Known as the “purest” form of the game, Test cricket is a format that tests more than a player’s technique. The players should also display their grit, determination, and self-belief on many occasions. At times, a cricketer will need to bring out his adaptability to do well in this format. Although Test cricket is not known for quick run-scoring, players are sometimes forced to do it. Doing this while facing the red ball is a stiff challenge. A few players have aced it. A T20 innings happens for a total of 90 minutes. At times, a few batters who remain on the crease for the entire duration fail to hit a century. However, a few did while playing in Tests in a similar amount of time. On that note, we take a look at four popular players who have scored a century within 90 minutes in Tests in the below headings.
1) Sir Viv Richards – 81 minutes
Balls: 56 || Opposition: England || Venue: St John’s || Year: 1986
When it comes to attacking batsmanship, Sir Viv Richards is one of the players who lead the list. Even in that era, despite many hurdles for a batter, the former West Indian cricket made it look easy. He often scored quick runs and in one game in 1986, he took it all together to a different level.
The fastest Test century record by Jack Gregory was set in the 1920s. It was only in 1986 that Sir Viv Richards broke the record by making a hundred in just 56 deliveries. He only took 81 minutes to attain the three-figure mark. His knock was one of the main reasons why West Indies won that game.
2) Brendon McCullum – 78 minutes
Balls: 54 || Opposition: Australia || Venue: Christchurch || Year: 2016
Brendon McCullum is one of the players who have scored a century within 90 minutes in Tests. It was the New Zealand legend’s final Test game and the events could not have transpired in a better way for him personally.
The current all-time highest six-hitter in Tests took 54 balls to hit his century. This still is the record for the fastest century in Tests. Bazz took just 78 minutes for the milestone. While he ended his career on a high, his team lost that game to Australia. At the moment, Brendon McCullum is the Head Coach of the England Test Team. With the brand of cricket that his team is playing, it would not be a surprise if one of his own players break his record.
3) R Benaud (Australia) – 78 minutes
Balls: Not recorded || Opposition: West Indies || Venue: Kingston || Year: 1955
Although he has many records with the ball. Richie Benaud also has an interesting batting record to his name. The famed commentator recorded a three-figure score in just 78 minutes against West Indies in 1955.
Interestingly, he got the score while batting at No.9. In the second innings, he featured with the ball, picking up three wickets to ensure an easy victory for the Aussies.
4) Misbah-ul-Haq – 74 minutes
Balls: 56 || Opposition: Australia || Venue: Abu Dhabi || Year: 2014
Misbah-ul-Haq is also one of the players who have scored a century within 90 minutes in Tests. The former Pakistan skipper had a name for being a player who was too careful.
However, against Australia in 2014, he brought out his big-hitting skills to the fore. Having dismissed Australia quickly, Pakistan had the freedom to score some fast runs. They did that and Misbah was at the center of the task. They won the game easily in the end.
