Types of Batting Centuries: What Each Kind of Hundred Means
Not all centuries are equal — a century scored against a weak attack on a flat pitch means something different from one in a pressure chase. Explore how analysts and fans contextualise different types of batting hundreds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest Test century ever scored?
The fastest Test century in terms of balls faced is Brendon McCullum's 54-ball century for New Zealand against Australia at Christchurch in 2016 — he reached his hundred from 54 deliveries, smashing the previous record. In terms of time taken, the fastest centuries have been scored in roughly 70-80 minutes. The record for centuries in a single Test innings (multiple centurions in the same innings) belongs to Pakistan against West Indies in 2017, when four Pakistani batsmen scored centuries in the same Test match innings.
How many Test centuries does the all-time leader have?
Sachin Tendulkar (India) holds the record for most Test centuries with 51. He also holds the record for most international centuries in total (100: 51 Test + 49 ODI). Brian Lara (West Indies) is second in Test centuries with 34; Ricky Ponting (Australia) with 41. Note: Virat Kohli surpassed Tendulkar's ODI century record, retiring with 54 ODI centuries (85 international centuries in total: 30 Test + 54 ODI + 1 T20I). Most ODI centuries: Kohli 54. Most Test centuries: Tendulkar 51.