Top 10 Players with Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests

In Test cricket, scoring a century is a dream moment for any batter. But some players have built legendary careers and contributed thousands of runs without ever scoring a hundred. These are the unsung heroes who, despite never reaching the triple-digit mark, remained consistent and valuable to their teams.

This article reveals the Top 10 players with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests, highlighting their dedication, contributions, and close calls with centuries.

List of Top 10 Players with Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests

10. Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)

Rangana Herath, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest match-winners with the ball, was also a reliable lower-order batter. Though his main strength was spin bowling, Herath often rescued Sri Lanka with crucial runs down the order. Over a long Test career, he made several fighting contributions but never got to a hundred.

He remained not out 28 times and had a top score of 80*, showing his ability to stick around when needed. With just 3 fifties from 144 innings, his Test runs were about survival, not milestones. Still, he makes it to the list of players with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
93	144	1699	80*	3

9. John Emburey (England)

John Emburey, England’s off-spinning all-rounder, played in some of the toughest cricketing eras. As a bowler, he was known for accuracy and control, but with the bat, he had the courage to grind out tough runs in pressure situations.

Despite scoring over 1700 Test runs, he never crossed the 100-run mark. His highest score was 75, and he recorded 10 half-centuries in his career. His contribution at number 8 or 9 often helped England recover from collapses. He deserves his place in the list of players with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
64	96	1713	75	10

8. Vernon Philander (South Africa)

Vernon Philander, known for his deadly accuracy with the ball, was a handy lower-order batsman too. He often built important partnerships and added valuable runs for South Africa.

Even though he had 8 fifties in his Test career, a century always eluded him. His top score was 74. Philander’s batting was all about support and building stands with the tail. He comfortably joins this elite group for having one of the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
64	94	1779	74	8

7. Malcolm Marshall (West Indies)

Malcolm Marshall, widely regarded as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers of all time, was also an aggressive batter. He could change the momentum of a match with his lower-order hitting.

He scored nearly 2000 Test runs with a top score of 92, just short of a century. Despite not reaching 100, he had 10 half-centuries, proving that he was more than capable with the bat. His name proudly features in the list of the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
81	107	1810	92	10

6. Deryck Murray (West Indies)

Deryck Murray, the dependable wicketkeeper for West Indies in the 60s and 70s, played a vital role behind the stumps and with the bat. His batting was consistent, especially in building partnerships with the middle and lower order.

He scored 1993 runs in Tests with a highest of 91, just missing out on a century. With 11 fifties in 96 innings, he often kept the innings steady when wickets were falling around him. He definitely ranks among those with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
62	96	1993	91	11

5. Chetan Chauhan (India)

Chetan Chauhan, India’s tough and determined opener, played during an era of deadly fast bowlers. He partnered famously with Sunil Gavaskar and faced the new ball with courage.

Despite scoring 2084 runs and getting 16 fifties, he never got to the three-figure mark. His highest score was 97 just three short of a century. Chauhan’s grit and determination are reasons why he is remembered fondly and listed among those with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
40	68	2084	97	16

4. Tim Southee (New Zealand)

Tim Southee, a world-class swing bowler, is also known for his entertaining batting in the lower order. He has a reputation for hitting big sixes and quick-fire runs.

Southee has scored 2245 runs in his Test career and hit 7 half-centuries. His highest score remains 77*, and despite his aggressive style, a hundred has never come. His contribution with the bat has often helped New Zealand extend their innings. That’s why he belongs in the top names with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
107	156	2245	77*	7

3. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc is known for his fiery pace and deadly yorkers, but he’s also one of the best lower-order batters in world cricket. He has come heartbreakingly close to scoring a century, with a top score of 99.

Over his long Test career, Starc has made 2292 runs and hit 11 fifties. His powerful strokes and fast scoring make him a threat even as a batter. His 99 remains one of the most talked-about close misses. He clearly stands tall on the list of players with the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
98	143	2292	99	11

2. Niroshan Dickwella (Sri Lanka)

Niroshan Dickwella, Sri Lanka’s aggressive left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, has been one of the most exciting players in recent years. He’s known for his flamboyant stroke play and fearless attitude.

Dickwella has scored 2757 runs in his Test career so far, with 22 fifties and a top score of 96. Despite coming close on multiple occasions, a century still remains missing from his record. His consistency and attacking mindset make him a vital part of this list of the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
54	96	2757	96	22

1. Shane Warne (Australia)

Shane Warne, the king of leg-spin, was also a fierce competitor with the bat. Across a glittering career, Warne scored an incredible 3154 runs in Tests without ever scoring a hundred. His highest score was 99, falling just one run short in one of the most famous near-centuries in cricket history.

He registered 12 half-centuries in 199 innings, often bailing Australia out of tricky situations. His ability to perform under pressure with the bat added to his legend. Warne sits at the very top of the chart for the Most Runs in a Career Without a Hundred in Tests.

Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	50s
145	199	3154	99	12

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FAQ

1. Why is scoring a century important in Test cricket?

A century is a personal achievement showing a batter’s skill and patience. It often plays a big role in helping a team post or chase big totals.

Who has the most runs in Tests without a hundred?

Shane Warne holds this record with 3154 runs in his Test career without scoring a century.

Has any player come close to a century multiple times?

Yes, Chetan Chauhan (97), Niroshan Dickwella (96), and Mitchell Starc (99) all came very close but never reached 100.

Are these players mainly bowlers or batters?

Most of them were bowlers or wicketkeepers, but still managed to score valuable runs lower down the order.

Is not scoring a century a failure?

Not at all. These players consistently added runs, supported partnerships, and showed grit. Their teams valued them for more than just personal milestones.