Scoring a century in Test cricket is one of the proudest moments for any batter. But sometimes, fate plays cruel tricks. Many legendary players have fallen heartbreakingly short of a century getting out in the 90s. These moments are often called the “nervous nineties,” and they bring heartbreak not just to the batter but to fans around the world.
This article highlights the top 10 Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s, showing how even the greatest of cricketers can fall just short of perfection.
List of Top 10 Powerful Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s
10. Rohan Kanhai

Rohan Kanhai was one of the most elegant and stylish batters of his era. He played a major role in building West Indian cricket in the 1960s and 70s. Known for his attacking stroke play and fearless batting, Kanhai often thrilled spectators. However, he was dismissed 6 times in the 90s, missing out on more centuries. Despite that, he finished with over 6,000 runs and remains a West Indies legend.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
79 | 6227 | 256 | 15/28 | 6 |
9. Alvin Kallicharran

Alvin Kallicharran was another graceful left-handed batter from the West Indies. He had an eye for timing and an attacking approach. In his 66-Test career, he showed class and calmness, but he too became one of the Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s, falling short 7 times. These missed tons could have added to his impressive 12 hundreds and helped elevate his legacy even further.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
66 | 4399 | 187 | 12/21 | 7 |
8. Alastair Cook

Sir Alastair Cook was a pillar of England’s batting lineup for over a decade. His discipline, patience, and ability to score big runs were unmatched. With 7 dismissals in the 90s, he joins the list of Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s. Despite those setbacks, Cook became England’s highest run-scorer in Test history, showing just how consistent and powerful he was.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
161 | 12472 | 294 | 33/57 | 7 |
7. Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden was a powerful and fearless opener for Australia. Known for his big scores and brutal hitting, Hayden had an unforgettable career. Still, even he wasn’t immune to the nervous 90s. He was dismissed 7 times in the 90s, joining the elite list of Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s. His high score of 380 remains one of the greatest in Test history.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
103 | 8625 | 380 | 30/29 | 7 |
6. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is still early in his career, but he’s already shown incredible talent and bravery. His fearless batting style has helped India win games in Australia and England. But he’s also had his share of heartbreaks 7 times he was out in the 90s. Among all Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s, Pant’s potential for many more centuries is clear.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
47 | 3427 | 159* | 8/18 | 7 |
5. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers was a modern-day master. He could play shots all around the ground, earning him the nickname “Mr. 360.” He had great control over his game, but Test cricket still gave him moments of misfortune. He was dismissed in the 90s 8 times, placing him among the Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s. These missed centuries could have pushed his tally even higher.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
114 | 8765 | 278* | 22/46 | 8 |
4. Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh was a tough competitor and a fearless leader. Under his captaincy, Australia became a world-beating team. He scored 32 hundreds, but was also out 8 times in the 90s, proving how difficult it is to convert starts in the Test arena. Still, Waugh’s contribution remains legendary among the Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
168 | 10927 | 200 | 32/50 | 8 |
3. Michael Slater

Michael Slater was known for his attacking batting at the top of the order. He gave Australia many fast starts and played with passion. However, Slater was also dismissed 9 times in the 90s, making him one of the unluckiest players in this category. Among the Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s, Slater stands out for his bold approach.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
74 | 5312 | 219 | 14/21 | 9 |
2. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid, famously called “The Wall,” was one of the most dependable batters in world cricket. His patience, technique, and calmness made him a legend. Yet, he too experienced disappointment, being dismissed 9 times in the 90s. This places him high on the list of Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s, showing that even the most composed cricketers feel the pressure.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
164 | 13288 | 270 | 36/63 | 9 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar

At number one is none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Known as the Master Blaster, he thrilled cricket lovers for more than two decades. Even with 51 Test centuries, he was dismissed 10 times in the 90s the most by any batter in Test history. This makes him the leading name among the Batsmen Who Missed Test Hundreds in the 90s. His unmatched hunger for runs made every 90 feel like a moment of national tension in India.
Matches | Runs | High Score | 100s/50s | 90s Out |
---|---|---|---|---|
200 | 15921 | 248* | 51/68 | 10 |
READ MORE:
- Top 10 Most Bowled Out in ODI Cricket: Legendary Batsmen
- Top 10 Most Times Bowled Out in Test Cricket: Surprising Stats of Legendary Batsmen
FAQ
Q1. Why do players often get out in the 90s?
A: The pressure of reaching a century can lead to nervousness or risky shots, which often causes players to make mistakes.
Q2. Who has the most dismissals in the 90s in Test cricket?
A: Sachin Tendulkar has the most dismissals in the 90s in Test matches – 10 times.
Q3. Is getting out in the 90s considered unlucky?
A: Yes, because the batter was very close to a century. It’s often called a “nervous 90s” dismissal.
Q4. Has any player been not out in the 90s?
A: Yes, but this list only includes dismissals in the 90s. Sometimes players remain unbeaten in the 90s if the innings ends.
Q5. Who among the active players has the most 90s in Tests?
A: Rishabh Pant, with 7 dismissals in the 90s, leads among current active players.