Scoring a century in Test cricket takes patience, skill, and concentration. But some players defied the traditional style by smashing centuries at lightning speed. These fast hundreds didn’t just excite fans they changed the pace of the game.
In this article, we look at the top 10 fastest Test centuries in cricket by balls faced. These moments proved that even in the longest format, cricket can be thrilling and explosive. Let’s dive into the legends who rewrote the rules of Test batting.
List of Top 10 Fastest Test Centuries
10. Colin de Grandhomme – 71 Balls vs West Indies
Colin de Grandhomme surprised the cricket world with his attacking hundred off just 71 balls against West Indies in Wellington. Known more for his all-round capabilities than explosive batting, this century was one of the most unexpected yet thrilling moments in New Zealand cricket history.
In the first innings of the Test match, de Grandhomme walked in with the scoreboard under pressure and turned the game around with fearless strokeplay. His powerful hits and clean timing showcased that even in Tests, aggression can be a game-changer.
This performance proudly earns a place in the list of Fastest Test Centuries, reminding fans of the impact lower-order batters can have.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Colin de Grandhomme | West Indies | 2017/18 |
9. Roy Fredericks – 71 Balls vs Australia
Roy Fredericks, the elegant left-hander from West Indies, smashed a brilliant century in just 71 balls against Australia in Perth. It was a fiery response to the Aussie pace attack on a fast, bouncy track.
Fredericks, known for his timing and flair, used aggression from the very start. This knock came at a time when quick scoring in Test cricket was rare, making it one of the earliest examples of what we now call Fastest Test Centuries.
His fearless approach against one of the world’s toughest bowling units gave West Indies the early momentum they needed.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Roy Fredericks | Australia | 1975/76 |
8. Chris Gayle – 70 Balls vs Australia
Chris Gayle brought his T20-style power hitting into the Test arena with a stunning 70-ball century against Australia at Perth. Known for his six-hitting ability, Gayle dominated the Aussie attack with brutal force.
He started cautiously, but once settled, he launched into his trademark explosive mode. Sixes flew over the boundary, and bowlers had no answers. This innings proved that Test matches could also witness thrilling, fast-paced action.
Gayle’s innings is one of the most memorable in the Fastest Test Centuries list, reminding fans of his ability to change any match in a session.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Chris Gayle | Australia | 2009/10 |
7. David Warner – 69 Balls vs India
David Warner’s 69-ball century against India in Perth was a thunderous knock that left spectators in awe. Opening the innings, Warner took on the new ball with fearless aggression and punished every loose delivery.
He dominated India’s pace attack with powerful drives, pulls, and lofted shots. Reaching the milestone before lunch, Warner showed how opening batsmen could set the tone with pace and positivity.
This fiery knock by Warner earns him a proud spot in the top 10 Fastest Test Centuries, displaying the fearless nature of modern-day openers.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | David Warner | India | 2011/12 |
6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 69 Balls vs Australia
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, usually known for his solid, patient approach, shocked everyone by scoring a 69-ball century against Australia in Georgetown. It was a rare aggressive knock from a player often called the wall of West Indies cricket.
He used smart placement, aggressive footwork, and rapid strokeplay to dismantle the Aussie bowlers. The innings proved that even defensive players can shift gears when needed.
This unexpected blast rightly finds its place in the elite Fastest Test Centuries list, proving that Chanderpaul was more than just a blocker.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | Shivnarine Chanderpaul | Australia | 2002/03 |
5. Jack Gregory – 67 Balls vs South Africa
Jack Gregory’s century in just 67 balls against South Africa way back in 1921 was a groundbreaking achievement. In an era when scoring was slow and methodical, Gregory brought a new style to the crease fearless and attacking.
He treated the bowlers with disdain and played his shots freely. His innings is one of the earliest examples of what would later be celebrated as Fastest Test Centuries.
Over 100 years later, this performance still ranks in the top five, showing the timelessness of bold, attacking cricket.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | Jack Gregory | South Africa | 1921/22 |
4. Adam Gilchrist – 57 Balls vs England
Adam Gilchrist stunned England with a 57-ball century at Perth during the 2006 Ashes series. Coming in when Australia already had a strong lead, Gilchrist turned the match into a complete demolition.
His clean hitting, especially the sixes over long-on, lit up the WACA crowd. Every shot reflected his natural attacking instincts. It was a masterclass in counterattacking Test batting.
This explosive innings easily ranks among the Fastest Test Centuries and is remembered as one of the most entertaining knocks in Ashes history.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | Adam Gilchrist | England | 2006/07 |
3. Misbah-ul-Haq – 56 Balls vs Australia
Misbah-ul-Haq, known for his calm and composed style, shocked everyone with a 56-ball hundred against Australia in Abu Dhabi. It was an emotional and thrilling innings where he shared the record for the second-fastest century in Test history.
He timed every shot perfectly and attacked both pace and spin with equal authority. The innings helped Pakistan seal a dominant victory in the series.
This unexpected brilliance earned Misbah a memorable spot in the Fastest Test Centuries leaderboard, proving that even the calmest captains can explode with aggression when needed.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | Misbah-ul-Haq | Australia | 2014/15 |
2. Sir Vivian Richards – 56 Balls vs England
Sir Vivian Richards delivered one of the greatest innings in Test history by scoring a century in just 56 balls against England in 1986. Playing at St John’s, Richards punished every bowler who dared to bowl at him.
He batted with unmatched confidence, power, and grace. His swagger and domination made it one of the most iconic moments in Test cricket.
This iconic innings stood as the record for nearly three decades and is one of the defining examples of Fastest Test Centuries that shaped cricket history.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | Viv Richards | England | 1985/86 |
1. Brendon McCullum – 54 Balls vs Australia
Brendon McCullum’s farewell Test in Christchurch became legendary when he scored the fastest hundred in Test history off just 54 balls. Facing a top-class Australian bowling attack, McCullum counter-attacked from the first ball.
He hit fours and sixes with ease, playing with a free spirit that had defined his entire career. The crowd erupted with every boundary, and McCullum’s innings became a perfect goodbye gift to fans and his team.
This phenomenal knock tops the chart of Fastest Test Centuries and remains unbeaten a moment of pure magic in cricket history.
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | Brendon McCullum | Australia | 2015/16 |
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FAQ
Q1. Who holds the record for the fastest century in Test cricket?
A: Brendon McCullum holds the record with a 54-ball century against Australia in 2016.
Q2. How many players have scored a Test hundred in under 60 balls?
A: Four players—McCullum, Richards, Misbah, and Gilchrist.
Q3. Which Indian player has scored the fastest Test hundred?
A: As of now, no Indian has made it to this top-10 fastest century list.
Q4. Has any player scored a century faster than 50 balls in Tests?
A: No. McCullum’s 54-ball century is the fastest in history.
Q5. Who are the most surprising names on this list?
A: Misbah-ul-Haq and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, both known for defensive styles.