Top 10 Powerful Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings: Legends Who Shined Twice

In Test cricket, scoring a century or taking five wickets in an innings is a big achievement. But doing both in the same match? That’s a rare and powerful feat only a few legends have managed. This article celebrates the top 10 iconic cricketers who delivered this rare double proving themselves as true match-winners with both bat and ball. Let’s dive into these historic all-round performances that lit up the cricket field and inspired generations to come.

List of Top 10 Powerful Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings

10. PR Umrigar

Polly Umrigar was a dependable Indian batter who showed the world his all-round skills in a 1962 Test match against West Indies. Batting with patience and focus, he scored an unbeaten 172* runs. But what made the performance even more powerful was his contribution with the ball—he picked up 5 wickets for 107 runs. This was one of the best examples of Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings, where Umrigar stood tall in both departments.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
PR Umrigar	172*	5/107	India	West Indies

9. OG Smith

OG Smith was known for his stylish batting and useful bowling. In the 1959 Delhi Test against India, he showcased a brilliant all-round display. Scoring exactly 100 runs, he anchored the West Indies innings. Then, with the ball, he troubled Indian batters and took 5 wickets for 90 runs. It was one of the notable Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings, showing how a cricketer can shine in both innings.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
OG Smith	100	5/90	West Indies	India

8. R Benaud

Richie Benaud, one of Australia’s greatest captains, led from the front in 1958 against South Africa. He scored a solid 100 with the bat and backed it up with 5 wickets for 84 runs. His leadership and performance set the tone for his side. Benaud’s effort is counted among the legendary Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings, proving why he is remembered as a true all-rounder and a thinking cricketer.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
R Benaud	100	5/84	Australia	South Africa

7. KR Miller

Keith Miller was an elegant Australian all-rounder. In the 1955 Test against West Indies at Kingston, he scored 109 runs and followed it up with 6 wickets for 107 runs. His innings showed balance, while his bowling showed control and aggression. This was undoubtedly one of the finest Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings, which underlined Miller’s versatility.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
KR Miller	109	6/107	Australia	West Indies

6. DS Atkinson

West Indies’ DS Atkinson shocked the world when he smashed 219 runs and took 5 wickets for 56 runs in the same match against Australia in 1955. This is one of the highest scores on this elite list. His outstanding contribution with the bat and ball helped define the match. Atkinson’s brilliance remains among the most talked-about Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings to this day.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
DS Atkinson	219	5/56	West Indies	Australia

5. MH Mankad

In 1952, at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Vinoo Mankad gave one of India’s greatest all-round performances. He scored a heroic 184 runs and also picked up 5 wickets for 196 runs. Despite India not winning the match, his efforts stood out and inspired generations of Indian cricketers. This was one of the most unforgettable Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings in Indian cricket.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
MH Mankad	184	5/196	India	England

4. JM Gregory

Jack Gregory was a fierce fast bowler and a hard-hitting batter. In the 1920 Ashes Test in Melbourne, he smashed a quick 100 and stunned England by taking 7 wickets for 69 runs. His impact with both bat and ball was so powerful that it remains one of the classic Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings in Ashes history.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
JM Gregory	100	7/69	Australia	England

3. C Kelleway

In the 1912 Triangular Series, C Kelleway played a superb all-round game against South Africa in Manchester. He scored 114 with the bat and took 5 wickets for just 33 runs. His match-winning show was a standout moment and an early example of world-class Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings from Australia.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
C Kelleway	114	5/33	Australia	South Africa

2. GA Faulkner

In 1910, GA Faulkner gave one of the earliest stunning all-round Test performances. Against England in Johannesburg, he made 123 runs and took 5 wickets for 120 runs. He turned the game for South Africa singlehandedly. Faulkner’s effort is among the earliest recorded Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings, and it inspired a generation of South African cricketers.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
GA Faulkner	123	5/120	South Africa	England

1. JH Sinclair

JH Sinclair created history in 1899 when he became the first player ever to score a century and take five wickets in a single Test match. Against England in Cape Town, Sinclair scored 106 runs and claimed 6 wickets for just 26 runs. This was the beginning of the tradition of great all-rounders. His iconic show is known as the first-ever of the Test Performances with Century and 5 Wickets in an Innings and remains a proud chapter in cricket history.

Player	Runs	Wickets	Team	Opponent
JH Sinclair	106	6/26	South Africa	England

READ MORE:

• Top 10 Legendary All Round Performances in ODI That Shaped Cricket History
• Top 10 Greatest ODI Batting Ratings in ICC History – Legends Who Ruled the Rankings

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