Top 5 fastest centuries in Test cricket ever
Test cricket is considered to be the toughest format of the game. It tests a batter’s skills, patience, and technique. However, there have been some instances when few batters have activated their T20 mode and have gone berserk with the bat in Test format. On that note, let us look at the five fastest centuries made in Test cricket.
5. David Warner and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (69 balls)
David Warner comes fifth in the list along with West Indies veteran batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Warner took just 69 balls to complete his century against India. He eventually went on to score 180 from 159 deliveries, smashing five sixes and 20 fours in total. Similarly, West Indies veteran Chanderpaul also completed his hundred in 69 balls against Australia in 2003. His innings included 15 fours and two sixes.
4. JM Gregory (67 balls)
Australian veteran batter John Gregory finds himself in the fourth spot. The batter scored 119 runs in that innings blasting 19 fours and two sixes against South Africa at Johannesburg in 1921. He reached the hundred-run mark in just 67 deliveries. His knock put the visitors in a strong position. However, the Proteas eventually went on to save the match.
3. Adam Gilchrist (57 balls)
Wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist was known for his hitting abilities and he finds himself in the third spot in this prestigious list. The left-handed batter scored his hundred in just 57 deliveries against England at Perth in the 2007 Ashes series, which was also the last in his career. The veteran remained unbeaten on 102 from 59 deliveries and hit 12 fours and four sixes.
2. Vivian Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq (56 balls)
Legend batter Vivian Richards and former Pakistani skipper Misbah-ul-Haq are the joint holders for the second spot. Richards made his 56 balls century against England at Antigua in 1986. He remained unbeaten on 110 runs from 58 deliveries. Similarly, Misbah surprised everyone by smashing a 56 ball-hundred against Australia during a Test series in 2014. He remained not out on 101 and hit 11 fours and five sixes.
- Brendon McCullum (54 balls)
New Zealand batter Brendon McCullum holds the record of the fastest Test century. He achieved the landmark against their neighbouring country Australia. It took McCullum just 54 deliveries to reach the triple-figure mark and with that he bettered Sir Viv and Misbah’s record for the fastest Test century. His innings lasted for just 79 balls and he scored 145 runs with 21 fours and six sixes.
