Decoding batters with fastest centuries on Test debut
31 Jan 2025

In a dream debut, Josh Inglis scored a century on his maiden Test apperance for Australia.

The 29-year-old right-handed batter achieved the milestone on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle.

Inglis, who came to bat at number five, scored a brilliant 102 off just 94 balls.

Here we look at the batters with the fastest Test tons on debut.

Prithvi Shaw - 99 balls
#4

Once considered the next big thing in Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw made a sensational Test debut in the 2018 Rajkot match against West Indies.

The opener put up a batting exhibition in the first innings and took just 99 balls to complete his century.

He departed for 134 off 154 balls as he slammed 19 fours.

The Prithvi Shaw show meant India declared their first innings at 649/9 before recording an innings triumph.

Dwayne Smith - 93 balls
#3

Dwayne Smith, who is mostly remembered for his T20 heroics, made a fine start to his Test career as well.

Batting at number six, Smith played a knock of character in the fourth innings of the 2004 Cape Town Test against South Africa.

The dasher and completed his ton off just 93 balls before returning unbeaten on a run-a-ball 105* (15 fours, 2 sixes).

His heroics helped WI secure a draw.

Josh Inglis - 90 balls
#2

Inglis is second on this list, having taken just 90 balls to get the milestone.

His maiden ton played a huge role in Australia's mammoth first innings total of 654/6d.

His fellow teammates Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith also put up a stellar show with the former scoring a double-ton (232) and the latter contributing 141 runs.

Meanwhile, Inglis aggressive 102-run stay saw him hit 10 fours and one six.

Shikhar Dhawan - 85 balls
#1

Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan tops this list.

The southpaw had set the record in 2013 during the Mohali Test against Australia, scoring a century off just 85 balls.

He ended up scoring a brilliant 187 off 174 balls, having smoked 33 fours and a couple of maximums.

Notably, he was involved in a 289-run opening stand with Murali Vijay (153).

His brilliance meant India recorded a six-wicket triumph despite conceding a first innings total of 408/10.