Fastest Century in Test

In cricket, hitting a century rapidly is recognized as a spectacular effort and calls for an incredible degree of capacity and expertise. Additionally, this indicates how well the batter comprehends the game and can adapt to the environment and competitors' strategies.

 In Test cricket, a quick century may potentially significantly influence the result of the game. It can alter the game's flow, exert tension on the other side, and provide the teammates of the batter with a psychological edge.
Additionally, a player who retains the distinction for the quickest century in Test cricket wins a spot in history, which boosts his status as a legendary figure in the game. Additionally, it earns them gratitude and respect from both fans and other players. The quickest century in Test cricket has been struck several times throughout the span of time, highlighting the sport's ongoing growth. Additionally, it fosters strong competition among performers as they compete to break records and expand the envelope of what is conceivable.

List of Fastest Century in Test

Throughout the years, multiple renowned cricketers, including Sir Vivian Richards, Adam Gilchrist, and Brendon McCullum, have maintained the distinction for the quickest century in Test cricket. These performers are recognized as some of the finest in the game, and thanks to their accomplishments, cricket history will never forget them.

So, let’s check out some of the players who made the fastest century in test cricket:

1. Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum, a former New Zealand batter, is standing at the top position for making the fastest century in test cricket. He made this incredible feat in just 54 balls in the first innings while playing against Australia in 2016. Australia went to New Zealand in order to play 2 test match series in the month of Feb 2016. In the 2nd test match, the Australian captain decided to field first after winning the toss and New Zealand added 370 runs in the first innings. Brendon McCullum at the number 5 position struck 145 runs from 79 balls only which helped them to cross 300. Australian batters performed well and added 505 runs in the first innings and gave a lead of 135 runs to the Kiwis. Ultimately, New Zealand made 370 and 335 runs in both innings and thus gave a target of 201 runs which was easily achieved by the Australians. Joe Burns from Australia who made 170 and 65 in 1st and 2nd innings was named Man of the Match.

2. Viv Richards

Viv Richards, the legendary and former captain of the West Indies, is holding the 2nd position in making the fastest century in test cricket. In 1986, when England came to the West Indies for a 5 tests series, Viv Richards achieved this feat in the 5th test at St John’s on April 11 - 16, 1986. England won the toss in that match and invited West Indies to bat first. West Indies added 474 and 246 runs in their first and second innings. Viv Richards could not do enough in the 1st innings but he looked tremendous in the 2nd innings and struck 110 runs from just 55 balls with seven 4s and seven 6s. On the other hand, England added 310 runs in their 1st innings and thus got the target of 411 runs but could make 170 only and lost the match by 240 runs. Viv Richards was named Man of the Match for his match-winning 110* runs. 

3. Misbah-ul-Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq, a former batter and captain of the Pakistan team, is standing at the number 3rd position for making the fastest century in test matches. When Australia went to the United Arab Emirates to play a 2 test series in 2014, Misbah ul Haq achieved this feat in the first innings of the 2nd test at Abu Dhabi on October 30 - November 03. Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq won the toss and went for the bat first. Pakistan added 570 and 293 runs in their 1st and 2ns innings. Thus, Australia could not handle the pressure of such a big total, and their batters could add only 246 runs while chasing the target of 603 in the 2nd innings, losing the match by 356 runs. Born on May 28, 1974, Misbah ul Haq played his first test match against New Zealand at Eden Park on Mar 08, 2001, and his last test was against West Indies at Windsor Park, on May 10, 2017. In 2002, when Misbah was making a ton of runs in the national level competitions, recruiters initially started to take interest. He performed admirably at the tri-nation competition in Nairobi, but after that, he lost his form and could not perform up to the mark, so he was quickly dropped from the national team. Additionally, he was also a key player and successful skipper in 2007 when Pakistan reached the final in the T20 World Cup under his leadership. Overall in the test, he played 75 test matches where he added 5222 runs with 10 centuries and 39 half-centuries at an average of 46.62. 

4. Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist, a former Australian wicket-keeper batter is standing in 4th place for making the fastest century in test cricket. He made this feat in 57 balls while playing against England in Perth in 2006. England went to Australia to play a 5 test series where Australia dominated England and won the series by a margin of 3-0. In the 3rd test in Perth, Australian skipper Ricky Pointing decided to bat first after winning the toss and they added 244 and 527 in their 1st and 2nd innings. In the 1st inning, Adam Gilchrist was sent at 0 runs but in the 2nd innings, he struck the fastest hundred of his career in the test and thus Australia gave a target of 557 runs to England. In reply, England could make only 215 and 350 in their both innings and lost the match by 206 runs. Adam Gilchrist who made the fastest century of his career made his test debut against Pakistan at The Gabba on Nov 05, 1999, and he played his last test against India at Adelaide Oval on Jan 24, 2008. In his test career, he made an appearance in 96 test matches and added 5570 runs in 137 innings at an average of 47.61. 

5. Jack Gregory

Jack Gregory, a former Australian batter, is sitting at the number 5th position for making the quickest hundred in test cricket. He achieved this feat in just 67 balls while playing against South Africa at Johannesburg in 1921. Australia visited South Africa in 1921 in order to play 3 test series but both the teams played equally and the series was drawn. During the 2nd test, Australia won the toss and decided to bat first, thus they added 450 runs in the first innings where Jack Gregory made a wonderful effort and struck the fastest century of his career in test matches. On the other hand, South Africa did not reply well in the first inning and could make 243, that is why they had to play a follow-on in the 2nd innings and added 472 runs which was enough to draw that match. Jack Gregory performed well with the bat and ball as he took 7 wickets in that match. Born on Aug 14, 1895, he made his test debut against England at Sydney Cricket Ground, on Dec 17, 1920, and he appeared in his last test against England at Exhibition Ground on Nov 30, 1928. In his test career, he participated in 24 matches where he added 1146 runs at an average of 36.97.