2,217 |
| Highest Score | 99 |
| Average | 20.15 |
| Strike Rate | 60.09 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 10 |
3. Tim Southee (New Zealand)
Southee’s fearless approach with the bat has added entertainment and value for New Zealand. With nearly 100 sixes, he tops the list in terms of power-hitting and also holds a notable place for having the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 107 |
| Runs | 2,245 |
| Highest Score | 77* |
| Average | 15.48 |
| Strike Rate | 82.68 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 7 |
2. Niroshan Dickwella (Sri Lanka)
Known for his flair and flamboyance, Dickwella has flirted with centuries several times. Despite his attacking game, he has never managed to reach three figures, topping out at 96 placing him among those with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 54 |
| Runs | 2,757 |
| Highest Score | 96 |
| Average | 30.97 |
| Strike Rate | 66.46 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 22 |
1. Shane Warne (Australia)
Shane Warne leads the list for the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests, holding the record for the most runs in Test history without a century. His flamboyant style and iconic 99 remain legendary, and he often played crucial innings from the lower order for Australia.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 145 |
| Not Outs | 17 |
| Runs | 3,154 |
| Highest Score | 99 |
| Average | 17.32 |
| Strike Rate | 57.65 |
| 100s | 0 |
| 50s | 12 |
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