The Ashes is cricket’s oldest and fiercest rivalry. Every run, every wicket, and especially every century carries history. When fans debate the most hundreds in Ashes, they are really discussing greatness under pressure. Scoring a hundred against a traditional rival like England or Australia is never easy, and doing it repeatedly across eras is what separates legends from great players.
In this detailed guide, we break down the records, analyze the top batters, and answer the big question: who has the most hundreds in Ashes?
Who Has the Most Hundreds in Ashes? The Definitive Answer
Without debate, the record holder for the most hundreds in Ashes is Don Bradman.
Bradman scored 19 Test centuries in the Ashes, a record that has stood tall for nearly a century. His dominance against England defined an era and set a benchmark that even modern greats struggle to approach.
ALSO READ: Who has the most consecutive List A centuries?
Top 10 Players With the Most Hundreds in Ashes (All-Time)
Updated on January 6, 2026.
| Rank | Player | Country | Ashes Hundreds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don Bradman | Australia | 19 |
| 2 | Steven Smith | Australia | 13 |
| 3 | Jack Hobbs | England | 12 |
| 4 | Steve Waugh | Australia | 10 |
| 5 | Wally Hammond | England | 9 |
| 6 | David Gower | England | 9 |
| 7 | Arthur Morris | Australia | 8 |
| 8 | Herbert Sutcliffe | England | 8 |
| 9 | Greg Chappell | Australia | 8 |
| 10 | Ricky Ponting | Australia | 8 |
This table clearly shows how exclusive the club of players with the most hundreds in Ashes truly is.
Don Bradman – The Undisputed King of Ashes Centuries
Bradman’s record is not just about numbers. His Ashes average of 89.78 remains one of the most astonishing feats in sports history. Across 37 Ashes Tests, he rewrote what was possible in Test cricket.
Why Bradman stands apart:
- 19 Ashes centuries in fewer matches than most modern players
- Scored runs consistently in both England and Australia
- Dominated multiple generations of bowlers
When people ask who has the most hundreds in Ashes, Bradman’s name defines the answer.
Steve Smith – The Modern-Day Ashes Master
Among contemporary cricketers, Steve Smith is the standout name when discussing the most centuries in Ashes. As of the 2025–26 Ashes series, Smith has 13 Ashes hundreds, second only to Bradman.
Key highlights of Smith’s Ashes career:
- Over 3,600 Ashes runs
- Average above 57 in the series
- Hundreds in both home and away conditions
Smith’s unorthodox technique and mental toughness make him England’s toughest modern opponent. Many experts believe he could further close the gap in the race for the most hundreds in Ashes, though Bradman’s record remains a steep climb.
Jack Hobbs – England’s Finest Ashes Run Machine
Sir Jack Hobbs sits third on the list with 12 centuries, making him England’s top representative in the most hundreds in Ashes debate. Playing in the early 20th century, Hobbs excelled on uncovered pitches and against fierce Australian attacks.
His longevity and consistency ensured England always had a fighting chance during his era.
Steve Waugh & The Australian Golden Generation
Steve Waugh’s 10 Ashes hundreds came during Australia’s most dominant period. Known for his grit and refusal to give in, Waugh’s centuries often arrived when Australia needed them most.
What made Waugh special:
- Big centuries in pressure situations
- Leadership during key Ashes victories
- Consistency across multiple series
He remains a cornerstone name in discussions about the most centuries in Ashes.
England’s Stylish Greats: Wally Hammond and David Gower
Both Wally Hammond and David Gower scored 9 Ashes hundreds each, blending elegance with effectiveness.
- Hammond was powerful and technically sound
- Gower brought grace and timing rarely matched
Their contributions ensured England stayed competitive across eras dominated by Australian bowling strength.
Most Centuries in Ashes by Era
Pre-War Era
- Don Bradman
- Jack Hobbs
- Herbert Sutcliffe
Post-War Era
- Arthur Morris
- Wally Hammond
Modern Era
- Steve Waugh
- Ricky Ponting
- Steven Smith
Each era brings different challenges, yet the prestige of Ashes centuries remains unchanged.
FAQs: Most Hundreds in Ashes
Who has the most hundreds in Ashes history?
Don Bradman holds the record with 19 centuries, the highest tally in Ashes history.
Who has the most centuries in Ashes among active players?
Steven Smith leads active players with 13 Ashes hundreds.
Which England player has the most hundreds in Ashes?
Jack Hobbs tops England’s list with 12 centuries.
Has any modern player come close to Bradman’s Ashes record?
Steven Smith is the closest in the modern era but still trails by six centuries.
How many players have scored 10 or more Ashes centuries?
Only four players: Bradman, Smith, Hobbs, and Steve Waugh.
Why are Ashes centuries considered more valuable?
Because they come under extreme pressure against elite opposition in historic conditions.
The Timeless Prestige of Ashes Hundreds
The debate around the most hundreds in Ashes is ultimately a celebration of cricketing excellence. From Don Bradman’s unmatched dominance to Steven Smith’s modern brilliance, Ashes centuries tell the story of resilience, skill, and rivalry.
As future Ashes series unfold, new heroes may emerge, but the legends who defined this list will forever remain part of cricket’s greatest narrative.
