Top 3 cricketers who finished their careers with a century

Every international cricketer dreams of retiring on a high, but not many get the fairytale ending they often want. Retirement matches are the most emotional occasions of a player’s career, but one still has to give his all in the field for one final time while keeping his thoughts aside.

While some legends bow out quietly, others produce one final masterclass before walking away from the international stage. Only a handful of cricketers have managed to finish their international careers with a century in their farewell match. Here are three iconic players who scripted the perfect ending:

1. Greg Chappell (Australia)

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell enjoyed one of the finest finales in cricket history. In his last international appearance, which was a Test against Pakistan in Sydney in January 1984, Chappell struck a magnificent 182 to steer Australia into a commanding position.

His graceful innings was laced with 17 fours, showing his class for one final time at the international level. His knock laid the foundation for Australia's comprehensive 10-wicket victory, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Chappell concluded his Test career with 7,110 runs in 87 matches, including 24 centuries. In his ODI career, he accumulated 2331 runs from 74 matches, smashing three centuries.

2. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand)

Brendon McCullum had anything but an ordinary farewell. Facing Australia in his final Test in Christchurch in February 2016, the former New Zealand captain played one of the most explosive innings in Test cricket history.

McCullum hammered 145 off just 79 balls, smashing 21 fours and six sixes. During the innings, he raced to his century in just 54 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest Test hundred and surpassing the previous joint record held by Viv Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq.

Although New Zealand lost the match, McCullum's breathtaking innings became one of the most memorable farewell knocks ever played.

3. Alastair Cook (England)

England legend Alastair Cook enjoyed a fitting farewell against India at The Oval in September 2018. After scoring 71 in the first innings, Cook followed it up with a sublime 147 in his final innings in international cricket.

The left-hander struck 14 boundaries and helped England secure a 118-run victory. His contributions across both innings earned him the Player of the Match award.

Cook retired as England's highest Test run-scorer with 12,472 runs from 161 Tests, including 33 centuries.