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Test cricket is known for patience, technique, and endurance — but every once in a while, a batter turns tradition on its head. The art of scoring fast in Tests requires not just skill, but audacity. These players redefined the boundaries of aggression and control, making their names in the record books with the fastest centuries in Test cricket history.
This article showcases 10 legendary innings where the hundred came not in days — but in mere balls. From fearless openers to counter-attacking middle-order beasts, let’s count down the speed kings of red-ball cricket.
10. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 69 Balls
- Opponent: Australia
- Year: 2003
- Location: Georgetown
- Style: Controlled aggression
Known for his quirky stance and slow grind, Chanderpaul shocked everyone with a 69-ball ton — a masterclass in unpredictability.
9. Roy Fredericks – 71 Balls
- Opponent: Australia
- Year: 1975
- Location: Perth
- Style: Hook-heavy attack
Against a fearsome Aussie pace attack, Fredericks hammered a hundred that still stands the test of time.
8. Colin de Grandhomme – 71 Balls
- Opponent: West Indies
- Year: 2017
- Location: Wellington
- Style: Power-hitting display
A surprise from New Zealand, Colin smashed his maiden Test century in style, dismantling the Windies attack with ease.
7. Chris Gayle – 70 Balls
- Opponent: South Africa
- Year: 2004
- Location: Cape Town
- Style: Gayle Storm in whites
The Universe Boss didn’t spare the red ball either, launching sixes and fours in pure T20 mode.
6. David Warner – 69 Balls
- Opponent: India
- Year: 2012
- Location: Perth
- Style: Aussie aggression
Warner destroyed India’s bowling with fearless front-foot play. The hundred came in under two hours of madness.
5. Majid Khan – 74 Balls
- Opponent: New Zealand
- Year: 1976
- Location: Karachi
- Style: Pre-modern blitz
Before Sehwag and Warner, Majid gave Pakistan fans a taste of explosive Test batting, scoring with elegance and pace.
4. Jack Gregory – 67 Balls
- Opponent: South Africa
- Year: 1921
- Location: Johannesburg
- Style: Early era destruction
One of the oldest entries, this century shocked the cricketing world when fast scoring was rare in Tests.
3. Adam Gilchrist – 57 Balls
- Opponent: England
- Year: 2006
- Location: Perth
- Style: Ashes hammering
Gilly’s iconic 57-ball ton during the Ashes was filled with fury. England had no answers to his explosive drives and pulls.
2. Misbah-ul-Haq – 56 Balls
- Opponent: Australia
- Year: 2014
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Style: Controlled aggression at its finest
Captain Misbah matched Sir Viv’s record with clinical power-hitting, sending a statement to critics about his intent.
1. Brendon McCullum – 54 Balls
- Opponent: Australia
- Year: 2016
- Location: Christchurch
- Style: Farewell fireworks
In his final Test match, McCullum broke the long-standing record and went out with a bang. 54 balls, pure B-Mac. A perfect ending to an explosive career.
The Test format isn’t always slow — and these innings prove it. The fastest centuries in Test cricket history weren’t just about hitting — they were about timing, courage, and rewriting tradition. Whether it was McCullum’s farewell firestorm or Misbah’s clapback, each of these knocks left a permanent mark on cricket’s most traditional format.
FAQ – Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket History!
Q1: Who scored the fastest century in Test cricket history?
Brendon McCullum holds the record with a 54-ball century against Australia in 2016.
Q2: Is it harder to score fast in Test matches?
Yes. Test matches usually require patience and controlled aggression. But when players shift gears, it becomes spectacular — and historic.
Q3: Has anyone scored a 50-ball century in Tests?
As of 2025, no player has reached a Test hundred in fewer than 54 balls.