Top 50 Fastest Hundred in Test Cricket History (2025 Full List)

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Fastest Hundred in Test Cricket: Test cricket is known for being slow and all about patience. But some players don’t follow the usual rules. They come out swinging, playing fearless shots, and suddenly change the whole game. Scoring the Fastest Hundred in Test Cricket isn’t just about hitting the ball hard — it’s about confidence, timing, and taking risks when others play safe.

Players like Brendon McCullum turned this idea on its head when he smashed a century in just 54 balls against Australia in 2016, setting the record for the fastest Test hundred. Then there’s Viv Richards, who, in 1986, scored a blistering century in 56 balls against England, showing that quick runs could come in even the toughest conditions. And don’t forget Misbah-ul-Haq, who famously reached 100 in just 56 balls against Sri Lanka in 2014. These players didn’t just score fast—they made Test cricket a lot more exciting, proving that speed and skill can go hand in hand in the longest format of the game.

Top Fastest Hundred in Test Cricket(2025 Full List)

Scoring a 100 in Test cricket is a remarkable feat, but achieving the fastest century in Test format takes that accomplishment to an entirely new level. It reflects not only a player’s attacking intent but also their ability to shift the momentum of a match in record time. The fastest hundred in Test cricket is a rare blend of power, precision, and fearless batting under pressure. Below is a table showcasing some of the most explosive innings in Test history, ranked by balls faced to reach the century milestone.

Top 50+ Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket

S.No.	Player Name	Country	Balls	Against	Venue	Date
1	Brendon McCullum	New Zealand	54	Australia	Christchurch	Feb 20, 2016
2	Viv Richards	West Indies	56	England	St John’s	Apr 15, 1986
3	Misbah-ul-Haq	Pakistan	56	Australia	Abu Dhabi	Nov 2, 2014
4	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	57	England	Perth	Dec 16, 2006
5	Jack Gregory	Australia	67	South Africa	Johannesburg	Nov 12, 1921
6	Shivnarine Chanderpaul	West Indies	69	Australia	Georgetown	Apr 10, 2003
7	David Warner	Australia	69	India	Perth	Jan 13, 2012
8	Chris Gayle	West Indies	70	Australia	Perth	Dec 16, 2009
9	Roy Fredericks	West Indies	71	Australia	Perth	Dec 12, 1975
10	Colin de Grandhomme	New Zealand	71	West Indies	Wellington	Dec 1, 2017
11	Majid Khan	Pakistan	74	New Zealand	Karachi	Oct 30, 1976
12	Mohammad Azharuddin	India	74	South Africa	Kolkata	Nov 27, 1996
13	Brendon McCullum	New Zealand	74	Sri Lanka	Christchurch	Dec 26, 2014
14	Kapil Dev	India	74	Sri Lanka	Kanpur	Dec 1986
15	AB de Villiers	South Africa	75	India	Centurion	Dec 16, 2010
16	Gilbert Jessop	England	76	Australia	The Oval	Aug 11, 1902
17	Brian Lara	West Indies	77	Pakistan	Multan	Nov 29, 2006
18	Jonny Bairstow	England	77	New Zealand	Nottingham	Jun 14, 2022
19	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	78	West Indies	Bridgetown	May 26, 2005
20	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	78	India	Lahore	Jan 13, 2006
21	Virender Sehwag	India	78	West Indies	Gros Islet	Jun 10, 2006
22	Brendon McCullum	New Zealand	78	Pakistan	Sharjah	Nov 26, 2014
23	David Warner	Australia	78	Pakistan	Sydney	Jan 3, 2017
24	Chris Gayle	West Indies	79	South Africa	Cape Town	Jan 2, 2004
25	Chris Gayle	West Indies	80	England	The Oval	Jul 22, 2004
26	Sarfraz Ahmed	Pakistan	80	Australia	Dubai	Oct 22, 2014
27	Harry Brook	England	80	Pakistan	Rawalpindi	Dec 1, 2022
28	Mahela Jayawardene	Sri Lanka	81	Bangladesh	Colombo	Sep 6, 2001
29	Kamran Akmal	Pakistan	81	India	Lahore	Jan 13, 2006
30	Ross Taylor	New Zealand	81	Australia	Hamilton	Mar 27, 2010
31	Brian Lara	West Indies	82	Australia	St John’s	Mar 27, 1999
32	Daniel Vettori	New Zealand	82	Zimbabwe	Harare	Aug 7, 2005
33	David Warner	Australia	82	West Indies	Sydney	Jan 3, 2016
34	Bruce Taylor	New Zealand	82	West Indies	Auckland	Mar 6, 1969
35	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	84	India	Mumbai	Nov 3, 2001
36	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	84	Zimbabwe	Perth	Oct 9, 2003
37	Matthew Hayden	Australia	84	Zimbabwe	Sydney	Oct 17, 2003
38	Clive Lloyd	West Indies	85	India	Bangalore	Nov 22, 1974
39	Joe Darling	Australia	85	England	Sydney	Feb 1, 1898
40	Shikhar Dhawan	India	85	Australia	Mohali	Mar 16, 2013
41	Ben Stokes	England	85	New Zealand	Lord’s	May 21, 2015
42	Ian Botham	England	86	Australia	Leeds	Jul 18, 1981
43	Ian Botham	England	86	Australia	Manchester	Aug 6, 1981
44	Kapil Dev	India	86	England	Kanpur	Dec 17, 1981
45	Chris Cairns	New Zealand	86	Zimbabwe	Bulawayo	Sep 25, 1999
46	Wasim Akram	Pakistan	86	Sri Lanka	Sheikhupura	Oct 17, 1996
47	Adam Gilchrist	Australia	86	New Zealand	Wellington	Mar 18, 2000
48	Mitchell Johnson	Australia	86	South Africa	Cape Town	Mar 1, 2009
49	Hardik Pandya	India	86	Sri Lanka	Pallekele	Aug 12, 2017
50	Zak Crawley	England	86	Pakistan	Rawalpindi	Dec 1, 2022
51	Virender Sehwag	India	87	Sri Lanka	Galle	Jul 31, 2008

Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 15 fastest 100 in Test cricket history.

1. Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum set the record for the fastest century in Test cricket, reaching 100 runs in only 54 balls. He achieved this incredible feat against Australia in Christchurch during his last Test match in 2016.

Known for his aggressive batting, McCullum played fearlessly from the start, hitting 21 fours and 6 sixes. His quick-fire century helped New Zealand fight back in the game and made his farewell match truly unforgettable.

This innings broke the previous record of 56 balls and showed why McCullum is one of the most exciting players in Test cricket history.

Brendon McCullum – Test Cricket Achievements

1. Fastest Century in Test Cricket

Scored a century in just 54 balls vs Australia in Christchurch, 2016.
Holds the record for the fastest hundred in Test history.

2. First New Zealander to Score a Triple Century in Tests

Scored 302 runs vs India at Wellington in 2014.
Remains the highest individual Test score by any New Zealand player.

3. Only Player to Score a Century in Both Debut and Farewell Test

Test debut: 2004 vs South Africa – scored 57*.
Final Test: 2016 vs Australia – scored a rapid 145 off 79 balls.

4. Most Test Centuries for New Zealand (Until 2023)

Scored 12 Test centuries in his career.
Known for aggressive batting, many of his centuries came at crucial moments.

5. Most Sixes in Test Cricket (At Time of Retirement)

Hit 107 sixes in Test matches.
Set a world record for most sixes in Test cricket during his career (now surpassed).

2. Viv Richards

Before McCullum, the record for the fastest hundred in Test cricket belonged to Sir Viv Richards, who scored a century in just 56 balls against England in 1986 at St John’s, Antigua.

Richards was known for his fearless style and powerful shots. In this match, he completely dominated the bowlers, hitting boundaries all over the ground. His aggressive batting helped West Indies post a big score and win the match easily.

This innings is still remembered as one of the most entertaining and powerful knocks in Test cricket. Viv Richards proved that even in Test matches, you can score fast and play with style.

