10 slowest centuries in Test history by minutes played

#2 Gary Kirsten 275 in 878 minutes against England at Durban, 1999

Gary Kirsten was the first South African to hit a double-hundred

The Boxing Day Test in 1999 at Durban between South Africa and England, turned into a bit of a nightmare for the hosts after they had been shot out for 156 in their response to the visitors' first innings score of 366.

Having conceded a lead of 210, an innings defeat loomed large, after England enforced the follow-on and that is when their opener Gary Kirsten played one of the truly great match-saving innings in modern cricket history.

He eschewed almost all strokes and prioritized crease occupation over anything else, as South Africa started their task of batting for just over two days. Kirsten batted for two whole days and a bit more on the 3rd evening to become the first South African to score a double hundred.

The left-hander hit 26 boundaries and stayed at the crease for 878 minutes to score 275 runs. He faced 642 deliveries alone and by the time he was out in the 210th over, the teams shook hands and the match ended in a draw.