Test cricket, it is said, is one of the “gentleman’s games.” People move slowly, plan a lot, and it can take several days to finish. In some cases, people in the field surprise us by changing the traditional rules. That’s when something really beautiful happens. This is the time when we spot the Fastest Century in history for Test matches.
It’s real—we are talking about Fastest in the context of Test cricket. It’s uncommon, it’s free, and it’s amazing to see happen.
Now, let’s move on to the heart-pounding part of cricket. We’ll go through who was the fastest to score a hundred in Tests, the way they reached the feat, and what made their innings memorable.
What is the Fastest Century in Test Cricket?
Being called the Fastest Century in Test Cricket means getting to 100 runs with the least number of strokes. Several deliveries faced are not as important as they once were. The game is won by the person who gets their score past three figures fastest.
Right now, what’s the record?
The credit for this runs to Brendon McCullum, the stylish Kiwi captain who led the push for more aggression in Test matches. McCullum performed something remarkable in 2016, during his final Test match against Australia in Christchurch.
He hit his hundred in only 54 deliveries.
Yes, the game ended in only 54 deliveries. There are only about 10 more overs to go. Even though his music was traditionally calm, he brought live shows packed with energy.
Also read: How Big is a Cricket Ground?
The Top 5 Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket
Let’s have a look at the great legends who excelled in Test matches.
1. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 54 balls
Australia put up a challenge in 2016.
Location: Christchurch
McCullum was playing his last-ever Test match. There’s nothing quite like finishing with a bang from fireworks. He got 21 fours and 6 sixes in the game. Andrew didn’t just become a record holder; he made a new history by showing his style.
2. Viv Richards (West Indies) – 56 balls
Loss against England, 1986
Location: Antigua
He is the King of Swagger. Sir achieved his century in just 74 balls, which remained the record for nearly three decades. His strong batting skills and fearless attitude allowed him to play terrifyingly against bowlers.
3. Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 56 balls
Australia won in 2014, 2–1 overall.
The capital city is Abu Dhabi.
Cool and collected as he usually is, Misbah turned into a fiery player. He drew level with Viv Richards by scoring a brilliant century from just 56 deliveries. It was as if I was watching a peaceful river all of a sudden turn fast.
4. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – 57 balls
Lost to England in 2006.
Location: Perth
She didn’t really pay attention to Test traditions. It looked as if he was hitting sixes outside his own home. That innings full of wonderful shots made the Ashes come alive, unlike anything seen before.
5. Jack Gregory (Australia) – 67 balls
Against: South Africa, 1921
Location: Johannesburg
Those in the early 20th century also kept pushing what was possible in architecture. Gregory hit his ton swiftly, years before anyone else, and this achievement remains memorable in cricket history.
Why These Innings Matter
Power-hitting is only one part of what makes someone capable of the Fastest Century in Test Cricket. It makes a declaration. This indicates that someone is courageous, confident and can make a big difference in a single session.
Breaking the repetitive part of the game is key. They prove to fans that Test cricket is full of surprises, excitement and fun.
They encourage growth in every person on the team. Scoring early by the batter helps the bowlers by giving them more time to get 20 wickets. It means the opposition faces immediate pressure.
In other words, a fast century can change the result of the game.
The Modern Day Impact
Because of T20 cricket, players now take more risks in the game. They are more likely to score runs when they bat. The way they think is not the same.
Rishabh Pant, Ben Stokes and Travis Head have displayed that hitting quickly works in Tests as well. They perform with the same forceful energy in Tests.
That is why we could watch someone take the Fastest Century in Test Cricket record again, possibly very soon.
Could You Witness the Next Fastest Century?
Think about yourself sitting in a stadium. You’re all comfy with a cool drink and a healthy snack. Before you even finish your chips, the scoreboard reads 100* for a batter.
That’s the reason everyone talks about the Fastest Century in Test Cricket. It sneaks up on you, smacks you in the face (in a good way), and makes the whole crowd lose their minds.
This is one of the magical experiences fans hope for.
A Record That Inspires
Young cricketers see these innings as inspirational. They show that being patient is necessary in Test cricket, but so is taking bold moves.
Whenever players swing freely in red-ball cricket, they continue in the tradition of McCullum, Richards or Gilchrist.
No matter where the match happens—in Delhi with a dusty pitch or in Brisbane with a bouncy track—the excitement over the Fastest Century in Test Cricket is undiminished.
A Fun Thought: Who Could Break It Next?
We can enjoy ourselves a bit in this conversation. Which current athletes might be able to beat the existing record?
- Rishabh Pant – Daring, bold and looks to be aggressive every time he bats.
- England’s lineup is powered by Harry Brook, who has come to prominence because of Bazball.
- Shubman Gill – Can easily hit huge boundaries when the situation requires it.
- Travis Head – Has gotten off to a fast start for Australia.
- Glenn Maxwell – Any time he appears in Tests from now on, be ready for surprises.
These guys are talented enough. A great idea, the appropriate time and a dash of craziness are all they need.
Why Fans Love It
The Fastest Century in Test Cricket is admired by fans since it rarely happens. Since there are lots of blocks and leaves in Test cricket, a sudden burst of energy stands out unforgettably.
Being warned by the price rise is unexpected and unexpectedly powerful.
You can feel it exactly where the heart is. The nervousness, the loud cheers and the shock on the bowler’s face.
It shows the essence of what sport means.
Test Cricket Is Changing
Maybe having Bernard there isn’t entirely a bad thing.
How fast players can score these days, such as in the Fastest Century, is reflective of how the format is changing. What’s really happening is that music is gaining more variety.
Aggression and artistry are mixing. Power and patience are both performing.
Wrapping It Up
Whenever you watch a Test match, watch carefully. 54 holes might be about to fall for someone somewhere.
Having the Fastest Century in Test Cricket is about boldness, taking risks and giving the audience excitement.
It gives cricket its magical touch.
Love Cricket? Bet Smart and Stay Ahead with Exchmarket!
Like hearing more stories like this one? Further magical moments, helpful insights led by experts and more tips on betting?
Go ahead and subscribe to Exchmarket now.
Follow news from sports blogs, advice on betting and exciting records from all parts of the globe.
Be informed. Bet smart. Win big.
Exchmarket is the best companion for cricket lovers.
