Often hailed as one of the most decorated and intensely challenging formats in the world of international cricket, the test cricket format has witnessed numerous legendary cricketing stalwarts who have ruled the pitches with their high-octane action-packed innings and spine-chilling courage to lead their respective teams to a phenomenal streak of victories. While a majority of batsmen have carved their own niche of excellence, a few legendary batsmen including Adam Gilchrist, Ben Stokes and many others, have left a long-lasting impact on the ever-rich history of the test cricket format and have smashed the fastest centuries. Have you ever wondered about the top four batsmen who have smashed the fastest tons in the test cricket format? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four batsmen who have registered the fastest centuries in the test cricket format.
Top 4 Batsmen With Fastest Centuries in Test Cricket
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Brendon McCullum – 54 Balls
The trailblazing New Zealand former international cricketer Brendon McCullum is at the first spot in our list of the top four batsmen who have smashed the fastest centuries in the test format. Often regarded as one of the greatest captains of the New Zealand national cricket team, Brendon McCullum smashed the fastest century in just 54 deliveries against Australia during New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test in 2016 at the iconic Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand, surpassing Viv Richards who earlier smashed a roaring century in 56 deliveries.
Brendon McCullum’s dominating knock of 145 runs against Australia included 16 boundaries and seven high-flying sixes in just 54 deliveries, which continues to be the fastest test century ever scored by an international cricketer as of September 2025.
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Sir Vivian Richards – 56 Balls
At the second spot in our list of the top four batsmen who have registered the fastest centuries in the test cricket format, we have the iconic retired Antiguan cricketer Vivian Richards who represented the West Indies cricket team between 1974 and 1991. Often regarded as one of the greatest batters of all-time in international cricket, Vivian Richards scored a sensational knock of 110 runs off just fifty-six deliveries against England during the fifth match of the West Indies vs England 1986 series at the iconic Antigua Recreation Ground located in St. John’s, Antigua.
Sir Vivian Richards’ stellar record of fastest test century, achieved in 56 deliveries, remained unbroken for thirty long years until New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum surpassed it in 2016, speaking volumes about his unwavering dominance in the format.
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Misbah-ul-Haq – 56 Balls
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four batsmen who have smashed the fastest centuries in the test format, we have the legendary Pakistani former international cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq, who represented Pakistan across all formats of international cricket from 2001 to 2017 and also occasionally captained Pakistan national cricket team in all formats. Widely regarded as one of the most reliable batsmen for the Pakistan side in the test format, Misbah-ul-Haq smashed a stellar knock of 101 runs in just fifty-six deliveries against Australia during the second test match of the Australia tour of UAE 2014 at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium located in Abu Dhabi.
Owing to Misbah-ul-Haq’s unwavering efforts, Pakistan clinched the series 2–0 – which was also applauded as their first Test series win against Australia in almost two decades.
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Adam Gilchrist – 57 Balls
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four batsmen who have registered the fastest centuries in the test cricket format, we have the Australian cricket commentator and former international cricketer and captain of the Australia national cricket team, Adam Gilchrist. Often hailed as one of the most prolific wicket-keeper-batsmen in the history of international cricket, Adam Gilchrist represented Australia across all formats of international cricket from 1996 to 2008.
Widely regarded as one of the most fearless players to ever represent Australia in the test cricket format, Adam Gilchrist created history at the iconic WACA Ground, Perth during the Australia vs England, 3rd Ashes Test match in 2006 and smashed a commanding century off just 57 deliveries. Adam Gilchrist annihilated the England bowling attack and scored a phenomenal total of 102 runs off 59 deliveries, including 12 boundaries and four high-flying sixes. Adam Gilchrist’s roaring century, which came off just 57 deliveries, continues to be the fourth-fastest century ever scored by an international cricketer in the test format.
