Most Tons in Test Cricket: Joe Root gets closer to Sachin's record with his 38th test ton
In the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester, Joe Root achieved his 38th Test century, marking a record 12th ton against India, equaling Kumar Sangakkara's total.
Last Updated: 08.55 PM, Jul 25, 2025
English batter Joe Root scored his 38th test ton during the first inning of England vs India, 4th test in Manchester. With his record 12th test ton against India, the most by anyone against India, Root has now equalled Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara's record and became the batter with joint fourth-most test hundred.
Catch every action of the England vs India, fourth test in Manchester on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium. Along with that, you can enjoy 29 OTT apps in one place on OTTplay Premium.
Root, who had already gone past Jacques Kallis and Rahul Dravid to become the third-highest run-getter in test cricket, went on to go past Ricky Ponting to climb up the ladder in the list of players with the most test runs. In the second session of Day 3, Root chipped away a single against Jasprit Bumrah to get to his 38th test ton and increase his lead as the English batter with the most test tons and test runs.
Most Tons in Test Cricket
#1 Sachin Tendulkar | 51
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar is the batter with the most test tons, with 51 test centuries to his name. In his record 200 test matches, Sachin scored 15921 runs, which can now only be caught or surpassed by Joe Root. Sachin averaged 53.78 in his career, which speaks volumes for his consistency, even in a long career like his.
# Jacques Kallis | 45
Kallis, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest cricketers in history, scored 13289 test runs while taking 292 wickets. The South African legend played in 166 games and hit 45 test tons in his career.
If we combine his entire career, we can generally find stats of a batter and a bowler of test level, separately.
#3 Ricky Ponting | 41
One of the greatest captains in cricket history, Ricky Ponting, used to be the second-highest run scorer in test cricket, before Joe Root surpassed him. The former Aussie great played in 168 test matches, scoring 13378 runs, which included 41 test tons as well.
In 2006, Ponting hit seven test tons, which is the joint second-most in test cricket history.
#4 Joe Root | 38
Here comes the active batter with the most test centuries. Joe Root scored his 38th test ton during the Manchester test against India. The former English captain, who is England's highest run scorer in international cricket, is now the second-highest run scorer in test cricket history with 13380 runs.
Root surely is in contention to break Sachin Tendulkar's record for most test runs and centuries.
#5 Kumar Sangakkara | 38
Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lankan batter and captain, was one of the most eye-catching players of all time. His cover drives still get appreciated by cricket fans all around the world.
Sangakkara played only 134 test matches, the least on this list and scored 12400 test runs with a staggering average of 57.40, the highest on this list. Snaga finished his career with 38 test tons, which makes him the joint fourth-highest in test cricket history.