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Fastest 100 in Test: Test cricket is the longest format of cricket. The rule of the game requires considerable patience and mental strength to build long innings. Quite evidently, for the game to last 5 days does require players to not rush in and unleash impatience to eventually falter. In a format where strike rates do not really matter, there have been players who have been playful with the ‘so-called’ norms of the game and played innings that might even overshadow their batting stints in limited formats. In this section, we look at the players who scored the fastest century in test cricket.
Top Players With Fastest Hundred in Test
| No. | Player | Country | Balls | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | BB McCullum | New Zealand | 54 | Australia |
| 2. | IVA Richards | West Indies | 56 | England |
| 3. | Misbah-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 56 | Australia |
| 4. | Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 57 | England |
| 5. | JM Gregory | Australia | 67 | South Africa |
| 6. | S Chanderpaul | West Indies | 69 | Australia |
| 7. | David Warner | Australia | 69 | India |
| 8. | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 70 | Australia |
| 9. | RC Fredericks | West Indies | 71 | Australia |
| 10. | Colin de Grandhomme | New Zealand | 71 | West Indies |
1. Brendon McCullum
Former Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum has often been regarded for his explosive style of batting in all formats of the game. Although it might seem unlikely for any batsman to score a hundred without playing twice the number of balls, McCullum required nearly half. The right-hander was up against arch-rivals Australia in the 2015-16 test series where he scored the fastest hundred in test cricket in just 54 balls. McCullum surpassed West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards who held the record earlier.
Also see: Top 10 Players with Most 10 Wicket Hauls in Test
2. Sir Vivian Richards
Sir Vivian Richards is considered one of the greatest test batsmen of his era. The West Indian legend was up against England in the 1985-86 test series where he brought the limited over essence of the game to test cricket. Richards scored a dominant ton in just 56 balls which remained unbroken for nearly 30 years before Brendon McCullum surpassed him.
Also see: Highest Batting Average in Test Matches
3. Misbah-Ul-Haq
Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq was one of the finest and most reliant players for his country over the years. The right-hander was up against Australia in a test series in 2014/15 when he smashed the bowlers all over the park in the longest format of the game. Misbah did not require more than 56 balls to equal the record of Sir Vivan Richards.
Also see: Top 10 Batsmen with Most Sixes in Test Cricket
4. Adam Gilchrist
Former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist played the match of his life when he notched the fastest hundred by any player from his country in test cricket. Gilchrist was up against England in the 2007-08 Ashes when he scored an outstanding ton in just 57 balls. This helped Australia post a mammoth total for their opponents and seal the match comfortably.
Also see: Most Five Wicket Hauls in Test Cricket
5. JM Gregory
The late Jack Gregory was one of the most explosive batting all-rounders for Australia of his time. Gregory was playing against South Africa in Johannesburg where he notched a hundred in just 67 balls. The former, despite being an established and terrifying bowler was able to prove his batting abilities in the match. Gregory remains the second-fastest batsman to notch a hundred in tests.
Also see: Top Players with Most Fours in Test Cricket
6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Known for his unconventional batting style, Chanderpaul would often find comfort in playing in his eruptive mode. The left-hander was up against Australia in the 2002-03 test series when he became the second fastest batsman from his country to score a hundred in tests, playing only 69 balls.
Also see: 10 Highest Opening Partnerships in Test Cricket
7. David Warner
Australian left-hander David Warner has often played as an epitome of determination, especially in pressure situations. The scenario was no different for him when he was playing India when Australia hosted them in Perth. Warner scored a hundred in just 69 balls which helped his team get into the lead and win the match by an innings. The Aussie batsman finished as the Man of the Match for his spell-binding performance.
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8. Chris Gayle
The former West Indian batsman is known for single-handedly destroying the bowling line-up without any hiccups. The left-hander was playing Australia on their home ground but hardly broke a sweat to play a T20 innings in tests, scoring a hundred in 70 balls. Gayle is the third-fastest batsman from his country to achieve this feat.
9. RC Fredericks
The late Roy Fredricks was one of the most dangerous test batsmen for West Indies. Fredericks was playing against Australia in a test match in Perth where he smashed a hundred in just 71 balls. With this, he also became the first-ever batsman from his country to hit the fastest century in test cricket.
10. Collin De Grandhomme
Former New Zealand player Collin De Grandhomme played as one of the most reliable all-rounders for the Kiwis. Grandhomme scored a mind-boggling hundred off just 71 balls to become the second-fastest batsman from New Zealand after Brendon McCullum hit the fastest hundred in test cricket.
