
In Test cricket, most players take their time to score a century. Some cricketers turned the game around with their bold and rapid batting style. Instead of playing safe, they attacked from the very first ball. As a result, they gave us some of the fastest centuries in Test cricket history and made the game even more exciting.
To begin with, some batters walked in and started hitting the ball all around the ground. They didn’t care about the pitch or who was bowling. Instead, they played with full confidence and trusted their shots. Because of this, they reached their hundred in no time and left the crowd amazed.
Brendon McCullum is at the top of the chart after hitting the fastest century in Test history against Australia in Christchurch in 2016 in just 54 balls. Jamie Smith recently startled India with one of the fastest Test hundreds ever recorded against India, an 80-ball century at Edgbaston in 2025. This article will discuss the top memorable innings that revolutionized quick scoring in red-ball cricket, as well as the 20 fastest Test hundreds.
List of Fastest centuries in the History of Test cricket
Player | Balls | Match | Location | Season |
BB McCullum | 54 | Australia | Christchurch | 2015/16 |
Viv Richards | 56 | England | St John’s | 1985/86 |
Misbah-ul-Haq | 56 | Australia | Abu Dhabi | 2014/15 |
Adam Gilchrist | 57 | England | Perth | 2006/07 |
Jack Gregory | 67 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 1921/22 |
S Chanderpaul | 69 | Australia | Georgetown | 2002/03 |
David Warner | 69 | India | Perth | 2011/12 |
Chris Gayle | 70 | Australia | Perth | 2009/10 |
Roy Fredericks | 71 | Australia | Perth | 1975/76 |
C de Grandhomme | 71 | West Indies | Wellington | 2017/18 |
Majid Khan | 74 | New Zealand | Karachi | 1976/77 |
M Azharuddin | 74 | South Africa | Calcutta | 1996/97 |
BB McCullum | 74 | Sri Lanka | Hagley Oval | 2014/15 |
Kapil Dev | 74 | Sri Lanka | Green Park | 1986 |
AB de Villiers | 75 | India | Centurion | 2010/11 |
GL Jessop | 76 | Australia | The Oval | 1905/3 |
BC Lara | 77 | Pakistan | Multan Stadium | 2006/07 |
JM Bairstow | 77 | New Zealand | Nottingham | 1905/07 |
V Sehwag | 78 | West Indies | Daren Sammy Ground | 2006 |
Shahid Afridi | 78 | West Indies | Bridgetown | 2004/05 |
Meanwhile, other players added energy and fire to the game. Their fast scoring lifted the team’s spirit and changed the match completely. They didn’t just try to stay at the crease; they took control. Thanks to their bold style, fans got to enjoy thrilling moments in what’s usually a slower format.
In addition, some players built their careers on power and aggression. They never held back. They believed in their shots and played with full intent. These players proved that fast centuries need more than just big hits; they also need confidence, planning, and sharp thinking.
Interestingly, even defensive players had their moments of surprise. When needed, they stopped playing safe and attacked instead. This ability to switch between styles made them even more respected. It also reminded everyone that Test cricket welcomes both patience and boldness.
Because of these quick centuries, the game of Test cricket has changed over time. Now, young batters feel free to take bold steps. Teams have also learned that fast scoring can turn matches around. Above all, fans now enjoy exciting, fast-paced innings even in the longest format.
In conclusion, the Players with the fastest centuries in Test cricket history are not just about hitting the ball hard. They show courage, smart thinking, and a bold new way of playing. These players proved that Test cricket can be thrilling, modern, and full of energy.