Top 10 Fastest Triple Centuries in Test Cricket History
Scoring a triple century in Test cricket is a remarkable achievement that requires exceptional skill and stamina. While many players take time to reach this milestone, some have managed to score 300 runs at a very fast pace, leaving their mark in cricket history. In this article, we will explore the top 10 fastest triple centuries in Test cricket, highlighting the players who reached this milestone in the fewest balls.
Fastest Triple Centuries in Test Cricket History
Rank | Player | Balls to 300 | Opponent | Venue | Year | Final Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Virender Sehwag | 278 | South Africa | Chennai | 2008 | 319 (304) |
2 | Harry Brook | 310 | Pakistan | Multan | 2024 | 317 |
3 | Matthew Hayden | 362 | Zimbabwe | Perth | 2003 | 380 |
4 | Virender Sehwag | 364 | Pakistan | Multan | 2004 | 309 |
5 | David Warner | 389 | Pakistan | Adelaide | 2019 | 335* |
6 | Chris Gayle | 393 | Sri Lanka | Galle | 2010 | 333 |
7 | Brian Lara | 404 | England | St John’s | 2004 | 400* |
8 | Karun Nair | 381 | England | Chennai | 2016 | 303* |
9 | Inzamam-ul-Haq | 436 | New Zealand | Lahore | 2002 | 329 |
10 | Mahela Jayawardene | 437 | South Africa | Colombo | 2006 | 374 |
1. Virender Sehwag (278 Balls) – India vs South Africa, 2008
Virender Sehwag holds the record for the fastest triple century in Test cricket. In 2008, Sehwag smashed 319 runs from just 304 balls against South Africa in Chennai. His aggressive batting included 42 fours and 5 sixes, and he reached the 300-run mark in just 278 balls.
2. Harry Brook (310 Balls) – England vs Pakistan, 2024
Harry Brook is the latest addition to this list. In the Multan Test against Pakistan in October 2024, Brook scored his maiden triple century, reaching the 300-run mark in just 310 balls. His 317-run knock helped England set a massive total, and his innings included 29 fours and 3 sixes.
3. Matthew Hayden (362 Balls) – Australia vs Zimbabwe, 2003
Matthew Hayden’s powerful 380-run innings against Zimbabwe in Perth in 2003 is the third fastest triple century in Test cricket. Hayden reached 300 runs in 362 balls, and his knock featured 38 boundaries and 11 sixes. This innings also set the record for the second-highest individual score in Test cricket at the time.
4. Virender Sehwag (364 Balls) – India vs Pakistan, 2004
Sehwag makes another appearance on this list for his 309-run innings against Pakistan in 2004, where he reached the 300-run mark in 364 balls. This iconic knock earned him the title of “Multan Sultan” and helped India secure a famous victory.
5. David Warner (389 Balls) – Australia vs Pakistan, 2019
In 2019, David Warner reached his triple century in just 389 balls against Pakistan in Adelaide. His final score of 335* was one of the highest individual scores in recent Test cricket, showcasing his dominance as a modern-day opener.
6. Chris Gayle (393 Balls) – West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2010
Chris Gayle, known for his big-hitting abilities, reached his triple century in 393 balls against Sri Lanka in 2010. His innings included powerful shots, and he ended with a score of 333, making him one of the fastest to reach 300 in Test cricket.
7. Brian Lara (404 Balls) – West Indies vs England, 2004
Brian Lara’s record-breaking 400* against England in 2004 saw him reach his triple century in 404 balls. This knock remains the highest individual score in Test cricket history and is remembered for its balance of patience and aggressive strokes.
8. Karun Nair (381 Balls) – India vs England, 2016
In 2016, Karun Nair became only the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in 381 balls against England. Nair’s innings helped India set a massive total and secure a comfortable win.
9. Inzamam-ul-Haq (436 Balls) – Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2002
Inzamam-ul-Haq’s triple century came off 436 balls against New Zealand in 2002. His score of 329 showcased his ability to play long innings and lead Pakistan to a strong position in the match.
10. Mahela Jayawardene (437 Balls) – Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2006
Mahela Jayawardene’s 374-run knock against South Africa in 2006, which took 437 balls to reach 300, remains one of the most elegant and well-paced triple centuries in Test cricket history. Jayawardene’s partnership with Kumar Sangakkara in this match also set the record for the highest partnership in Test cricket.
FAQs on Fastest Triple Centuries in Test Cricket
Who holds the record for the fastest triple century in Test cricket?
Virender Sehwag holds the record for the fastest triple century, scoring 319 runs in just 278 balls against South Africa in 2008.
Who is the latest player to score a fast triple century?
England’s Harry Brook is the most recent player to score a fast triple century, reaching 300 runs in 310 balls against Pakistan in 2024.
Which Australian player scored the third-fastest triple century?
Matthew Hayden scored the third-fastest triple century, reaching 300 runs in 362 balls against Zimbabwe in 2003.
How many triple centuries has Virender Sehwag scored in Test cricket?
Virender Sehwag has scored two triple centuries in Test cricket, one against South Africa in 2008 and one against Pakistan in 2004.
Who holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket?
Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, scoring 400* runs against England in 2004.