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Top five fastest centuries by Australian batters in Test cricket

The Australian cricket team was part of the first-ever Test match that was played in 1877. Over the 148-year history of Test cricket, Australia has emerged as the most successful team, achieving more than 400 victories in Test matches.

Australia has been home to several exceptional players in both batting and bowling disciplines throughout cricket history. In terms of batting prowess, Australia ranks second in total runs and centuries scored in Test cricket, trailing only England in both categories.

Throughout various eras, Australia has produced several batters who have captivated audiences with their exhilarating style of play, boldly challenging opposing bowlers with a fierce approach. In doing so, they have amassed some of the quickest centuries in the longest format of cricket.

In this article, let’s see the top five fastest hundreds made by Australian batters in Test cricket.

5. David Warner – 82 balls vs West Indies, 2016

David Warner - Top five fastest centuries by Australian batters in Test cricket
David Warner (Credits - ESPN)

In 2016, at his home venue, the Sydney Cricket Ground, David Warner scored a remarkable century off just 82 balls against the West Indies. 

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the West Indies were dismissed for a total of 330 runs. In response, Warner delivered an explosive performance in Australia's first innings, scoring an impressive 122 not out from 103 deliveries, which featured 11 boundaries and two sixes. The match ended in a draw due to heavy rains but Warner did provide plenty of entertainment when he was at the crease.

4. David Warner – 78 balls vs Pakistan, 2017

David Warner - Top five fastest centuries by Australian batters in Test cricket
David Warner (Credits - India Today)

David Warner boasts an impressive track record at the Sydney Cricket Ground, highlighted by a remarkable century off 78 balls against Pakistan in 2017. In that match, batting first, Warner and Renshaw established a formidable opening partnership of 151 runs, with Warner contributing 113 runs from 95 deliveries, including 17 boundaries.

Renshaw went on to score 184 and Australia amassed 538 runs. This substantial lead allowed Australia to dominate, and in their second innings, Warner struck an impressive 55 runs from just 27 balls. Faced with a daunting target of 465 runs, Pakistan was dismissed for 244, resulting in a defeat by 220 runs. Warner was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match award.

3. David Warner – 69 balls vs India, 2012

David Warner - Top five fastest centuries by Australian batters in Test cricket
David Warner (Credits - ESPN)

This marked Warner's second century in Test cricket, achieved in just 69 balls against India in Perth in 2012. In their first innings, India was dismissed for a total of 161 runs.

In response, Australia reached a total of 369, propelled by Warner's explosive innings of 180 runs from 159 deliveries. This remarkable performance by the left-handed batsman featured 20 boundaries and five sixes. India was dismissed for 171 in their second innings, resulting in a defeat by an innings and 37 runs.

2. Jack Gregory – 67 balls vs South Africa, 1921

Jack Gregory - Top five fastest centuries by Australian batters in Test cricket
Jack Gregory (Credits - ESPN)

Jack Gregory’s 67-ball century was an outlier in the 20th century and it stands as the fifth-fastest century in test cricket right now. It was the fastest test century at the time.

He attained this feat against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1921.  Batting in the fourth position, he reached a century off just 67 balls and ultimately scored 119 runs, remaining at the crease for 85 minutes. His innings included an impressive tally of 19 fours and two sixes. The match ended in a draw.

1. Adam Gilchrist – 57 balls vs England, 2006

Adam Gilchrist - Top five fastest centuries by Australian batters in Test cricket
Adam Gilchrist (Credits - Eurosport)

Adam Gilchrist set the record for the fastest century by an Australian batter in Test cricket with his stunning 57-ball innings against England in Perth during the 2006/07 Ashes series. This is also the fourth-fastest century in Tests of all-time.

Following the first innings of both teams, the match stood in a balanced state, with the home side holding a narrow advantage of 29 runs. However, Gilchrist's remarkable performance in the second innings, where he struck 12 fours and four sixes off 59 balls to score an unbeaten 102 runs, placed Australia in a dominant position as they set a target of 557 runs. England were knocked over for 350 runs and lost the game by 206 runs.

Cover Credits - Eurosport

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