In cricket, centuries are often seen as the ultimate achievement for a batsman. The more centuries a player scores, the greater their legacy becomes. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, with his 100 international centuries, and Virat Kohli, with 50 ODI tons, have set the bar high. However, there are several star batsmen who, despite their talent and success in other formats, never managed to score a century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Here’s a look at five such players, including one from Pakistan, who made their mark in cricket but never reached the three-figure mark in ODIs.
1. Andrew Jones (New Zealand)
Andrew Jones is remembered as one of New Zealand’s most consistent batsmen during his era. Playing in 87 ODIs, he scored 2,784 runs at an average of 36, including 25 half-centuries. Despite these impressive stats, a century eluded him throughout his career, with his highest score being 93. Interestingly, Jones was more successful in Test cricket, where he scored 7 centuries, three of which came in consecutive innings.
2. Graham Thorpe (England)
The late Graham Thorpe, a respected figure in English cricket, had an illustrious career in Test cricket with 16 centuries and a double century to his name. However, his ODI career, though notable, lacked a century. Thorpe played 82 ODIs, amassing 2,380 runs at an average of 37, with 21 half-centuries. Despite getting close on several occasions, he never crossed the 90-run mark in ODIs.
3. Michael Atherton (England)
Michael Atherton, known for his grit and leadership, had a successful Test career with 18 centuries. However, his ODI career, which spanned 86 matches, was not as prolific. Atherton scored 3,793 runs in ODIs at an average of 35, including 16 half-centuries. Despite his success in Tests, he never managed to score an ODI century, with his highest score being 98.
4. Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
Misbah-ul-Haq, one of Pakistan’s most dependable batsmen and captains, holds the record for the most runs in ODIs without a century. Over 162 ODIs, Misbah scored 5,122 runs at an impressive average of 43. His consistency saw him notch up 42 half-centuries, but a century always slipped through his fingers, with his highest ODI score being 96. Misbah did, however, score 10 centuries in Test cricket.
5. Dinesh Karthik (India)
Dinesh Karthik has been a versatile player for India, contributing as an opener, middle-order batsman, and finisher over a 15-year ODI career. Despite playing 94 ODIs, Karthik never reached the century mark, scoring 1,752 runs at an average of 30, with 9 half-centuries. His highest ODI score was 79. While Karthik’s career had its highs, including match-winning knocks, the elusive century remained out of reach.
These players, despite their inability to score an ODI century, have left a significant impact on the game. Their contributions in other formats and the roles they played in their respective teams are remembered and celebrated by cricket fans worldwide.
