Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene, former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock and ex England batter Janette Brittin will be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The occasion will be concluded before the T20 World Cup final gets underway on Sunday.
ICC Hall of Famers 2021
Sir Clive Loyde, former Hall of Famer himself will induct these three legends of the game. He will represent at the ceremony in Dubai.
The ICC Hall of Fame remembers the achievements of the legends of the game from cricket's long and illustrious history. Since its launch in 2009, it inducted 106 players including Brittin, Jayawardene and Pollock as the latest inductees.
Brittin, who passed away in 2017, was a cornerstone of the England Test team for 19 years. However, she paved the way for women's cricket between 1979 and 1998 in her lifetime. Janette played 27 test matches for England. She scored 1935 runs at an average of 49.61. Moreover, she also featured in 63 ODIs scoring 2121 runs at an average of 42.42.
Jayawardene retired as one of Sri Lanka's greatest ever players. He was the key member of the team that won the T20 World Cup in 2014 and reached four other major ICC finals. Moreover, he was the first Srilankan to score 10000 test runs. Mahela called it a day after scoring 12650 ODI runs and 11814 test runs. He now coaches T20 franchise teams all over the world.
Pollock was one of the finest bowling all-rounders. Perhaps he was the first player to achieve the 3,000 runs and 300 wickets double in both Test and ODI cricket. Furthermore, he is still the leading international wicket-taker of South Africa.
Responding to the news of Brittin's induction, her friend Angela Bainbridge, said: "I would like to extend my thanks to the ICC for the incredible honour they have bestowed on Jan by inaugurating her into the Hall of Fame.
Can Jurel bat for Rishabh Pant? Former England captain wants 'like for like subs' option for first innings injuries
Former England captain Michael Vaughan voted for a 'like-for-like sub' option in test cricket, which would allow Dhruv Jurel to bat in place of Rishabh Pant in the second inning.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised his voice appealing for a 'like-for-like sub' option in test cricket, even if the injury is not a head injury. Vaughan took to social media, X and voted for the change in rules in test cricket.
During the first day of the England vs India, 4th test in Manchester, Rishabh Pant got injured while attempting a reverse sweep against pacer Chris Woakes. Woakes' ball hit Pant's right foot on the full toss, and Pant had to retire hurt in severe pain.
Pant's feet after the injury. Image | ESPN Cricinfo
The concerning photos showed that there was a big cut on Pant's feet and it was bleeding heavily. The Indian wicket-keeper batter was taken away on a buggy and quickly sent for a scan. On Thursday, the reports suggested that Pant would be ruled out of the whole test match due to a fractured toe and would need at least six weeks of rest to recover. Ishan Kishan, who has been playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire, will be added to the Indian squad for the fifth test.
Can Jurel bat for Rishabh Pant in the second inning?
Dhruv Jurel kept the wicket in the Lord's test when Pant had injured his fingers. Image | Cricbuzz on X
Now the question is that can anyone bat in place of Rishabh Pant in the second inning of the fourth test? Unfortunately, NO.
As per the current rule, a like-for-like substitution is only allowed in the case of head injuries. If a player gets hit on the head, teams are allowed to name a like-for-like substitute nomination, and if the match referee agrees, that player is substituted.
The first player to be used as a concussion substitute in Test cricket was Marnus Labuschagne. He replaced Steve Smith during the 2019 Ashes series after Smith was struck on the neck by a bouncer from Jofra Archer.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan now wants a change to that rule. Even apart from the head injuries, Vaughan wants the like-for-like substitute option available if anyone gets injured during the first inning of a test match.
"Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests, we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs," Vaughn Tweeted.
Clear and obvious injuries in the first innings of Tests we should allow like for like Subs .. we have concussion subs so surely we can have subs for injuries like Rishabhs .. https://t.co/MComKbHbyn
Why can this be beneficial for teams? So, if a pace bowler gets injured while bowling the first over of the test match, the team would be without a bowler for the whole test match, and the same goes for a batter as well, which is now the case with India and Rishabh Pant.
