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Test cricket is the sport’s longest and most traditional format, symbolizing endurance, skill, and patience. It is played between two teams, each consisting of eleven players, over a maximum of five days. This format is the ultimate test of a cricketer’s mental and physical ability.
A significant milestone in Test cricket is a “century,” which refers to a batsman scoring 100 or more runs in a single innings. Achieving a century is a notable accomplishment in any format, but in Test cricket, it is especially revered because of the patience, technique, and stamina required. The “fastest test century” is a remarkable feat among the many centuries recorded, reflecting a player’s ability to score quickly under immense pressure.
Every cricketer aspires to excel in Test cricket, with batsmen aiming to score as many runs as possible to secure victory for their team. Some players, however, go beyond just winning; they seek to break records and leave a lasting mark on the game. Among the most prestigious achievements is scoring the fastest Test century—an accomplishment that showcases a unique combination of skill, aggression, and precision. The fastest Test century is a record that many cricketers dream of breaking, with only a few having the opportunity to achieve it.
It is a moment celebrated by players and fans alike, marking the player’s name in the history of cricket for the fastest Test century. This record demonstrates technical skill and a fearless approach to the game as players take on the challenge of scoring the fastest Test century against some of the best bowlers in the world.
Here’s a look at some players who have set the record for the fastest Test centuries, demonstrated extraordinary prowess, and rewritten history books with incredible performances.
Read More: The Highest Wicket Taker in Test Cricket: Records and Legends
Thе rеcord for thе fastest Test century in cricket bеlongs to Brеndon McCullum, thе formеr captain of Nеw Zеaland. He scorеd 100 runs off just 54 balls against Australia at Christchurch in 2016. It was his final tеst match bеforе rеtirеmеnt when he brokе Viv Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq’s rеcord of 56 balls. McCullum’s cеntury was also thе fastеst in all forms of intеrnational crickеt.
Brendon McCullum is renowned for his aggressive and explosive batting style, making him one of the world’s most entertaining and dangerous batsmen. His versatility allowed him to excel in any batting position, and his leadership on the field was marked by courage and charisma, inspiring his team to perform at their best.
His record-breaking fastest Test century was a fitting farewell to his illustrious career, showcasing his passion and talent for the game.
In Test cricket, a century is more than a personal achievement; it significantly contributes to the team’s score. A fast century can change the momentum of a match or even a series, giving the team a decisive edge over the opposition. It also boosts the confidence and morale of the batsman and his teammates, earning them respect and admiration from fans and critics alike.
Read More: Fastest 1000 runs in ODI: Achievements and Records
In the 1980s, cricket legend Viv Richards broke Jack Gregory’s long-standing record by scoring a century off just 56 balls in a Test match against England in 1986 at St. John’s, Antigua. This remarkable feat stood as the fastest Test century for 30 years. During this period, only twice did other players come close to challenging Richards’ record, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his achievement.
In November 2014, former Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq, renowned for his composed and steady batting in Test cricket, surprised everyone by altering his playing style during a match’s second innings. He went on to score the fastest Test century at the time. His aggressive approach, which led to him scoring the fastest Test century in just 56 balls, showcased his versatility and ability to adapt.
Misbah’s remarkable feat earned him the title of the fastest Test century and made him a part of the elite group of players who had achieved this rare accomplishment. His record-breaking innings demonstrated how the fastest test century could be scored with a blend of audacity and skill. He scored a century in just 56 balls, equaling the record for the fastest Test century set by Viv Richards in 1986. Misbah’s remarkable achievement showcased his versatility and ability to excel even in high-pressure situations, cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s most adaptable players.
Hеrе is a list with thе top 20 playеrs who scorеd thе fastest test century in cricket, along with thеir scorеs, balls facеd, match vеnuе, opponеnt tеam, and yеar.
Rank | Player | Balls | Venue | Opponent | Year |
1. | Brendon McCullum | 54 | Christchurch | Australia | 2016 |
2. | Viv Richards | 56 | Antigua | England | 1986 |
3. | Misbah-ul-Haq | 56 | Abu Dhabi | Australia | 2014 |
4. | Adam Gilchrist | 57 | Perth | England | 2006 |
5. | Jack Gregory | 67 | Johannesburg | S. Africa | 1921 |
6. | S Chanderpaul | 69 | Georgetown | Australia | 2002 |
7. | David Warner | 69 | Perth | India | 2012 |
8. | Chris Gayle | 70 | Cape Town | S. Africa | 2004 |
9. | Roy Fredericks | 71 | Perth | Australia | 1975 |
10. | Colin Grandhomme | 71 | Wellington | West Indies | 2017 |
11. | Majid Khan | 74 | Karachi | N. Zealand | 1976 |
12. | Kapil Dev | 74 | Kanpur | Sri Lanka | 1986 |
13. | Mohammad Azharuddin | 74 | Kolkata | S. Africa | 1996 |
14. | Brendon McCullum | 74 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
15. | AB de Villiers | 75 | Centurion | India | 2010 |
16. | GL Jessop | 76 | The Oval | India | 2012 |
17. | Brian Lara | 77 | Multan Cricket Stadium | Pakistan | 2006 |
18. | Jonny Bairstow | 77 | New Zealand | Nottingham | 2022 |
19. | Shahid Afridi | 78 | Bridgetown | West Indies | 2004 |
20. | Shahid Afridi | 78 | Lahore | India | 2005 |
Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev jointly hold the record for the fastest Test century by an Indian player. Each achieved this remarkable feat by scoring 100 runs in just 74 balls.
