Steve Smith Joins Elite Group with 35th Test Century – Here Are the Fastest to Reach the Milestone

On January 29, 2025, Australian batting maestro Steve Smith etched his name in cricket history by becoming the 15th player ever to amass 10,000 Test runs. This remarkable achievement came during the first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia at Galle. But that’s not all—Smith also joined the exclusive group of cricketers to score 35 Test centuries, solidifying his place among the game’s all-time greats.

As Smith celebrates this monumental feat, let’s take a look at the players who reached the milestone of 35 Test centuries the fastest:

1. Sachin Tendulkar: The legendary Indian cricketer holds the record for the fastest to 35 Test centuries, achieving the milestone in just 200 innings. Tendulkar also boasts the records for the most centuries (51) and the highest runs (15,921) in Test cricket.
2. Steve Smith: In just his 205th innings, Smith secured his place as the third-fastest batter to score 35 Test centuries. His consistency has placed him among the game’s elite.
3. Kumar Sangakkara: The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman reached his 35th Test century in 209 innings. Sangakkara, who played from 2000 to 2015, amassed 12,400 runs in Test cricket.
4. Jacques Kallis: Regarded as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, Kallis achieved his 35th Test century in 234 innings, having scored 13,289 runs in the format.
5. Joe Root: England’s stalwart Joe Root reached his 35th Test century in 268 innings. His landmark century came in the Multan Test against Pakistan, which also helped him become England’s highest Test run-scorer with 12,972 runs.
6. Rahul Dravid: The “Wall” of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, took 272 innings to reach his 35th Test century. Dravid’s solid technique and immense contributions to Indian cricket continue to be celebrated.

These players have not only excelled in terms of sheer runs and centuries but have done so with remarkable consistency and grace, earning their places in the record books. With Smith now part of this esteemed group, his legacy continues to grow with every innings.