Viv Richards – Test Cricket Achievements

1. Second Fastest Century in Test History (at the time)

Scored a blazing 100 in just 56 balls against England in 1986 at St. John’s, Antigua.
This was the fastest 100 in Test cricket for nearly 30 years, until Brendon McCullum broke it in 2016.
His century came during a dominant West Indies era and helped crush England in that Test.

2. One of the Most Dominant Batsmen in Test History

Played 121 Test matches for West Indies from 1974 to 1991.
Scored 8,540 runs at an average of 50.23, including 24 centuries and 45 fifties.
Known for destroying bowlers with flair and aggression, even in the longest format.

3. Fearless Against the Best Bowlers

Scored heavily against the top bowling attacks of his era, including Australia, England, and India.
Never wore a helmet, even against the fastest bowlers — a symbol of his courage and confidence.

4. Former West Indies Test Captain

Captained West Indies in 50 Test matches, winning 27, losing only 8.
Under his leadership, the West Indies were unbeaten in a Test series — a golden era of dominance.

3. Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq matched Viv Richards’ record by scoring a century in just 56 balls against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014. It was one of the fastest hundreds in Test cricket and a rare aggressive knock from a player known for his calm and steady style.

Misbah surprised everyone with his attacking approach, hitting powerful shots all around the ground. He smashed 11 fours and 5 sixes, leading Pakistan to a big total and a comfortable win.

This innings showed a different side of Misbah and proved that even a cool and composed captain can deliver one of the fastest centuries in Test history when needed.

Misbah-ul-Haq – Test Cricket Achievements

1. Joint Second Fastest Century in Test Cricket

Scored a 100 off just 56 balls against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014.
This century equaled Viv Richards’ record for the second fastest Test hundred at the time.
It included 11 fours and 5 sixes and showcased Misbah’s ability to switch gears and attack when needed.
He reached 50 in 21 balls, which is the fastest Test fifty ever, a record he still holds.

2. One of Pakistan’s Most Successful Test Captains

Captained Pakistan in 56 Test matches — the most by any Pakistani captain.
Led the team to 26 wins, 11 losses, and 19 draws.
Under his leadership, Pakistan became the No. 1-ranked Test team in the ICC rankings in 2016.

3. Longevity and Late Career Brilliance

Made his Test debut in 2001, but became a regular only after 2010.
Played till age 42, showing incredible fitness and discipline.
Played many match-saving and match-winning innings in difficult conditions.

4. Consistent Test Performer

Played 75 Test matches for Pakistan.
Scored 5,222 runs at an average of 46.62.
Hit 10 centuries and 39 fifties, often in pressure situations.
Known for his calmness and ability to anchor innings when needed.

4. Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist was known for changing the game with his fearless and attacking batting, and his innings during the 2006 Ashes series was a perfect example of that. Playing against England in Perth, he came to the crease and started hitting from the very first ball.

With powerful strokes and sharp timing, Gilchrist reached his century in just 57 balls. It was one of the fastest hundreds in Test cricket history at the time. The English bowlers had no answer to his aggressive approach, and the crowd was treated to an unforgettable display of hitting.

Adam Gilchrist – Test Cricket Achievements

1. One of the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket

Scored a 100 off 57 balls against England in Perth, 2006 Ashes Series.
This is one of the fastest 100 in Test history, ranking just behind Brendon McCullum, Viv Richards, and Misbah-ul-Haq.
His innings included 12 fours and 4 sixes, turning the game completely in Australia’s favor.

2. Revolutionized the Wicketkeeper-Batsman Role

Before Gilchrist, wicketkeepers were mostly known for their glove work.
Gilchrist brought explosive batting to the role, becoming one of the most dangerous lower-order batsmen in Test history.
He scored quickly, often shifting momentum in a single session.

3. Consistent Test Match Performer

Played 96 Test matches for Australia between 1999 and 2008.
Scored 5,570 runs at an impressive average of 47.60, which is exceptional for a wicketkeeper.
Registered 17 Test centuries and 26 fifties.

5. Jack Gregory

Jack Gregory was an Australian cricketer who played a very long time ago. In 1921, he scored a fast century in just 67 balls against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Back then, cricket was usually slow, but Gregory played with great speed and power. He hit the ball hard and scored runs very quickly, surprising everyone.