The change in the rule will allow someone with the same skill as the injured player can replace him/her during the second inning of the test match. This will bring parity to the teams, and fans can also enjoy a better test match. Now, as per the current rule, even though Dhruv Jurel can play as a substitute wicket-keeper, he will not be able to bat in the place of Rishabh Pant.
Aiden Markram and Hayley Matthews named ICC Players of the Month for June 2025
South African batter Aiden Markram has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women's Player of the Month for June 2025.
South African batter Aiden Markram has won the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the ICC Women's Player of the Month for June 2025.
Markram awarded for ton in WTC final
Markram scored 136 off 207 balls in the fourth innings of WTC Final. Image | Getty Images
Markram, who scored 136 off 207 balls and featured in a 147-run third wicket stand with captain Temba Bavuma in a successful chase of 282 in the World Test Championship 2025 final at Lord's.
The South African opener helped South Africa win an ICC Title for the first time since the Champions Trophy in 1998. He also picked up a wicket in each inning of the final.
Markram defeated Kagiso Rabada and Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka to win the ICC Men's Player of the Month for June 2025.
"It is a privilege to receive this award. To contribute to an ICC World Test Championship win for our team and South Africa is something that means a lot to me.
“Winning the final at Lord's is a historic moment for South African cricket, and it is something we will all remember forever. This victory was only possible due to the combined efforts of the entire team, with crucial contributions from KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Tembs (Temba Bavuma)," Markram said.
Matthews became the second player to win four Player of the Month Awards
Matthews won the Player of the Series award in the West Indies vs SA T20I series. Image | Getty Images
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, who had won the award in November 2021, October 2023 and April 2024, won the award for June 2025, beating South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and teammate Afy Fletcher. She became only the second player after Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, to win the fourth ICC Women's Player of the Month Award.
Matthews scored 104 runs in the three ODIs against South Africa, including a half-century in the third match. She also picked up four wickets in the series. She then continued her form in the T20Is, winning the Player of the Series award, with two fifties in an aggregate of 147 runs and two wickets.
West Indies went on to win the T20I series by 2-1.
“It’s an honour to receive the Player of the Month award again. I’ve been pleased with my form recently, but more importantly, it’s been great to contribute to the team’s success—especially in a hard-fought T20I series against South Africa.
"Recognition like this is appreciated, but my focus remains on what’s ahead. There’s a lot more I want to achieve, both personally and with this team. We’re heading in the right direction, and I’m excited about where we can go from here,” Matthews expressed.
Explore the elite list of most test centuries in cricket history, led by Sachin Tendulkar. See how Joe Root is rapidly climbing to challenge the records set by legends like Ponting and others.
The battle of supremacy in Test centuries has come a long way in cricket history. Some early established test records, defined by batting greatness, are nearly impossible to imagine being surpassed. The record for most test centuries in cricket history is one of them.
This prestigious list consists of legendary batters around the globe who have shaped the golden era of test cricket with their run-scoring consistency and centuries.
Discover the complete list of players with the most test centuries in cricket history and embrace their legacies.
Most Test Centuries in Cricket History
1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 51 centuries
Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his 30th Test century in 2002. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 'Little Master' Sachin Tendulkar stands right at the top with 51 test centuries in his career, spanning from 1989 to 2013. His career was a saga of brilliance against every bowling attack in every condition.
From being the youngest Indian to score a Test century at the age of 17 years and 109 days in 1990, to ending up having the most test centuries in cricket history, Tendulkar has achieved it all!
He has consistently scored tons, becoming the first and only player to ever cross the fifty-mark in test centuries. These numbers let us believe that maybe some records can never be broken.
Jacques Kallis celebrates his 40th test century in 2011. Image | Mint
The legendary all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, graced the longest format from 1995 to 2013, amassing 45 test centuries. He is the only South African to feature at the top of this list and to have scored more than 30 test centuries.
Apart from personal milestones, his hundreds were often foundational blocks for South Africa's innings in the game. He provided the key balance the team needed, contributing to secure a win or draw.
