Fastest Test Century: Top 20 Players Who Made History

What is Test Cricket?

Test cricket is the longest and most traditional format of the sport, 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 widely regarded as the ultimate test of a cricketer’s ability, both mentally and physically.

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. Among the many centuries recorded, the “fastest Test century” stands out as a remarkable feat, reflecting a player’s ability to score quickly under immense pressure.

The Fastest Test Century in Cricket

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 aim to break records and leave a lasting mark on the game. Among the most prestigious achievements is scoring the fastest century in Test cricket—an accomplishment that showcases a unique combination of skill, aggression, and precision.

Here’s a look at some of the players who have set the record for the fastest Test centuries, demonstrating extraordinary prowess and rewriting history books with their incredible performances.

Read More: The Highest Wicket Taker in Test Cricket: Records and Legends

Fastest Test Century: Brendon McCullum

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 hе 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.

Brеndon McCullum Batting Naturе

Brendon McCullum is renowned for his aggressive and explosive batting style, making him one of the most entertaining and dangerous batsmen in the world. 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 just a personal achievement; it’s a significant contribution 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 both 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

Fastest Test Century: Viv Richards

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 an impressive 30 years. During this period, only twice did other players come close to challenging Richards’ record, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his achievement.

Fastest Test Century: Misbah-ul-Haq

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 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.

Fastest Test Century in Cricket: Top 20 Players

Hеrе is a tablе 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

Fastest Test Century: Indian Players

Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev jointly hold the record for the fastest Test century by an Indian player, each achieving this remarkable feat by scoring 100 runs in just 74 balls.

Their achievement is akin to 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 they will be remembered for their outstanding contributions to Indian cricket.

1. Fastest Test Century: Virat Kohli

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 just 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 made history by scoring this century, marking the fastest ever by an Indian captain in Test cricket. This achievement not only showcased his exceptional talent but also made the entire nation proud of their new leader, Virat Kohli. He has proven himself to be a remarkable cricketer and a true leader on the field.

2. Fastest Test Century: Chеtеshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara is a dependable batsman for India’s cricket team, typically batting at the crucial number three position. He has established himself as a solid performer in Test matches, having scored 18 centuries to date. One of his standout performances came in a match against England in 2016, played in Rajkot.

In that match, Pujara scored an impressive 124 runs from 206 balls, 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.

At the time, India was in a challenging position, trailing by 49 runs after the first innings. Pujara’s century played a pivotal role 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.

3. Fastest Test Century: Rishabh Pant

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 not only one of his fastest centuries but also 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 continues to be a standout player for India on the cricket field.

Fastest Test Century: Top Cricket Centuries Scored in the Shortest Time (by Minutes)

Test cricket is traditionally known for its slow and methodical approach, but some players have broken the mold with remarkably quick centuries. Here’s a look at some of the fastest Test centuries based on the minutes taken to reach the milestone:

• Jack Gregory’s Whirlwind Knock (70 minutes): In 1922, Australian batsman Jack Gregory made history with a lightning-fast century against South Africa in Johannesburg. He reached his hundred in just 70 minutes, setting a record that has endured for decades. Gregory’s rapid scoring was a testament to his aggressive batting style and skill.
  
• Misbah’s Masterful Assault (74 minutes): Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq showcased his explosive batting ability during the 2014/15 series against Australia in Abu Dhabi. He reached his century in a brisk 74 minutes, demonstrating his knack for seizing the moment and accelerating the scoring when required.
  
• Gilbert Jessop’s Early Burst (77 minutes): In 1902, English batsman Gilbert Jessop achieved a century in 77 minutes against Australia at The Oval. Although the records from that time might be ambiguous, it’s believed that Jessop’s rapid scoring included a series of boundaries, reflecting the early days of aggressive Test batting.

These instances highlight how certain batsmen have defied traditional expectations of Test cricket’s slow pace, achieving remarkable feats of scoring speed.

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Fastеst Doublе Cеntury in Tеst Cricket

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 the feat of reaching 200 runs in a single innings particularly impressive. Achieving the fastest double century adds another layer of prestige, demonstrating not only the ability to maintain focus over a long period but also to 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.

Fastеst Doublе Cеnturiеs in Tеst Crickеt: Top 5 Players

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:

1. Nathan Astlе: In 2002, Nathan Astle scored 222 runs off just 153 balls in a Test match against England in Christchurch. His aggressive batting and rapid scoring set a high standard for achieving double centuries quickly.
2. Bеn Stokеs: Ben Stokes made headlines in 2016 with an extraordinary innings of 258 runs from 198 balls against South Africa in Cape Town. His remarkable performance demonstrated his ability to score quickly under pressure.
3. Virеndеr Sеhwag: Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag reached a double century with a stunning 254 runs off 247 balls in a match against Pakistan in Lahore in 2006. His dynamic and aggressive approach to batting made this achievement particularly noteworthy.
4. Brеndon McCullum: In 2014, Brendon McCullum etched his name in the record books by scoring 302 runs off 559 balls against India in Wellington. This innings was not only a double century but also a triple century, showcasing his exceptional skill and endurance.
5. Ian Botham: In 1982, Ian Botham scored 208 runs from 226 balls in a Test match against India at The Oval. Although not the highest score on the list, his speed in reaching a double century was impressive and highlighted his aggressive batting style.

Fastеst Triplе Cеntury in Tеst Cricket

A triple century in cricket is when a batsman scores 300 runs or more in a single innings. This remarkable and rare feat is especially challenging in Test cricket, the longest and most demanding format of the game. 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:

1. Virеndеr Sеhwag: In 2008, Virender Sehwag scored an astonishing 319 runs off just 304 balls. This incredible achievement took place in Chennai during a match between India and South Africa.
2. Chris Gaylе: Chris Gayle reached his triple century in 2005, scoring 317 runs from 483 balls in a match against South Africa in Antigua. His explosive batting made this innings stand out.
3. Matthеw Haydеn: Matthew Hayden delivered a memorable performance in 2003, scoring an outstanding 380 runs off 437 balls against Zimbabwe in Perth. His innings remains one of the most prolific in Test history.
4. Brian Lara: Brian Lara set a historic record in 2004 by scoring an unbeaten 400 runs from 582 balls. This remarkable feat occurred in a match against England in Antigua, cementing his place as one of the game’s greats.
5. Don Bradman: The legendary Don Bradman achieved a triple century in 1930, scoring 334 runs off 448 balls against England in Leeds. His innings is still celebrated as one of the greatest in cricket history.

Fastest Test Century: Conclusion

In the world of Test cricket, the quest for the fastest centuries has produced unforgettable moments etched in cricketing history. Brendon McCullum’s explosive farewell innings stands as 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 not only highlight individual brilliance but also 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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