His innings is one of the earliest fastest hundreds in Test cricket and showed that even in old times, players could play bold and exciting cricket.

Jack Gregory – Test Cricket Achievements

1. One of the Earliest Fast Centurions in Test History

Scored a century in just 67 balls against South Africa at Johannesburg in 1921.
At the time, it was the fastest 100 in Test cricket — a record that stood for many years.
This was remarkable in an era when batting was slow and pitches were difficult.

2. Australia’s First True All-Rounder

Jack Gregory was known for his powerful left-handed batting and fierce fast bowling.
He was one of the first genuine all-rounders in Test cricket history.

3. Strong Test Record in a Short Career

Played only 24 Test matches from 1920 to 1928.
Scored 1,146 runs at an average of 36.96 with 2 centuries and 4 fifties.
Also took 85 wickets at an average of 31.15, making him a match-winner with both bat and ball.

6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was a cricketer from the West Indies. He was usually a very calm and patient player. But in 2003, he played very fast and scored 100 runs in just 69 balls against Australia in Georgetown.

Everyone was surprised because Chanderpaul didn’t usually play so fast. But in this match, he hit many big shots and made his team happy.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul – Test Cricket Achievements

1. One of the Most Reliable Test Batsmen for the West Indies

Played an incredible 164 Test matches from 1994 to 2015 — the second most for West Indies after Brian Lara.
Scored 11,867 runs at an average of 51.37, including 30 centuries and 66 fifties.
Known for anchoring the innings and batting for long hours, often under pressure.

2. Master of the Fourth Innings and Crisis Situations

Chanderpaul often played when the top order had collapsed.
His calmness and ability to stay at the crease made him a wall for the West Indies.
Scored many of his centuries in tough match conditions, helping save or win games.

3. Unorthodox Yet Effective Batting Style

Had a unique front-on stance that puzzled many, but he mastered it to perfection.
Despite the style, he was highly consistent against fast and spin bowling alike.

4. Highest Score in Tests: 203 vs South Africa*

Scored an unbeaten 203 runs in 2005, showing his concentration and endurance.
Remained not out 49 times in Tests — one of the highest in history.

5. Ranked No. 1 Test Batsman in ICC Rankings

In 2008, Chanderpaul was ranked No. 1 Test batsman in the world.
Won the ICC Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) in the same year.

7. David Warner

David Warner is a cricketer from Australia who loves to play fast and hit big shots. In 2012, he scored 100 runs in just 69 balls against India in Perth.

Warner started hitting from the very first ball and didn’t stop. He hit lots of fours and sixes, and the crowd cheered loudly. His fast batting helped Australia get a big score.

David Warner – Test Cricket Achievements

1. One of the Fastest 100 in Modern Test Cricket

Scored a century in just 69 balls against India in 2012 at the WACA, Perth.
His aggressive style helped redefine opening batting in Tests, combining T20-style explosiveness with Test match patience when needed.
Warner also scored a century before lunch on Day 1 against Pakistan in 2017 — only the fifth player in history to do so.

2. Explosive Yet Consistent Opener

Known for attacking from the first ball, Warner revolutionized the role of a Test opener.
Scored heavily in home and overseas Tests with a strong strike rate.

3. Strong Test Record

Test Matches: 112 (as of Jan 2024)
Runs: Over 8,700
Batting Average: ~44
Centuries: 26
Fifties: 37
Highest Score: 335* vs Pakistan (2019), the second-highest score by an Australian in Tests.

8. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is a powerful batsman from the West Indies. In 2009, he scored the fastest hundred in Test cricket by making 100 runs in just 70 balls against Australia in Perth.

Gayle is famous for hitting big sixes, and in this match, he showed his power. He hit the ball hard and far, making it fun for fans to watch. His fast batting helped his team get a good start.

Chris Gayle – Test Cricket Achievements

1. Aggressive Opening Batsman in Tests

Known for his T20 power hitting, but Chris Gayle also had a strong and explosive Test career.
Scored two triple centuries in Test cricket — a rare feat, achieved by only a few in the game’s history.
Blended aggression with patience, capable of both fast scoring and long innings.