3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 41 centuries
Ricky Ponting celebrates his 40th test century against India in 2012. Image | Pinterest
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, led Australia through a golden era, scoring 41 centuries between 1995 to 2012. Known for his aggressive yet classy style, he thrived especially in big matches, putting the opposition under pressure.
One of the memorable moments in his century collection is the twin centuries during his 100th test match against South Africa in Sydney. This came in 2006, where Ponting scored back-to-back 120 and 142* in two innings.
He is the 3rd batter to go 40+ in the list of most test centuries in cricket history.
Kumar Sangakkara celebrates his first century at the Lord's Cricket Ground in 2014. Image | Sky Sports
The Sri Lankan batting maestro, Kumar Sangakkara, is a perfect example of elegance and power blended together. His ability to score big placed him in the top 5 of most test centuries in cricket history.
Sangakkara scored 38 test centuries from 2000 to 2015. One of his defining moments in his career was his 287 runs against South Africa in 2006. This knock was a part of the record-breaking partnership of 624 runs with his teammate, Mahela Jayawardene.
5. Joe Root (ENG) | 37 centuries
Joe Root celebrates his 37th test century against India in 2025. Image | X
England's highest scorer in tests, Joe Root, has scored 37 test centuries so far, with his flourishing career still ongoing. He has scored the most number of hundreds for his nation and is just one century away from equaling Sangakkara's record.
He reached his 37th test century in 2025 against India, during the 3rd test of their series. Root is currently the World's No. 2 in the ICC Test batter rankings, and the only player in the top 5 of this list who has not yet retired.
Root's fiery form is a clear indication of him soaring higher in all charts of test cricket records, setting the standards for generations to come.
Here's the tabular breakdown of the Top 20 players having the most test centuries in cricket history, featuring 6 players from Australia, 4 from India, and several other cricketing nations.
Joe Root scored his 37th Test Century on the second day of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s. He is now the batsman with the most test centuries for England.
The Nation England has produced some extraordinary Batsmen in Cricket. They have impressed Cricket fans from all over the world with their achievements and glory. The test is considered the Best Format in Cricket. England has & had some players who are the best among many in the world of Test Cricket. Sir Jack Hobbs is considered the Best Test Batsman for England in Tests. He has scored 5410 runs in just 102 innings with 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries.
In recent times of greats, Joe Root has proven himself one of the greatest if not the greatest for England in Test Format as he has every right due to his achievements. Now, Let's give a look at the list of the Top 5 Batsmen with the most test centuries for England.
Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Test Centuries for England:
1. Joe Root | 37 Centuries
England batter Joe Root has written his name in the history books for England in Test Format by bringing up his 37th Test hundred on the second day of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s. It was also his third consecutive Test century at the venue. Moreover, he also overtook Graham Gooch as the highest run-scorer at Lord's in international cricket.
Root made his debut in 2012 against team India and since then he has played 156* test matches. He has scored 13,219 runs with an average of 50.84.
2. Alastair Cook | 33 Centuries
Image - ICC
Alastair Cook was one of the greats in Test Cricket of his generation. He made his debut against India in 2006 for the national team in Test Cricket. Cook played 161 Test matches in which he batted 291 innings. He scored 12,472 runs with an average of 45.35. His highest score was 294 and he made 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries for his team. Cook played his last Test Match against India in 2018.
Kevin Pietersen has proved himself across every format for England. He made his Test debut in 2005 against the Australian side at Lords. Pietersen played 104 test matches, in which he scored 8181 runs with an average of 47.29. He played his last test match against Australia in 2014. Kevin Pietersen is third on the list with 23 Centuries.
The judgment of cricket history is that the greatest batsmen the game has known are - WG Grace, Jack Hobbs, Walter Hammond, and Don Bradman. Others may come close indeed to those four but do not quite take place with them. Hammond made his test debut against South Africa in 1927. He played 85 test matches and scored 7249 runs with an average of 58.45. He is 4th on the list with 22 test centuries. The Great Walter Hammond played his last Test match against New Zealand in 1947.
