Scoring a century on Test debut is a dream for any cricketer, but doing it in record time is a remarkable feat. Some batters have made an immediate impact, reaching three figures in quick time and leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world. Here’s a look at the fastest hundreds on Test debut, ranked by the number of balls faced.
1. Shikhar Dhawan (India) – 85 Balls
🆚 Australia | 📍 Mohali, 2013
Shikhar Dhawan is a former Indian cricketer. As a left-handed opening batsman, he was regarded as one of the top ODI players for the Indian cricket team for ten years.
He set the record for the fastest Test century by a debutant, scoring 187 runs off 174 balls. In 2013, he achieved the highest number of ODI centuries that year. His remarkable performances led to him receiving the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 2014. Dhawan was the first Indian batsman to score a century before lunch on the first day of a Test match. He is also the fastest Indian to reach 1,000 (joint-fastest), 2,000, and 3,000 ODI runs. In 2021, he was awarded the Arjuna Award by the Government of India for his significant contributions to sports.
Dhawan’s memorable debut is one of the standout innings in Test cricket. He scored a century in just 85 balls against Australia in Mohali in 2013, finishing with 187 runs, including 33 fours and 2 sixes. His aggressive batting style set the stage for India’s success and marked the start of a remarkable career. Dhawan has been a key player in India’s limited-overs team, known for his stylish and bold approach to batting.
2. Josh Inglis (Australia) – 90 Balls
🆚 Sri Lanka | 📍 Galle, 2025
Joshua Patrick Inglis is an Australian cricketer born in England. He plays as a wicket-keeper-batter for the Australian national team in all formats. Inglis has also led Australia in ODI and T20 matches.
He started his List A career with Cricket Australia XI against Pakistan during their tour in January 2017. In October 2020, he scored his first-class century, making 153 not out against South Australia in the 2020–21 Sheffield Shield season. Later that month, he was included in Australia’s ODI squad for the tour of Pakistan. In April 2022, he was again named in the ODI squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. He made his ODI debut on June 24, 2022, against Sri Lanka. In 2023, he was part of Australia’s squad for the ODI Cricket World Cup, scoring 58 runs off 59 balls while chasing 210 against Sri Lanka in their third match.
Josh Inglis is an interesting name on this list because his century is noted to be in the future—2025. If this is accurate, it would mean he made a remarkable debut against Sri Lanka in Galle. Known for his aggressive batting style in limited-overs cricket, Inglis has shown he can adapt his play effectively. His selection for Test cricket indicates Australia’s desire for a versatile wicketkeeper-batsman who can dominate the game.
Also Read: All Centuries of KL Rahul | Tests, ODIs, T20Is & IPL
3. Dwayne Smith (West Indies) – 93 Balls
🆚 South Africa | 📍 Cape Town, 2004
Dwayne Romel Smith is a retired cricketer from Barbados who played for the West Indies in all formats of the sport. As an all-rounder, he is recognized for his strong right-handed batting, medium-pace bowling, and excellent fielding skills.
Smith made a memorable debut against South Africa in 2004, scoring a century in just 93 balls, which highlighted his aggressive style. He finished with 105 runs off 114 balls, helping the West Indies to a respectable performance. Although his Test career did not flourish as hoped, he became a T20 expert, playing for various teams worldwide with his dynamic batting and useful medium-pace bowling.
4. Prithvi Shaw (India) – 99 Balls
🆚 West Indies | 📍 Rajkot, 2018
Prithvi Pankaj Shaw is an Indian cricketer who has represented the Indian cricket team in all formats. As a right-handed opening batter, he made his international debut at the age of 18 on October 4, 2018. He became the second-youngest Indian, after Sachin Tendulkar, to score a Test century and the youngest to do so on his Test debut.
Shaw made a strong impression on the international scene by scoring a century off 99 balls against the West Indies in Rajkot in 2018. His innings of 134 runs from 154 balls showcased his skill, combining precise timing with aggressive play. Often likened to Virender Sehwag, Shaw’s bold style has positioned him as a leading candidate for India’s opening batting role. Although he has faced some issues with form and discipline, his talent is clear.
5. Matt Prior (England) – 105 Balls
🆚 West Indies | 📍 Lord’s, 2007
Matthew James Prior, born on February 26, 1982, is a former cricketer from South Africa who represented England in Test matches. He was a wicket-keeper known for his aggressive right-handed batting, which allowed him to open the innings in One Day Internationals, despite limited appearances in shorter formats.
Matt Prior made a stunning debut at Lord’s in 2007, scoring a remarkable century. He hit 126 not out off 128 balls, showcasing both aggression and calmness and built an important partnership with Kevin Pietersen. Prior became one of England’s top wicketkeeper-batsman, playing a key role in their ascent to the No. 1 spot in Test cricket and their victories in the Ashes series.