Fastest Test tons by England players: Bairstow’s blitz and Botham’s brilliance

England

Jonny Bairstow struck England’s second-fastest Test hundred during the thrilling five-wicket win over New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The Yorkshireman blasted 136 from 92 balls, reaching his century off 77 deliveries, as England successfully chased 299 on the final day in Nottingham.

How does Bairstow’s innings rank among the epic quick hundreds blazed by Three Lions legends.

Here Cricket365 takes a look at the five fastest Test tons by England players.

Gilbert Laird Jessop – 76 balls v Australia in 1902

PA Graphics
(PA Graphics)

Jessop brought up his century in just 76 balls at the Oval during the 1902 Ashes. England, having already lost the series, ended on a high note with a one-wicket win as Jessop’s 104, which included 17 fours, helped his side chase 263.

Jonny Bairstow – 77 balls v New Zealand in 2022

Bairstow looked like beating Jessop’s record following a stunning blitz after tea on the final day at Trent Bridge. But two dot balls saw him bring up the milestone from 77 deliveries, with his remarkable 136 helping England secure a series-clinching win by five wickets.

Ben Stokes – 85 balls v New Zealand in 2015

Stokes hit an 85-ball century at Lord's in May 2015
Ben Stokes hit an 85-ball century at Lord’s in May 2015 (Nigel French/PA)

England’s current Test captain struck 101 from 92 balls, bringing up his century from just 85 as England beat New Zealand by 124 runs in the first Test at Lord’s. Stokes’ brutal innings included three sixes and 15 fours.

Ian Botham – 86 balls v Australia in 1981

England won despite being made to follow on as Botham hit an 86th-ball century in the third Ashes Test at Headingley
England won despite being made to follow-on as Ian Botham hit an 86-ball century in the third Ashes Test at Headingley (PA Archive)

England were 1-0 down in the series after losing the first Test and drawing the second, but Botham’s unbeaten 149 from 148 deliveries, including an 86-ball ton, inspired his side to an 18-run win at Headingley, despite having to follow-on.

Ian Botham – 86 balls v Australia in 1981

Botham hit an 86-ball century including 13 sixes at Old Trafford
Botham hit an 86-ball century including 13 sixes at Old Trafford (PA Archive)

England won the fifth Test by 103 runs at Old Trafford as Botham bounced back from a first-innings golden duck to power 118 from 102 deliveries, reaching three figures again from 86 balls. His knock, which included six sixes and 13 fours, helped England take a 3-1 unassailable lead in the Ashes series.

Ben Stokes Ian Botham Jonny Bairstow

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