Test cricket is known to be a format where the batters usually take a bit of time to pace their innings. While it is a norm, there are instances where the batters have been able to pace innings at a good rate to ensure their team’s lead in a match. Over the years, many batters have registered over 300 runs in a single innings of a Test match.
While the fans haven’t witnessed as many 300s in the last 10-15 years in Test cricket, there are instances where the batters have scored them at a quick pace. The quickest 300s have come in the 21st century where a big focus has been to save time in order to bowl out their opponents. It is time to look at the batters who have smashed the fastest triple hundreds in Tests in terms of the number of deliveries.
3. Matthew Hayden vs Zimbabwe, Perth 2003
It was the first Test of the series between Australia and Zimbabwe at Perth’s old WACA stadium. Australia batted first and posted a mammoth total of 735 runs before declaring their innings. Hayden was the star of the show who absolutely hammered the visiting side. On a wicket that got better with the progression of the match, he was highly aggressive.
The Southpaw took the bowlers to the cleaners and ensured that the home side was well on track with the bat. With a bit of help from Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist from the other end, Hayden could score at an aggressive rate. His knock of 380(437) included 38 fours and 11 sixes at a strike rate of 86.95. The opener scored his 300 in 362 balls.
2. Harry Brook vs Pakistan, Multan 2024
The second in the list also happens to be the latest entrant. England’s Harry Brook hammered the Pakistani bowlers for fun in their own backyard. The emerging talent not just registered his career-best score but went a notch above to score England’s first triple hundred in years. He broke a lot of records in the process.
Brook became the fastest England batter to smash a Test 300. His milestone came in a matter of just 310 deliveries. The star batter smashed 317 runs in 322 balls which included 29 fours and 3 sixes. His knock came at a SR of 98.44 and was a display of Bazball. England went on to win the Test by an innings and 47 runs. Brook was awarded with the player of the match award.
1. Virender Sehwag vs South Africa, Chennai 2008
It was easily the fastest Test triple hundred in the history of international cricket. One might not have needed a second thought to wonder who it was. Virender Sehwag smashed a 300 against South Africa in Chennai in 2008 in just 278 balls. To think it came against the best Test side of the time showed what Sehwag could do to the bowlers.
Batting first, SA posted 540 runs. In reply to it, India scored 627 runs. Out of them, Viru scored 319(304) himself. His knock came at a SR of a whopping 104.93 which included 42 fours and 5 sixes. He scored them against an attack consisting of Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, and Jacques Kallis, which made it even more special.
Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.