Top 10 Players Who Scored the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket

Test cricket is a game of patience, skill, and endurance, but some players have amazed the world by scoring centuries at lightning speed. Achieving a century in record time is a remarkable accomplishment, and these innings are celebrated as milestones in cricket history. Here, we count down the top 10 fastest centuries in Test cricket.

10. RC Fredericks – 71 Balls

RC Fredericks, the West Indies batsman, made a name for himself with his aggressive batting style. In a Test match against Australia in Perth during the 1975/76 season, Fredericks scored a century in just 71 balls. His fearless approach, precise timing, and powerful strokes made him a pioneer among fast scorers. This innings is remembered as one of the early instances of the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket, showing that rapid scoring has always existed in the game.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
71	RC Fredericks	West Indies vs Australia	Perth	1975/76

9. Chris Gayle – 70 Balls

Chris Gayle, famously known as the “Universe Boss,” brought his explosive batting to Test cricket. Against Australia in Perth during the 2009/10 season, Gayle scored a century in just 70 balls. Known for his fearless stroke play and impeccable timing, Gayle dominated the bowlers from the start. This innings stands as one of the celebrated Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket, demonstrating that Test cricket can be as thrilling as limited-overs games.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
70	CH Gayle	West Indies vs Australia	Perth	2009/10

8. Travis Head – 69 Balls

Travis Head of Australia showcased his attacking mindset in Test cricket by scoring a 69-ball century against England in Perth during the 2025/26 season. Head’s ability to read the game, attack bowlers, and maintain focus made this innings unforgettable. Fans worldwide celebrated this remarkable achievement, placing it among the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
69	Travis Head	Australia vs England	Perth	2025/26

7. David Warner – 69 Balls

David Warner, Australia’s left-handed opener, is renowned for his aggressive batting style. In a match against India in Perth during the 2011/12 season, Warner reached his century in just 69 balls. His perfect timing, power, and ability to dominate world-class bowlers made this innings a classic. It is widely regarded as one of the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket, demonstrating the modern attacking approach in Test cricket.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
69	DA Warner	Australia vs India	Perth	2011/12

6. Shivnarine Chanderpaul – 69 Balls

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the West Indies stalwart, combined patience with aggression in his innings. Against Australia in Georgetown during the 2002/03 season, Chanderpaul scored a century in just 69 balls. His unorthodox technique and unwavering focus made him a unique figure in cricket history. This innings is remembered as one of the notable Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket, inspiring young players to balance control with aggression.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
69	S Chanderpaul	West Indies vs Australia	Georgetown	2002/03

5. JM Gregory – 67 Balls

JM Gregory, representing Australia, played in a time when Test cricket was generally slow-paced. Against South Africa in Johannesburg during the 1921/22 season, Gregory scored a century in 67 balls. His fearless attacking style and innovative strokes made him a pioneer in rapid scoring. This innings stands out as one of the earliest examples of the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket, reminding fans that attacking cricket has a long history.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
67	JM Gregory	Australia vs South Africa	Johannesburg	1921/22

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4. Adam Gilchrist – 57 Balls

Adam Gilchrist, Australia’s legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, transformed Test cricket with his aggressive batting. Against England in Perth during the 2006/07 season, Gilchrist scored a century in just 57 balls. Known for his explosive style and flawless shot selection, this innings thrilled spectators worldwide. It remains one of the celebrated Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket, showcasing that aggressive batting can thrive in Tests.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
57	AC Gilchrist	Australia v England	Perth	2006/07

3. Misbah-ul-Haq – 56 Balls

Misbah-ul-Haq, the calm and calculated Pakistan captain, shocked the cricketing world with a 56-ball century against Australia in Abu Dhabi during the 2014/15 season. Misbah combined intelligence with aggression, proving that even traditionally defensive batsmen could score rapidly when needed. This remarkable performance is part of the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket, inspiring cricketers to play boldly without losing control.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
56	Misbah-ul-Haq	Pakistan vs Australia	Abu Dhabi	2014/15

2. Sir Vivian Richards – 56 Balls

Sir Vivian Richards, the West Indies legend, is remembered as one of cricket’s most fearless batsmen. Against England in St John’s during the 1985/86 season, he scored a century in just 56 balls. His perfect combination of timing, power, and confidence made this innings legendary. It is celebrated among the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket and continues to inspire players worldwide.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
56	IVA Richards	West Indies vs England	St John’s	1985/86

1. Brendon McCullum – 54 Balls

Brendon McCullum of New Zealand tops this list with a record-breaking 54-ball century against Australia in Christchurch during the 2015/16 season. McCullum’s fearless, high-impact approach changed the perception of Test cricket. His precise timing, power, and strategy combined perfectly to create one of the most remarkable innings ever. This century is considered the ultimate in the Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket and remains an inspiration for cricketers worldwide.

Balls	Player	Match	Location	Season
54	BB McCullum	New Zealand vs Australia	Christchurch	2015/16

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the fastest century in Test cricket?

-> The fastest century in Test cricket was scored by BB McCullum in 54 balls against Australia in 2015/16.

2. Who are the top 3 fastest century scorers in Test cricket?

-> The top 3 are BB McCullum (54), IVA Richards (56), and Misbah-ul-Haq (56).

3. How are fastest centuries measured in cricket?

-> Fastest centuries are measured by the number of balls a batsman takes to reach 100 runs in an innings.

4. Has anyone scored a century faster than 50 balls?

-> No, BB McCullum’s 54-ball century remains the record; no player has scored a Test century in fewer than 50 balls.