2. Fastest Triple Century Milestone

During his 333 vs Sri Lanka in 2010, Gayle reached 200 in just 221 balls — one of the fastest double centuries ever in Test cricket.
Though not the fastest century overall, his innings showcased how fast scoring could still happen in long formats.

3. Test Career Overview

Matches: 103
Runs: 7,214
Average: 42.18
Centuries: 15
Fifties: 37
Strike Rate: 60+ — very high for a Test opener
Highest Score: 333 vs Sri Lanka (2010)

9. Roy Fredericks

Roy Fredericks was a brave batsman from the West Indies. In 1975, he scored the fastest 100 in Test cricket by making 100 runs in just 71 balls against Australia in Perth.

He played with great confidence and hit many strong shots. The way he batted showed no fear, even against fast bowlers. His quick century helped his team a lot in that match.

Even though he didn’t have the most centuries in Test cricket, this fast hundred made him very special and is still remembered by fans today.

Roy Fredericks – Test Cricket Achievements

1. Explosive Start to Test Career

Roy Fredericks was known for his aggressive batting style, especially in an era where Test cricket was generally more traditional and slow-paced.
He scored two centuries in his Test career, but it was his impactful start that truly stands out. He had an uncanny ability to turn the game around with his attacking stroke play.

2. Fastest Century in Tests for West Indies (at the time)

Scored a century in just 69 balls against Australia in 1973 at Brisbane, which was the fastest century for the West Indies at that time.
This was a remarkable feat and placed Fredericks as one of the few players to adopt an aggressive style of batting in Test cricket, pushing the limits of conventional cricketing norms.

3. Test Career Overview

Matches: 40
Runs: 2,499
Average: 34.99
Centuries: 2
Fifties: 15
Highest Score: 169 vs New Zealand (1973)

10. Colin de Grandhomme

Colin de Grandhomme, a powerful all-rounder from New Zealand, played an unforgettable innings in 2017 during a Test match against the West Indies in Wellington. Known for his strong hitting and fearless style, he surprised everyone by reaching his century in just 71 balls.

It was one of the fastest 100 in Test cricket and showed how quickly the game can change with bold batting. De Grandhomme played with confidence, hitting big boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving fast.

Colin de Grandhomme – Test Cricket Achievements

1. Explosive Batting and Powerful Lower-Order Hitting

Known for his ability to hit big sixes and accelerate the scoring, Colin de Grandhomme is one of New Zealand’s most dynamic all-rounders in recent years.
He has been an aggressive lower-order batsman, providing crucial runs with his explosive hitting.
De Grandhomme’s style is aggressive and clean, making him a valuable asset in Test cricket.

2. Fastest Test Century for New Zealand (at the time)

Scored a century off 71 balls against West Indies in 2017.
This was the fastest Test century for New Zealand at the time, showcasing his ability to dominate the bowling attack with minimal risk.
His aggressive batting helped New Zealand recover from tricky situations and turn the momentum in their favor.

3. Strong Test Career with Bat and Ball

Matches: 22
Runs: 1,200+
Average: 40+
Centuries: 2
Fifties: 5
Highest Score: 105 vs West Indies (2017)
Also a handy bowler, he has contributed with the ball, picking up wickets and maintaining pressure in the middle overs.

11. Majid Khan

Majid Khan was one of Pakistan’s most graceful and intelligent batsmen. In 1976, during a Test match against New Zealand in Karachi, he played a brilliant and fast-paced innings that stunned everyone. Majid reached his century in just 74 balls, which was considered incredibly fast for that time. He combined beautiful timing with clever shot selection, showing that elegance and speed can go hand in hand.

He played with great timing and confidence. Even though Test cricket is usually slow, Majid Khan made his fastest century in Test by playing brave and fast shots. The crowd enjoyed his batting a lot.

12. Mohammad Azharuddin

Mohammad Azharuddin was a stylish batsman from India. In 1996, he scored a century in just 74 balls against South Africa in Kolkata.

Azharuddin was known for his smooth and beautiful shots. In this match, he played very fast and hit many boundaries. His batting was full of class and energy, and the crowd loved watching him play.

13. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev is one of India’s greatest cricketers. He was a strong all-rounder who could both bat and bowl very well. In 1986, Kapil Dev made history by scoring the Fastest Century in Test by an Indian at that time. He hit 100 runs in just 74 balls against Sri Lanka in Kanpur. It was an exciting match, and Kapil’s powerful shots made the crowd go wild. His fearless batting showed that Test cricket can also be fast and fun. Kapil Dev’s record is still remembered as one of the best moments in Indian cricket.

14. Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum is a former cricketer from New Zealand who made history with his amazing batting. He holds the record for the Fastest 100 in Test cricket. In 2016, during a match against Australia in Christchurch, McCullum hit a century in just 54 balls. That means he scored 100 runs very quickly, faster than anyone else in the long history of Test cricket. People around the world were amazed by his powerful shots and fearless style. McCullum is not just known for this record, but also for the way he made cricket exciting for fans. His name will always be remembered in Test cricket history.

15. AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, also known as “Mr. 360,” is a famous cricketer from South Africa. He is loved by fans all over the world for his unique shots and quick scoring. In 2010, AB de Villiers smashed one of the Fastest Centuries in Test cricket against India in Centurion. He reached his 100 runs in just 75 balls, showing his incredible talent and power. Even though Test matches are usually slow and long, AB made the game exciting with his fearless batting. His ability to hit the ball all around the field made him one of the most entertaining players to watch. AB de Villiers proved that even in Test cricket, you can play fast and thrill the crowd!

Read More Article: Highest ODI Centuries in ODI Cricket

Fastest 100 in test match with Young Players

Player Name	Age	Fastest Century	Against	Year	Balls Faced
Shivnarine Chanderpaul	19	85 balls	Australia	1994	85
Imran Nazir	19	75 balls	Sri Lanka	2003	75
David Warner	23	69 balls	India	2012	69
Fawad Alam	24	75 balls	Sri Lanka	2009	75
Matt Prior	26	70 balls	West Indies	2008	70
Chris Gayle	30	70 balls	Sri Lanka	2010	70
Kumar Sangakkara	28	71 balls	South Africa	2006	71
Colin de Grandhomme	31	71 balls	West Indies	2017	71
Brendon McCullum	34	54 balls	Australia	2016	54
Misbah-ul-Haq	39	56 balls	Australia	2014	56

FAQs

1. Who is the fastest T20 century?

Answer: The fastest T20 century is held by Chris Gayle of the West Indies. He scored a century in just 30 balls during a match against South Africa in the 2015 ICC World Twenty20.

2. What is the slowest Test century?

Answer: The slowest Test century is held by Michael Atherton of England. He scored a century off 344 balls (or 57.3 overs) in a Test match against South Africa in 1995 at Cape Town. His painstaking century is known for being one of the most patient and technically solid centuries in Test history.

3. Who hit 500 runs in a Test match?

- Answer: The only player to have scored 500 runs in a single Test match is Brian Lara of the West Indies. He set this record by scoring 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in the County Championship in 1994. However, this was not in a Test match for his national team but in a first-class match.

4. How Many Catches Did MS Dhoni Take in Test Matches?

- - 🧤 MS Dhoni took a total of 256 catches in 90 Test matches for India.
  - Additionally, he made 38 stumpings in Tests.

5. What does “fastest century” mean in Test cricket?

It means a player scored 100 runs in the least number of balls during a Test match.

6. Who holds the record for the fastest century in Test cricket?

Brendon McCullum from New Zealand holds the record. He scored 100 runs in just 54 balls against Australia in 2016.

7. Who scored the fastest Test century for India?

Kapil Dev scored the fastest Test century for India in 74 balls against Sri Lanka in 1986 at Kanpur.

8. How many balls are there in one over in Test cricket?

There are 6 balls in one over.

9. Is a fast century common in Test matches?

No, it’s rare. Test matches are usually slow and long, so a fast century is always exciting and special.

10. What is the difference between T20 and Test cricket?

T20 is a short format where each team plays 20 overs. Test cricket is a longer format that can last up to 5 days.

Top 50 + Fastest Hundred in Test Cricket History (2025 Complete List)