Top 25 Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket History

Test cricket has witnessed numerous remarkable batting feats, with blazing centuries standing out as some of the most thrilling displays of skill and aggression. This article highlights the top 25 fastest centuries in Test history, ranked by balls faced, from Brendon McCullum to Sarfraz Ahmed.

Top 25 Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket History

1.Brendon McCullum (54 balls)

McCullum holds the record for the fastest Test century, achieved against Australia in 2015/16. His aggressive 145 off 79 balls in Christchurch remains iconic.

2.Viv Richards (56 balls)

Richards' century against England in 1985/86 was a testament to his dominance, where he scored 110 with elegance and aggression.

3.Misbah-ul-Haq (56 balls)

Misbah equaled Richards' record in 2014/15, smashing Australia with a mix of calm precision and explosive hitting.

4.Adam Gilchrist (57 balls)

The Australian wicketkeeper-batter showcased his firepower against England in Perth during the 2006/07 Ashes.

5.Jack Gregory (67 balls)

Gregory's innings in 1921/22 is one of the earliest examples of aggressive Test cricket batting.

6.Shivnarine Chanderpaul (69 balls)

Known for his resilience, Chanderpaul shocked fans with a rare aggressive century against Australia in 2002/03.

7.David Warner (69 balls)

Warner's fearless approach in 2011/12 against India highlighted his potential as an opener.

8.Chris Gayle (70 balls)

The 'Universe Boss' hammered Australia in Perth with his signature powerful strokes in 2009/10.

9.Roy Fredericks (71 balls)

Fredericks' attacking play against Australia in 1975/76 was a milestone in West Indies cricket history.

10.Colin de Grandhomme (71 balls)

The New Zealand all-rounder stunned the West Indies in 2017/18 with an electrifying innings in Wellington.

11.Majid Khan (74 balls)

Majid Khan's knock in Karachi against New Zealand in 1976/77 showcased his adaptability.

12.Mohammad Azharuddin (74 balls)

Azharuddin's masterclass in Calcutta against South Africa in 1996/97 highlighted his timing and precision.

13.Brendon McCullum (74 balls)

McCullum's second entry came against Sri Lanka in 2014/15, displaying his unmatched aggressive flair.

14.AB de Villiers (75 balls)

The South African maestro smashed India in Centurion during the 2010/11 series with innovative and rapid scoring.

15.Gilbert Jessop (76 balls)

Jessop's century in 1902 remains one of the oldest and fastest innings in Test cricket's rich history.

Conclusion

Fast centuries in Test cricket redefine the boundaries of traditional formats. The 2024/25 season has continued to celebrate these milestones, with several players like Harry Brook and Tom Blundell making their mark. As Test cricket evolves, these rapid knocks provide unparalleled excitement.

QATs

Q: Who has the fastest 100 in cricket history?

A: Brendon McCullum scored the fastest Test century in just 54 balls.

Q: What is Virat Kohli's fastest century?

A: Virat Kohli's fastest Test century came off 92 balls against Australia in Adelaide (2014).

Q: Who holds the fastest century by an Indian batsman?

A: Virender Sehwag's 78-ball century against the West Indies in Gros Islet (2006) is the fastest by an Indian.