Colin Cowdrey mostly known as Michael Cowdrey played Cricket for 21 years, One of the most durable batsmen in the history of Test Cricket. Cowdrey made his test debut in 1954 against the Aussies and played 114 matches, scoring 7624 runs with an average of 44.06. He is 5th on the list with the same no as Wally Hammond, 22 centuries. Michael Cowdrey played his last test match in 1975 against the Australian side.
Top 10 Players with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket for England:
Wiaan Mulder, captaining South Africa for the first time in only his 21st Test, posted the fifth-highest individual Test score by blasting an unbeaten 367 off 334 balls in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe. But Mulder, only 33 runs away from Brian Lara's 21-year world-record score of 400*.
Along the way, Mulder also became the 29th Test cricketer and only the second South African - after Hashim Amla (311 not out) in 2012 - to score a triple-century.
Let's take a look at the Test record of highest individual score by any batter in an innings in Test.
Test Record | Highest individual score by any batter
5. Wiaan Mulder | 367* vs Zimbabwe (2025)
Standing in as captain in the second Test against Zimbabwe, Wiaan Mulder ended the first day on 264. On the second day, he quickly became the first South African captain and second player after Hashim Amla to record a Test triple ton, reaching there with a flick to deep square leg. Mulder raced to 367* at lunch on day two but declared soon after. He faced 334 balls and smashed 49 fours and four sixes in his innings.
Mulder had every chance to overhaul Lara's record of 400 but chose not to go for it. But he did break a number of records on his way to an unbeaten 367.
4. Mahela Jayawardene | 374 vs South Africa (2006)
In 2006, the then-Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene came mighty close to overhauling the Test record for the highest score. South Africa batted first in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo and were skittled for 169. Sri Lanka slipped to 14 for 2 inside four overs, but then Kumar Sangakkara and Jayawardene took the field.
The duo added a world-record 624 runs for the third wicket. Sangakkara's innings ended on 287 on the third day but Jayawardene became just the second Sri Lanka batter to record a triple century. He reached there with a drive through covers off 491 balls. He fell on 374 to Andre Nel. Jayawardene faced 572 balls and hit 43 fours and a six during his innings.
3. Brian Lara | 375 vs England (1994)
In 1994, it was 25-year-old Brian Lara who etched his name in the record books by breaking Sir Garfield Sobers' long-standing Test record. Having already taken a 3-1 lead in the five-match series, West Indies went into the fifth Test against England brimming with confidence.
The hosts slipped to 12 for 2 inside but then Lara owned the stage. He reached his century on day one before tripling it by the end of day two. On day three, he overhauled Sobers' 365* with a pull off fast bowler Chris Lewis. Lara finally fell for 375 off 538 balls, smashing 45 fours during his knock.
2. Matthew Hayden | 380 vs Zimbabwe (2003)
Zimbabwe had a bowl in the first Test against Australia at the WACA, in Perth, a decision they would later regret. Matthew Hayden opened the innings and for the next 146-odd overs, he sent the Zimbabwe bowlers to all corners of the WACA.
Hayden became only the fourth Australia batter to reach a triple century in Test cricket when he pushed Heath Streak to mid-off, reaching the mark in 362 balls on the second day. It didn't take him long to overhaul Lara's record for the highest Test score by pushing Ray Price to long-on as the whole of WACA was on its feet. Hayden failed to reach the 400 mark though falling on 380, his innings consisting of 38 fours and 11 sixes.
Brian Lara had done it once and held the record for more than nine years before Matthew Hayden broke it. So, he decided to do it again, both times against England, both times in Antigua.
Lara reached his century off 131 balls, his double ton off 260 and then his triple century in 404 balls. And then on the third morning, six months after losing his record for the highest Test score, Lara reclaimed it with a fine sweep off spinner Gareth Batty, going past Hayden's 380.
It didn't take him long to become the first and so far, the only batter in Test history to reach 400 test runs. He finished unbeaten on 400 off 582 balls, his innings laced with 43 fours and four sixes as West Indies declared.
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