Test cricket has undergone a change when it comes to the approach of teams. Due to the emergence of T20 cricket, chasing and defending targets that would have otherwise been deemed impossible in Tests is now seen as a probability. In this regard, batters have a clear objective. If there is a target to be chased or if there is a requirement for some quick runs, they can go after the bowling. This has happened quite a few times so far in the five-day format. On that note, in this article, we take a look at five players who have scored the fastest century in Tests.
5) Jack Gregory (Australia) – 67 balls
Opposition: South Africa || Venue: Johannesburg || Year: 1921
Jack Gregory, who played 25 Tests for his nation, held this record for a very long time. It is almost after six decades he scored the century that Viv Richards managed to beat the record.
Nevertheless, it was a fine effort by the left-handed batter to achieve the feat. In terms of time taken to reach a century in Tests, Gregory actually stands at the top of the list. It took him just 70 minutes to reach the three-figure mark.
4) Adam Gilchrist (Australia) – 57 balls
Opposition: England || Venue: Perth || Year: 2006
A naturally aggressive cricketer, Gilchrist often found himself in a position where he could score quick runs in Tests. This was because he batted in the lower middle order.
After being duck out in the first innings, Gilly wanted to do well in the next opportunity. His team was in an uncomfortable situation but the top-order batters scored heavy runs. When it came to Gilly, everything he scored was going to be a bonus. That is when he made this brilliant century. Australia won the game in the end.
3) Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 56 balls
Opposition: Australia || Venue: Abu Dhabi || Year: 2014
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is also one of the players who have scored the fastest century in Tests. Misbah is known for his measured approach with the bat but there was never a doubt about his big-hitting skills.
All of it was on display when his team took on Australia in 2014. Misbah had scored 101 runs from 168 balls in the first innings. After making 570 runs, Pakistan declared and then got Australia all-out for just 261. Hence, each Pakistan batter had the license to be aggressive. Misbah was at the forefront as he took just 56 balls for his century. It was an easy win for Pakistan in the end.
2) Sir Viv Richards (West Indies) – 56 balls
Opposition: England || Venue: St John’s || Year: 1986
There is no doubt that Sir Viv Richards is one of the most destructive batters that the game has seen. When you give such players the freedom to go all out, they are sure to topple records. This is what happened way back in 1986.
Having made 474 runs in the first innings, West Indies managed to dismiss England for 310. With a sizeable lead in the bag, Sir Viv Richards and his team needed quick runs to make a game out of it. They did just that with the captain himself taking the onus. Batting at No.3, he made 110 runs off 58 deliveries and the knock included seven boundaries and seven sixes. West Indies eventually won the game by 240 runs.
1) Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 54 balls
Opposition: Australia || Venue: Christchurch || Year: 2016
Brendon McCullum stands at No.1 in this list of players who have scored the fastest century in Tests. The highest six-hitter in the format, it is no surprise that Brendon McCullum enjoys this position.
It was a stunning knock by the legend when the Kiwis hosted their neighbors in 2016. Incidentally, it was Bazz’s final Test game and hence, the occasion was even more special. That match, though, unfortunately for McCullum and his team, ended as a win for Australia.
