From Lhuan-dre Pretorius to AB de Villiers: Youngest South African players to hit centuries in Test cricket

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Lhuan-dre Pretorius creates history on Test debut
Lhuan-dre Pretorius: A star in the making
Youngest players to score a Test century for South Africa

South African cricket has a proud tradition of producing prodigious batting talents, but few stories have captured the imagination quite like that of Lhuan-dre Pretorius. On a momentous day in Bulawayo, the 19-year-old left-hander not only announced himself on the international stage with a dazzling century on Test debut against Zimbabwe, but also rewrote the record books, becoming the youngest South African to achieve the coveted feat.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius creates history on Test debut

Pretorius, aged just 19 years and 93 days, strode to the crease with South Africa reeling at a precarious 23 for 3, facing a stern early test. Undaunted by the challenging situation or the enormity of the occasion, he immediately signalled his intent by launching his fourth ball for six, setting an audacious tone for an innings that would be marked by fearless strokeplay and composure far beyond his tender years. He reached his maiden Test half-century off a mere 53 balls, showcasing his aggressive yet controlled approach. The milestone century followed swiftly, arriving in a blistering 112 deliveries – a remarkable achievement that not only secured his place in history but also crowned him the fastest South African to score a century on Test debut, surpassing Stiaan van Zyl’s previous record of 129 balls.

His eventual knock of 153, laced with seven elegant fours and three towering sixes, was the cornerstone of South Africa’s recovery from a precarious 55 for 4 to a position of strength. By the tea break, Pretorius remained unbeaten on 128 off 141 balls, having already left an indelible mark on the match and solidified his name in the annals of South African cricket history.

In achieving his sensational debut ton, Pretorius broke a significant 60-year-old record previously held by the legendary Graeme Pollock, who was 19 years and 317 days old when he scored his maiden Test century in Sydney in 1964. The young Protea also eclipsed Pollock as South Africa’s youngest Test half-centurion, further underlining the sheer magnitude and significance of his achievement. With this outstanding innings, Pretorius became only the seventh South African to score a century on Test debut, joining an elite and exclusive group that includes esteemed names such as Andrew Hudson, Jacques Rudolph, Alviro Petersen, Faf du Plessis, Stiaan van Zyl and Stephen Cook.

Pretorius’s meteoric rise to international prominence has been closely followed by those within South African cricket circles. A product of the prestigious St Stithians College and Cornwall Hill College, he had already showcased his prodigious talent by being South Africa’s leading run-scorer at the 2024 U-19 World Cup. His consistent performances and aggressive style had also impressed in domestic cricket for the Titans. Furthermore, his exploits in the white-ball formats, including a sparkling 97 on T20 franchise debut for the Paarl Royals in January 2025, had firmly marked him as a player to watch, generating considerable buzz. Now, with a Test century on debut, Pretorius has not only justified all the hype but also positioned himself as a potential cornerstone of South Africa’s future batting lineup across all formats.

Also READ: ZIM vs SA – Fans erupts as Lhuan-dre Pretorius scripts history with a brilliant century on his Test debut

Lhuan-dre Pretorius: A star in the making

While Pretorius’s achievement is historic and truly remarkable, he follows in the illustrious footsteps of other South African greats who have made their mark early in their Test careers. Notably, AB de Villiers, widely regarded as one of the most gifted and innovative batsmen of his generation, made his Test debut in December 2004 against England. Although de Villiers did not score a century on debut—managing scores of 28 and 15—he registered his maiden Test hundred just a month later, scoring a magnificent 109 against England at Centurion. De Villiers went on to amass 22 Test centuries throughout his career, including a memorable 217 not out against India, and became one of the most celebrated figures in international cricket. His inspiring journey from a promising debutant to a global superstar serves as a powerful source of inspiration for young talents like Pretorius, highlighting the path to sustained excellence.