Top 3 fastest double centuries in England 

The feat of scoring a double century is regarded an outstanding performance in the rich history of Test cricket. Some of these outstanding performances stand out for their sheer pace and dominance. The fastest double centuries have a special significance in the context of Test matches played in England. 

Batters displayed exceptional abilities and audacity as they accumulated runs at an astounding rate during these awe-inspiring innings. These records not only show the batting prowess of the players involved, but they also attract viewers all across the world. Let’s take a look at the world’s fastest double centuries in Test cricket, where boundaries were hit, records were broken, and legends were established on English soil.

#3 Sir CG Greenidge in 232 balls at Lord’s vs England in 1984 

Sir Gordon Greenidge made his Lord’s Honours Board debut in 1984, with an undefeated 214 in the West Indies’ victorious match against England. The West Indies struggled in their first innings, achieving only 245, with Ian Botham’s outstanding performance giving an eight-wicket haul. As England declared their second innings at 300/9, the visitors had a tough task of reaching the win total of 342 runs.

Greenidge, on the other hand, demonstrated the brilliance that has given him respect as one of the world’s best openers with a magnificent double century. He accomplished this feat in just 242 balls, with 29 fours and two sixes, leaving the English team stunned and in disarray. This was second fastest double century in England at that time and currently he holds the third position on this list. 

#2 IT Botham in 220 balls at The Oval vs India in 1982 

Ian Botham is largely regarded as one of cricket’s best allrounders. He confronted any opponent, no matter where they were, with steadfast confidence and great talents. One of his most extraordinary performances, and perhaps one of the finest innings of his career, occurred against India at the Kennington Oval in London. England, captained by captain Bob Willis, won the toss and decided to bat in the third Test match of a three-match series on July 9, 1982. 

Botham, the middle-order batsman, stunned the crowd with his superb performance. He pitched a fantastic inning, scoring a whopping 208 runs. The amazing speed with whichh he accomplished the milestone of a double century, taking only 220 deliveries, highlighted this innings. It was the fastest recorded Test double-century in terms of balls faced at the time. Botham’s stunning innings featured 19 boundaries and four sixes, demonstrating his exceptional strokeplay.

#1 Ollie Pope in 207 balls vs Ireland at Lord’s 2023 

In a dominating display against Ireland at Lord’s, England witnessed remarkable batting performances. Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett stole the limelight with their exceptional innings. Pope’s magnificent knock of 205 and Duckett’s blazing 182 propelled England to a commanding total of 524-4 before declaring, securing a substantial lead of 331 runs. The duo’s partnership of 252 runs for the second wicket was instrumental in England’s dominance after Zak Crawley departed for 56. 

Both Duckett and Pope showcased their brilliance by scoring a century each in a single session. Duckett achieved the milestone in the morning session, while Pope emulated him between lunch and tea. Notably, Pope’s double century in 207 deliveries marked the fastest ever recorded on English soil, surpassing Ian Botham’s previous record of 220 balls at the Oval against India.