100th Test: Four icons of world cricket who are set to play their milestone Test this week

Test cricket is considered the purest form of the game because of the unique set of challenges it presents to the cricketers. The ones who defy the odds consistently are surely destined for greatness. Representing 100 Tests for the country is considered a significant achievement.

Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer in history to have played 200 Tests, a legendary feat he accomplished in his final Test match in 2013 against the West Indies at Wankhede. Meanwhile, as many as 76 cricketers have joined the elite club of playing 100 Tests.

Notably, 16 of them are from England, which is the most among all Test-playing teams. However, we will see four more names feature in the 100-Test club soon. Let’s now take a look at the four cricket superstars who are set to play their landmark Test this week.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showcased his durability, mental resilience, consistency, adaptability, and commitment to the game over an extended period. He has indeed made a mark in the annals of cricket history as he is only the second Indian bowler to take 500 wickets in Tests. The veteran will be playing his 100th Test when he takes the field in the fifth Test against England Dharamshala on March 7, Thursday.

2. Jonny Bairstow

England international Jonny Bairstow has scored a chunk of runs in the middle-order, proving to be a utility player for the team. The right-handed batter who has played 99 Tests so far, piled up 5974 runs at an average of 36.4, laced with 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. He has been out of form in the ongoing Test series against India and if he takes the field in the fifth Test, it will be his milestone Test match, and will be desperate to make the amends in the dead rubber.

3. Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson has an efficient batting style, with a solid defense that makes him highly productive in negating all types of bowling attacks, a trait that has helped him carve out a reputation for himself as one of the best batters across formats. The former New Zealand skipper mustered 8675 runs at an average of 55.2 including 32 tons and 33 fifties. He will be joining the 100-Test club when he takes the field against Australia in the 2nd Test on March 8.

4. Tim Southee

Tim Southee has been one of the bowling linchpins in the history of New Zealand cricket. He is renowned for his potential to swing the ball both ways, a trait that has helped him take key wickets in clutch moments of the game. With terrific seam position, he has been able to generate movement off the pitch. The senior pro has taken 378 wickets in 99 Tests including 15 fifers and will be playing his landmark Test against Australia on March 8.