Fastest centuries by openers in Ashes
England’s Bazball style of play has taken the cricketing fraternity by storm as the Ben Stokes-led side has revolutionised the way the longest format of the game is played. However, much before the Bazball era, the cricketing world has seen some explosive batters unleashing their beast mode on the opposition with their breathtaking strokeplay.
The historic Ashes series has also witnessed some quickfire knocks with several greats of the game etching their name in history books with their fiery knocks. As another riveting Ashes series is coming to a close, let’s take a look at the top three fastest centuries by openers in Ashes history:
3. Victor Trumper (95 balls) vs England, 4th Test, Manchester, Ashes 1902
After the Australian captain won the toss and elected to bat first, opener Victor Trumper gave his side the perfect start as the right-handed batter notched up a 95-ball hundred. His innings was studded with 14 fours as he helped Australia post 299 runs in the first innings. Australia further went on to win the game in a thrilling manner by three runs and sealed the series.
2. Zak Crawley (93 balls) vs Australia, 4th Test, Manchester, Ashes 2023
Having bundled out Australia for just 317, England skipper Ben Stokes wanted his side to post a monumental score on a good batting track. Crawley’s quick-fire hundred aided his team’s cause as he reached three figures in just 93 balls.
He went on to score 189 off just 182 balls, clobbering 21 fours and three sixes in his innings. Courtesy of his knock, England replied with a massive 592 in the second innings. However, they could not win the game with the rain playing spoilsport on the last two days of the Test.
1. Joseph Darling (85 balls) vs England, 5th Test, Sydney in 1898
Chasing a target of 275 in the fourth innings, Australia needed one of their opening batters to play a long innings. Joseph Darling delivered the goods for his side as he scored a sensational hundred off just 85 balls. He went on to play a marathon knock of 160, smashing 30 fours in his innings and helped his side chase down the target in just 62.4 overs.
