Top Five Batters with Most Test Tons Batting at No.4

Middle-order batsmen are responsible for stabilizing the team’s innings, especially when the top-order batsmen have been dismissed early. They have the task of rebuilding the innings and preventing a batting collapse, which can be crucial in setting up a competitive total. 

In Test cricket, the pressure on batsmen can be intense, especially during challenging conditions or against quality bowling attacks. 

Middle-order batsmen are expected to handle this pressure and keep the scoreboard ticking, which requires a combination of skill, technique, and mental fortitude.

In this article, we have combined a list of the top 5 batsmen who came down to save the innings at number 4 and have the most Test hundreds on their names.

1) Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar had a stellar and record-breaking Test cricket career. He represented the Indian cricket team in Test matches from 1989 to 2013. Tendulkar scored 51 Test centuries, which is the most by any batsman in Test cricket. 

Among these 51, 44 centuries came while he batted at number 4. These centuries came against some of the best bowling attacks in the world and a variety of conditions. He is also the highest run-scorer in Test cricket history. Throughout his career, he amassed 15,921 runs in 200 matches at an impressive average of 53.78.

2) Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket, and his performance in Test cricket was nothing short of exceptional. He scored 45 Test centuries, which is the third-highest number of centuries in Test cricket, behind only Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar. 

However, he comes second on the list because he scored 35 centuries while batting at number 4, which is the second-highest number. Overall, Kallis scored a staggering 13,289 runs in Test cricket, making him the third-highest run-scorer in Test history at the time of his retirement.

3) Mahela Jayawardena

One of the most elegant and prolific batsmen in Test cricket, Mahela Jayawardena, became the primary reason for Sri Lanka’s dominance in international cricket. He scored 34 Test centuries, out of which 30 centuries came while he batted on number 4, and that made him one of the most prolific century-makers in Test cricket history. 

His ability to convert starts into big scores was a hallmark of his batting. Jayawardene was known for his stylish and graceful batting technique. He had a vast array of strokes and was particularly strong through the off-side. He displayed remarkable consistency throughout his Test career, often holding the Sri Lankan batting together during challenging situations.

4) Virat Kohli

Known for his aggressive batting style and strong mental resolve, the former Indian cricket skipper has achieved several milestones and has been one of the most prolific batsmen in Test cricket. He has scored more than 28 Test centuries, with several of them coming in challenging overseas conditions. Out of 28, 25 centuries came while he was batting at number 4. 

His ability to score centuries in different conditions and against quality bowling attacks is a testament to his skill and consistency. Kohli is a highly dedicated and disciplined cricketer, known for his fitness and work ethic, which has contributed to his consistent performances over the years.

5) Brian Lara

Brian Lara is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of Test cricket. Lara scored 34 Test centuries, making him one of the most prolific century-makers in Test cricket history out of which, 24 came while he was batting at number 4. 

He holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket. He scored an astonishing 400 not out against England in 2004, becoming the first and only player to achieve a quadruple century in Test cricket.