Three recent players to score a century in their final Test
Test career in all its glory over the years has witnessed only a selective few achieving the milestone of scoring a Test century in their final Test match. Here’s looking at three recent players to have attained the feat.
Alastair Cook
Former England Captain, Alastair Cook, is one of the most highly rated cricketers to come out of the country. When the English opener finally left the scene in 2018, he was in complete control of his game. The elegant left-hander went into the final game of the five-match series against India, at Kensington Oval, with it being his swansong Test.
During his stay at the crease, the 33-year-old went past Kumar Sangakkara to become the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test Cricket. And, in a perfect climax, he then brought up his 33rd century off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, albeit it coming as a result of an over-throw.
Brendon McCullum
Former New Zealand batter, Brendon McCullum, would have his name go down in cricket history as one of those players who redefined batsmanship with their brutal approach and skills.
The Kiwi opener went on to create not one but two brilliant records in his final Test. The Black Caps were reeling at 32-3 in their first innings of the 2016 Christchurch Test against Australia when McCullum came to the crease.
In what could be termed as one of the finest counter-attacking assaults of all time, the then skipper took the Australian attack to the cleaners. In no time, Baz, as he is fondly called, raced to a century from just 54 balls, also eclipsing Viv Richard’s record for the fastest ever Test hundred.
The entire cricketing community, from past and present players to fans alike, were left in total awe and concluded that only Mc Cullum could have achieved such a feat in his farewell Test.
Jacques Kallis
Arguably one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game, Jacques Kallis, also scored a century in his very last Test. A batter par excellence, Kallis brought up the last of his 45 Test centuries against India in 2013.
The special occasion came in the second match of the three-match Test series. Batting at his usual number four spot in South Africa’s first innings, the talismanic player looked sublime in his stroke play. Kallis batted in his typical fashion to notch up one of his most memorable centuries, given the occasion.
The three-figure mark came through with a nudge for a single off Ravindra Jadeja. As the Durban crowd stood on their feet to applaud a special moment, Kallis saluted those in attendance before being embraced by his batting partner in Dale Steyn.
