England has been playing Test cricket since 1877, and over time, their batsmen have not only shown patience but also delivered some rapid-fire centuries. While Test cricket is usually slow-paced, there have been moments when English batsmen have stunned everyone with their fast scoring.
This article looks at the five fastest Test centuries scored by English players, where they raced to a hundred in record time.
5 Fastest Test Centuries by English Batsmen
5. Ian Botham and Zak Crawley – 86 Balls
Both Ian Botham and Zak Crawley hold the record for the fifth fastest Test century for England, scoring their centuries in just 86 balls. Botham, one of England’s best all-rounders, achieved this milestone twice during the 1981 Ashes series. The first time, he made 149* in the third Test at Headingley, helping England win a match they were almost certain to lose. His second 86-ball hundred came in the fifth Test at Old Trafford, sealing another win for England.
Zak Crawley joined this list when he hit an 86-ball century against Pakistan in 2022. His quick innings of 122 off 111 balls in Rawalpindi was a great example of England’s new, attacking style of Test cricket, known as ‘Bazball.’ Crawley’s century helped England secure a 74-run victory.
4. Ben Stokes – 85 Balls vs New Zealand (2015)
Ben Stokes is known for his game-changing performances, and he scored England’s fourth fastest Test century in 2015 at Lord’s against New Zealand. After being bowled out for 389 in the first innings and trailing by 134 runs, England needed something special.
Stokes scored by smashing an 85-ball century in the second innings. His quick scoring, along with Alastair Cook’s 162, helped England post a big target of 345 for New Zealand. England eventually won the match, and Stokes’ century played a key part in the victory.
3. Harry Brook – 80 Balls vs Pakistan (2022)
Harry Brook, a rising star for England, made his mark by scoring the third-fastest Test century during the 2022 series against Pakistan. On a flat pitch in Rawalpindi, Brook reached his century in just 80 balls, setting the tone for England’s aggressive style.
Brook’s fast innings was crucial in England defending a target of 343, helping them win the first Test of the series. His performance showed how England’s new approach, under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, is reshaping Test cricket.
2. Jonny Bairstow – 77 Balls vs New Zealand (2022)
Jonny Bairstow’s fastest Test century came in the 2022 Headingley Test against New Zealand. Chasing a target of 299, Bairstow scored his century in just 77 balls, helping England win by five wickets.
Bairstow’s aggressive batting, supported by Ben Stokes, was a key moment in England’s new ‘Bazball’ strategy, where they aim to score quickly and take risks. His century was one of the highlights of the year and showed the power of fast scoring in Test cricket.
1. GL Jessop – 76 Balls vs Australia (1902)
The fastest Test century by an English batsman was scored by GL Jessop in 1902 against Australia. Jessop reached his century in just 76 balls, a record that still stands. His knock helped England win the match by just one wicket, in one of the most dramatic Test matches ever.
What makes Jessop’s century even more remarkable is that it was scored in an era where fast scoring was rare. His innings is still remembered as one of the greatest in Test cricket history and remain the fastest Test century by any English player.
These five fastest Test centuries show how quick scoring can change the outcome of a game. Whether in the early 1900s or in modern times, these fast innings have left a lasting impact on England’s Test cricket history.
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