Scoring a century in Test cricket has long been considered a mark of skill, patience, and concentration. Unlike the shorter formats, Test matches usually unfold at a slower pace, giving players time to build their innings gradually. However, there have been exceptional instances where batters have reached the hundred-run mark much faster than usual.
These rare feats demonstrate not just technical ability but also sharp awareness of the game situation. The record for the fastest century in Test cricket stands out as a unique achievement, showing that even in the most traditional format, quick scoring can leave a lasting impact.
What is the Fastest Century in Test Cricket
The fastest century in test cricket was created by Brendon McCullum in 54 balls against Australia in 2016 at Christchurch. Remarkably, this innings came during his final Test match, adding a historic touch to his farewell. The record was previously held by IVA Richards in 1986 against England when he smashed a test century in 56 balls.
McCullum’s knock not only surpassed a legendary feat but also reflected the evolving nature of Test cricket, where calculated aggression and quick scoring have increasingly become part of the longer format’s dynamic.
Top 10 Fastest Century in Test History
Brendon McCullum tops the list of fastest centuries in test who, achieving this feat in 54 balls. He is followed by Vivian Richards, who set the benchmark with a 56-ball hundred against England in 1986. Other notable players include Misbah-ul-Haq (56 balls), Adam Gilchrist (57 balls), and Jack Gregory (67 balls).
| Player | Country | Balls | Against | Year |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 54 | Australia | 2016 |
| Vivian Richards | West Indies | 56 | England | 1986 |
| Misbah-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 56 | Australia | 2014 |
| Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 57 | England | 2006 |
| Jack Gregory | Australia | 67 | South Africa | 1921 |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | West Indies | 69 | Australia | 2003 |
| David Warner | Australia | 69 | India | 2012 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 70 | Australia | 2009 |
| Roy Fredericks | West Indies | 71 | Australia | 1975 |
| Majid Khan | Pakistan | 74 | New Zealand | 1976 |
Read More:Â Fastest Century in ODI Cricket: Top 10 List 2025
Brendon McCullum (54 balls)
- Date: 20 February 2016
- Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- Against: Australia
In his final Test, McCullum blitzed Australia to the fastest-ever Test century in just 54 balls, sealing a sensational innings of 145. His record‑breaking knock highlighted a fearless approach and is still unmatched.
Vivian Richards (56 balls)
- Date: 1985–86
- Venue: St John’s, Antigua
- Against: England
Richards holds the record for the fastest century in Test for a long time. Sir Viv rolled back the years with a 56-ball hundred against England, setting a standard for rapid scoring that would stand for nearly three decades.
Misbah‑ul‑Haq (56 balls)
- Date: 2 November 2014
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Against: Australia
Misbah matched Richards’ milestone in 56 balls, crafting a 101* during a tense Abu Dhabi Test. He also earned fastest Test fifty honours in that same innings.
Adam Gilchrist (57 balls)
- Date: 2006–07 season
- Venue: Perth (WACA Ground), Australia
- Against: England
Gilchrist lit up the WACA with a 57-ball century, bringing his trademark aggression and keeping pedigree to bear, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most explosive Test openers.
Jack Gregory (67 balls)
- Date: 1921–22 season
- Venue: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Against: South Africa
In an era of matting wickets and slower play, Gregory’s 67-ball Test ton was a marvel—an early signal that fast scoring could emerge even in traditional conditions.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (69 balls)
- Date: 10 April 2003
- Venue: Bourda, Georgetown
- Against: Australia
Chanderpaul brought up his century off just 69 balls during the opening Test of the 2003 Frank Worrell Trophy. Known for grit, this rare quickfire ton demonstrated his ability to shift gears under pressure.
David Warner
- Date: 13 January 2012
- Venue: WACA Ground, Perth
- Against: India
David Warner is the second Australian player to make it into the list of fastest centuries in test cricket. Warner raced to a 69-ball century on his fifth Test, obliterating Indian bowlers with aggressive intent. His 104* helped Australia dominate a low-scoring day and cemented his reputation as a fast-scoring opener.
Chris Gayle (70 balls)
- Date: 17 December 2009
- Venue: WACA Ground, Perth
- Against: Australia
Chris Gayle’s 102 off 70 balls against Australia was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring 9 fours and 6 sixes. Opening the innings, he took on the new ball with fearless intent, setting the tone early and unsettling the Australian attack.
Roy Fredericks (71 balls)
- Date: 1975–76 (exact date varies)
- Venue: Perth, Australia
- Against: Australia
Fredericks opened the West Indies innings with a flourish, reaching his century in 71 balls. His brisk knock set a fast tempo in an era when attacking Test batting was still uncommon.
Majid Khan (74 balls)
- Date: 30 October 1976
- Venue: Karachi (likely National Stadium)
- Against: New Zealand
Majid Khan brought up his century in just 74 balls before lunch on day one—a rare feat of fast scoring. His innings of 108* showcased elegance and assertiveness early in a Test match.
Who Made the Fastest Test Century for India?
Mohammad Azharuddin smashed the fastest Test century by an Indian player, reaching the milestone in just 74 balls against South Africa in 1996. He is followed by Virender Sehwag (78 balls), Shikhar Dhawan (85 balls), and Kapil Dev (86 balls). Since 1996, Azharuddin’s record has remained unbreakable, despite many players striving to achieve it.
Azharuddin scored the fastest Test century by an Indian in 74 balls against South Africa at Kolkata in 1996. Coming in at 161/6, he hit 109 off 79 balls with 19 fours, countering Donald and Pollock with fearless strokeplay.
