Fastest Test centuries for England
Jonny Bairstow tore down the New Zealand bowling attack in the 2nd Test played at Trent Bridge, Headingley. The English side completed the chase of 299 runs with ease after the batter had completed a miraculous century. Bairstow needed only 77 deliveries to bring up his ton against the Black Caps. His effort ranks 2nd fastest in England’s vast Test history. Here are the top five.
5. Ian Botham – 86 balls
The 1981 Ashes series is often dubbed as Botham’s Ashes. The English legend produced sensational all-round performances as England made an incredulous return in the series. In the 5th Test played in Manchester, England secured a lead of 101 runs. In the third innings of the Test, they were 104/5 and in a spot of bother. Botham swung the game around with an 86-ball century. His eventual 118 helped his side set a target of 506 runs and win the game by 103 runs.
4. Ian Botham – 86 balls
Ian Botham has another 86-ball ton in his name and it occurred in the same series slightly earlier. In Headingley, England were trailing in the series 0-1. Another defeat loomed large when they were asked to follow on. At 135/7, there was scarcely any hope left. But Botham revived his nation. His 86-ball ton bewildered the Australians. Botham’s 149* off 148 balls saw England winning by 18 runs after conceding the follow-on.
3. Ben Stokes – 85 balls
England began the 2015 summer with a Test series against New Zealand. At Lord’s, the home team trailed by 134 runs after the first innings. Alastair Cook’s 162 saw them staging a revival. Ben Stokes’ fiery 100 off 85 balls put them in the ascendency. The all-rounder had already posted 92 in the first knock. If that wasn’t enough, Stokes pulverised New Zealand with a spell of 3/38. England won by 124 runs.
2. Jonny Bairstow – 77 balls
On 14th June 2022, New Zealand set England a daunting challenge of scoring 299 runs in 72 overs at Nottingham. At tea, England had amassed 139/4 with a further 160 required. However, what no one saw coming was the unprecedented attack from Jonny Bairstow. The batter laid into the NZ attack and sent them to all corners of Trent Bridge. He fell on 136 off 92 which included 7 sixes and 14 fours. England completed the chase in only 50 overs.
1. Gilbert Jessop – 76 balls
Back in 1902, England faced Australia in the 5th Test at The Oval. Australia kicked off the game with 324 runs in their first innings but both sides struggled with the bat in their next two outings. England, who needed 263 runs to win, were 5/48 at one stage. Gilbert Jessop, batting at number 7, took the mantle of hunting down the run chase. His century required only 76 balls as England pulled off a 1-wicket victory.
