The Fastest Test Cricket Century: Look at the Top 10  

Test cricket is known for its long format and strategic play, but some batsmen have changed the game by scoring centuries at an unbelievable pace. Achieving the fastest test cricket century is a remarkable feat that requires skill, power, and accuracy. Over the years, players have pushed the limits, smashing records and setting new benchmarks.

This article explores the fastest test century in test cricket, highlighting the top 10 players who reached their 100 in the fewest balls. We will also look at records like the fastest double century in test cricket, the slowest century in test cricket, and the fastest triple century in test cricket.

What Defines the Fastest Test Cricket Century?  

A century in Test cricket is generally achieved through patience and calculated risks. However, some batsmen have transformed the format by reaching hundreds in record time. The fastest test cricket century is determined by the number of balls faced rather than the time taken. In some cases, these quick centuries have come in crucial matches, shifting momentum toward the batting team.

Top 10 Fastest Test Cricket Centuries  

Rank	Player	Balls Faced	Match	Year
1	Brendon McCullum	54	New Zealand vs. Australia	2016
2	Viv Richards	56	West Indies vs. England	1986
3	Misbah-ul-Haq	56	Pakistan vs. Australia	2014
4	Adam Gilchrist	57	Australia vs. England	2006
5	Jack Gregory	67	Australia vs. South Africa	1921
6	Shivnarine Chanderpaul	69	West Indies vs. Australia	2002
7	David Warner	69	Australia vs. India	2012
8	Chris Gayle	70	West Indies vs. Australia	2009
9	Roy Fredericks	71	West Indies vs. Australia	1975
10	Colin de Grandhomme	71	New Zealand vs. West Indies	2017

1. Brendon McCullum (54 Balls) – New Zealand vs. Australia (2016)  

• Brendon McCullum holds the record for the fastest test cricket century, scoring it in just 54 balls.
• This incredible feat came in his farewell Test match against Australia in Christchurch.
• His explosive innings included 21 fours and 6 sixes, making it one of the most entertaining knocks in Test history.

2. Viv Richards (56 Balls) – West Indies vs. England (1986)  

• Viv Richards, regarded as one of the finest batsmen in history, overpowered the English bowling attack in Antigua.
• He reached his century in 56 balls, holding the record for nearly 30 years before McCullum reached it.
• His aggressive style changed how batting was approached in Test cricket.

3. Misbah-ul-Haq (56 Balls) – Pakistan vs. Australia (2014)  

• Misbah-ul-Haq, usually known for his calm and steady approach, stunned everyone with a blazing century off just 56 balls against Australia.
• He matched Viv Richards’ iconic record, smashing boundaries to every corner of the ground with incredible flair.
• His century helped Pakistan secure a dominant position in the match.

4. Adam Gilchrist (57 Balls) – Australia vs. England (2006)  

• Adam Gilchrist, a legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, reached his hundred in 57 balls during the Ashes.
• His knock was filled with powerful strokes, showcasing his natural attacking game.
• This innings helped Australia dominate the Test series.

5. Jack Gregory (67 Balls) – Australia vs. South Africa (1921)  

• 1921, Jack Gregory stunned the world with a 67-ball century against South Africa.
• This knock was ahead of time, as bold batting was rare in early Test cricket.

6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (69 Balls) – West Indies vs. Australia (2002)  

• Known for his unique batting style, Shivnarine Chanderpaul played an unexpectedly attacking innings against Australia.
• His 69-ball century remains one of the fastest by a West Indian batsman.

7. David Warner (69 Balls) – Australia vs. India (2012) 

• David Warner, an explosive opener, scored a 69-ball century against India, proving his attacking intent in all formats.
• His innings put huge pressure on the Indian bowling attack.

8. Chris Gayle (70 Balls) – West Indies vs. Australia (2009)  

• Chris Gayle, one of the hardest hitters in cricket, smashed a 70-ball century against Australia.
• His ability to clear boundaries with ease made this innings unforgettable.

9. Roy Fredericks (71 Balls) – West Indies vs. Australia (1975)  

• Roy Fredericks played a 71-ball century against Australia, marking one of the fastest Test centuries of his time.
• His aggressive stroke play helped West Indies take charge in the match.

10. Colin de Grandhomme (71 Balls) – New Zealand vs. West Indies (2017)  

• Colin de Grandhomme surprised everyone with a 71-ball century against West Indies.
• His aggressive approach ensured New Zealand dominated the game.

Fastest Double Century in Test Cricket  

Reaching 200 runs in a Test match is difficult, but some players have done it in record time. The fastest double century in Test cricket was achieved by Nathan Astle(New Zealand), who took only 153 balls to reach 200 runs against England in 2002.

Slowest Century in Test Cricket  

While some players have scored at lightning speed, others have taken a more defensive approach. The slowest century in test cricket was scored by Mudassar Nazar(Pakistan), who took 557 minutes and 419 balls to reach 100 runs against England in 1977.

Fastest Triple Century in Test Cricket  

Virender Sehwag‘s 2008 masterpiece still gives me goosebumps! He achieved the fastest triple century in Test cricket, reaching 300 runs in just 278 balls against South Africa. Sehwag’s daredevil approach and challenging stroke play made this innings an iconic moment in cricket legend.

Conclusion  

The records for the fastest test cricket century show how Test cricket has developed over the years. Players like Brendon McCullum, Viv Richards, and Adam Gilchrist changed the game with aggressive batting. While traditional Test cricket values patience, these innings prove that attacking play can make a huge impact.

The game continues to grow, and it’s only a matter of time before someone breaks these records. Who do you think will score the next fastest test cricket century? Let us know your thoughts! Keep exploring cricket’s incredible moments—head to our website, Spin and Swing!

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