Top 20 Fastest Century In Test Cricket History (2024 List)

Test cricket, often seen as the pinnacle of the sport, is known for its grueling nature and demand for patience. However, some batsmen have turned this notion on its head with their explosive batting, scoring centuries at breakneck speeds. 

In this article, we’ll explore the fastest centuries in Test cricket history, looking at the top 20 quickest tons and diving deeper into the top 10 remarkable innings that rewrote the record books.

Fastest Century In Test Cricket

The concept of a fast century in Test cricket has evolved over the years. What was once considered rapid scoring is now commonplace in the modern era. Let’s take a look at the 20 fastest centuries in Test cricket history:

Rank	Player	Balls	Team	Against	Venue	Year
1	Brendon McCullum	54	New Zealand	Australia	Christchurch	2016
2	Viv Richards	56	West Indies	England	St John’s	1986
3	Misbah-ul-Haq	56	Pakistan	Australia	Abu Dhabi	2014
4	Adam Gilchrist	57	Australia	England	Perth	2006
5	Jack Gregory	67	Australia	South Africa	Johannesburg	1921
6	Shivnarine Chanderpaul	69	West Indies	Australia	Georgetown	2003
7	David Warner	69	Australia	India	Perth	2012
8	Chris Gayle	70	West Indies	Australia	Perth	2009
9	Roy Fredericks	71	West Indies	Australia	Perth	1975
10	Colin de Grandhomme	71	New Zealand	West Indies	Wellington	2017
11	Majid Khan	74	Pakistan	New Zealand	Karachi	1976
12	Mohammad Azharuddin	74	India	South Africa	Kolkata	1996
13	Brendon McCullum	74	New Zealand	Sri Lanka	Christchurch	2014
14	AB de Villiers	75	South Africa	India	Centurion	2010
15	Gilbert Jessop	76	England	Australia	The Oval	1902
16	Brian Lara	77	West Indies	Pakistan	Multan	2006
17	Jonny Bairstow	77	England	New Zealand	Nottingham	2022
18	Shahid Afridi	78	Pakistan	West Indies	Bridgetown	2005
19	Shahid Afridi	78	Pakistan	India	Lahore	2006
20	Virender Sehwag	78	India	West Indies	Gros Islet	2006

Now, let’s delve into the top 10 fastest centuries in more detail:

1. Brendon McCullum (54 balls)

In his final Test match, Brendon McCullum saved his best for last. Playing against Australia in Christchurch in 2016, McCullum smashed the fastest Test century off just 54 balls. He went on to score 145 runs from 79 deliveries, hitting 21 fours and 6 sixes. 

This explosive innings was a fitting farewell to a player known for his aggressive style and ability to change the game in a matter of overs.

2. Viv Richards (56 balls)

The “Master Blaster” Viv Richards held the record for the fastest Test century for 30 years. Playing against England in St John’s, Antigua in 1986, Richards reached his hundred in just 56 balls. 

His knock was a display of pure dominance as he took apart the English bowling attack with his trademark power and timing. Richards’ innings set a benchmark that stood for three decades.

3. Misbah-ul-Haq (56 balls)

Misbah-ul-Haq, known more for his calm demeanor, surprised everyone with his blistering century against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014. 

Equaling Viv Richards’ record, Misbah reached his hundred in 56 balls. His innings showcased a different side of his batting, proving that he could accelerate when needed. This knock came in the second innings, adding to its significance.

4. Adam Gilchrist (57 balls)

Adam Gilchrist, one of cricket’s greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen, scored a breathtaking century off 57 balls against England in Perth during the 2006 Ashes series. 

Gilchrist’s innings of 102 not out came from just 59 deliveries and included 12 fours and 4 sixes. This knock was particularly remarkable as it came after he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings.

5. Jack Gregory (67 balls)

Jack Gregory’s 67-ball century against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1921 was a record that stood for an astonishing 65 years. 

Playing in an era when quick scoring was rare, Gregory’s innings was truly ahead of its time. He went on to score 119 runs in just 85 minutes of batting, showcasing his attacking prowess in an age of more defensive cricket.

6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (69 balls)

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, often known for his patient batting, showed his versatility with a 69-ball century against Australia in Georgetown in 2003. 

Coming in at a precarious situation with his team at 53/5, Chanderpaul’s counter-attacking innings helped West Indies cross the 200-run mark. His knock of 100 off 72 balls included 15 fours and 2 sixes.

7. David Warner (69 balls)

David Warner’s aggressive style found its peak expression when he scored a 69-ball century against India in Perth in 2012. 

Warner’s innings of 180 from 159 balls set the tone for Australia’s dominance in the match. His knock, filled with 20 fours and 5 sixes, showcased his ability to score quickly, even in the longest format of the game.

8. Chris Gayle (70 balls)

Chris Gayle, renowned for his T20 exploits, brought his aggressive style to Test cricket with a 70-ball century against Australia in Perth in 2009. 

Gayle’s innings of 102 from 72 balls was a lone warrior effort for the West Indies. He hit 9 fours and 6 sixes in this whirlwind knock, proving his ability to dominate in all formats of the game.

9. Roy Fredericks (71 balls)

Roy Fredericks’ 71-ball century against Australia at the WACA in Perth in 1975 was one of the defining innings of his career. 

Fredericks went on to score 169 from just 145 balls, hitting 27 fours and a six. His aggressive approach against the fearsome Australian bowling attack of that era made this innings particularly special.

10. Colin de Grandhomme (71 balls)

Rounding out the top 10 is Colin de Grandhomme’s 71-ball century against the West Indies in Wellington in 2017. 

Batting at number 7, de Grandhomme’s knock of 105 from 74 balls included 11 fours and 3 sixes. This inning highlighted his all-around capabilities and his ability to change the course of a match quickly.

Also Read This:

• Fastest Century In T20
• Fastest Century In ODI

Conclusion: Brendon McCullum Holds The Record Of The Fastest Century In Test Cricket

These fastest centuries in Test cricket history showcase the evolution of the game. From Jack Gregory’s ahead-of-its-time innings in 1921 to Brendon McCullum’s record-breaking farewell in 2016, these knocks have redefined what’s possible in Test cricket. 

They remind us that while Test cricket is often about patience and endurance, it can also produce moments of breathtaking, fast-paced brilliance. As the game continues to evolve, we can only wonder if these records will stand or if future batsmen will push the boundaries even further.