Their achievement resembles a sprinter racing to the finish line at record speed. Azharuddin and Kapil Dev demonstrated exceptional skill, precision, and speed in their batting to reach this milestone. This accomplishment is significant because it’s not easy to score a century so quickly, making it a rare and celebrated record in the history of cricket. Many players strive for it, but only a few succeed, much like being the fastest runner in a race.
Their extraordinary performances made India proud and will be remembered for their outstanding contributions to Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli has achieved something extraordinary in Test cricket by scoring seven centuries, each a significant milestone. One of his most remarkable performances was against Australia in 2014 at Adelaide.
In that match, Kohli reached a century swiftly, amassing 100 runs in 184 balls. This rapid scoring is akin to hitting the ball far and running between the wickets at a blistering pace. His achievement is one of the fastest Test centuries by an Indian captain, highlighting his skill and determination.
What makes this feat even more impressive is that it was Kohli’s debut match as the captain of the Indian team, stepping in for MS Dhoni, who was injured. In his first match as captain, Kohli scored this century, scoring the fastest ever by an Indian captain in Test cricket. This achievement showcased his exceptional talent and made the nation proud of its new leader, Virat Kohli. He has proven himself to be a remarkable cricketer and a true leader on the field.
Cheteshwar Pujara is a dependable batsman for India’s cricket team. He typically bats at the crucial number three position. He has established himself as a solid performer in Test matches, having scored 18 centuries. One of his standout performances came in a game against England in 2016, played in Rajkot.
Pujara scored an impressive 124 runs from 206 balls in that match, marking one of his fastest centuries in Test cricket. This was his ninth century in Test matches and his third against England, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and skilled batsman.
India was in a challenging position then, trailing by 49 runs after the first innings. Pujara’s century was pivotal in turning the game around, helping India level the score. His remarkable effort ensured that the match ended in a draw, which was a commendable result given the circumstances. Pujara’s resilience and determination were key to India’s performance in that game.
Rishabh Pant is a dynamic and exciting young talent in the Indian cricket team, known for his impressive wicketkeeping and powerful batting. In the highly challenging format of Test cricket, Pant has already scored three centuries. One of his most remarkable achievements came in 2021, when he scored a blistering century against England, reaching 101 runs in just 89 balls.
This was one of his fastest centuries and a significant milestone as he achieved it on home soil in India. His quick century was notable as it matched the pace of another fast century by an Indian player in Test cricket. Moreover, it became the fastest century ever scored by a wicketkeeper in Test cricket, showcasing Pant’s exceptional talent and flair. His performances have won him many fans, and he remains a standout player for India on the cricket field.
Test cricket is traditionally known for its slow and methodical approach, but some players have broken the mold with rapid centuries. Here’s a look at some of the fastest Test centuries based on the minutes taken to reach the milestone:
These instances highlight how particular batsmen have defied traditional expectations of Test cricket’s slow pace, achieving remarkable feats of scoring speed.
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Scoring a double century in Test cricket is a significant achievement, showcasing a player’s exceptional skill, concentration, and stamina. Unlike limited-overs formats, Test cricket can last up to five days, making reaching 200 runs in a single innings particularly impressive. Achieving the fastest double century adds another layer of prestige, demonstrating the ability to maintain focus over a long period and accelerate scoring efficiently. This accomplishment is akin to hitting multiple home runs in baseball or scoring several touchdowns in American football, highlighting a player’s prowess and endurance in one of the most demanding formats of the game.
These players not only reached 200 runs but did so in the shortest amount of time, which is incredibly impressive. They faced the cricket balls and bowlers with determination and power.
Here are their names, the scores they achieved, the number of balls they faced, where the match was played, the opposing team, and the year it happened:
A triple century in cricket is when a batsman scores 300 runs or more in a single innings. This remarkable and rare feat is incredibly challenging in Test cricket, the most extended and demanding game format. Achieving a triple century requires exceptional skill, physical endurance, and mental resilience.
Here are the top five players who have scored the fastest triple centuries in test cricket, reaching the 300-run mark in the fewest number of balls faced:
Test cricket’s quest for the fastest centuries has produced unforgettable moments etched in cricketing history. Brendon McCullum’s explosive farewell innings are a testament to his aggressive batting style and charismatic leadership. As we delve into the realm of the fastest centuries, we also celebrate the remarkable achievements of Indian stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and the young sensation Rishabh Pant.
The journey extends into the rarefied territory of double and triple centuries, with players such as Nathan Astle, Brendon McCullum, and the legendary Don Bradman making indelible marks. These records highlight individual brilliance and shape the narrative of exhilarating Test cricket, where skill, patience, and endurance converge to create moments that transcend the boundaries of time.
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Mudassar Nazar from Pakistan holds the record for the slowest century in Test cricket history. He reached his century in 557 minutes (over 9 hours) against England in Lahore in 1977.
Donald Bradman (Australia), Brian Lara (West Indies), Virender Sehwag (India), and Chris Gayle (West Indies) are the only batsmen to score 300 or more runs on multiple occasions.
AB de Villiers from South Africa holds the record for the fastest century in One Day International (ODI) cricket history. He accomplished this feat in just 31 balls against West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015.
In August 2017, Hardik Pandya destroyed Sri Lanka at Pallekele Cricket Stadium with an 86-ball century.
The record for the fastest Test century is held by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum, who scored 100 runs off 54 balls in his final Test match. With the increase in Test matches today, modern players dominate the aggregate lists.
Ben Stokes became the fastest English Test century scorer. In just 85 balls, he reached this milestone in the 2015 Lord’s match against New Zealand.
The fastest century in T20 cricket was scored by Chris Gayle, who reached 100 runs off just 30 balls against India in the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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