Top 5 Fastest Centuries on Test debut

It is always a big moment for any player to receive his Test cap and perform for his side. While Some fail at leaving a mark while there are few exceptions that blow away everyone with their confidence and temperament.

Here is the list of the top five fastest centurions on Test debut.

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#1. Shikhar Dhawan (100 in 85 balls vs Australia)

Shikhar Dhawan scored 100 in just 85 balls on debut

Even if his Test career is in disarray, there is one thing Shikhar Dhawan can be proud of. As he walked to the ground in his debut Test match against Australia in the absence of Sehwag, he looked determined to make the most out of this opportunity.

He batted brilliantly throughout the innings playing his natural flamboyant shots around the park. His natural aggressive batting was at the display as he brought up his maiden Test century in just 85 deliveries. The record remains still unbroken after 5 years since his debut. He went on to score 185 runs in that innings beating the previous record of Gundappa Vishwanath of 137 on debut.

Even after five years since his debut, the record remains unbeaten

#2. Dwayne Smith (100 in 93 balls vs South Arica)

Dwayne Smith scored 100 from 93 balls

A popular name around the world in franchise cricket, Dwayne Smith has always proven to be a worthy asset for any team. He has the ability to clear grounds at will and has a knack of breaking crucial partnerships with his seam bowling.

It was his debut Test match in 2004 against South Africa where he found his team struggling to save the match after the brilliance from the home team. Smith failed to impress in the first innings but came out strongly in the second innings to bat along to save the match. He played attacking shots and brought up his maiden Test hundred in 93 balls. He became 11th West Indian player to score Test century on debut.

However, he could not repeat his heroics again in the latter part o his career and this saw his exit from the Test side of Windies.

#3. Prithvi Shaw (100 in 99 balls vs Windies)

Prithvi Shaw scored his maiden century in 99 balls

A young Mumbai lad who lead India U19 to World Cup victory in 2018 is the latest and the youngest entrant in this list. Prithvi Shaw had a prolific run in domestic cricket scoring centuries on Ranji Trophy debut, Duleep Trophy debut and now in the Test debut.

He made noises in the Indian domestic circuit with his run-scoring abilities and proved that in IPL and the India A games. His performance got him his Test cap against the Windies in the home series.

He started brilliantly and went onto score a 99-ball hundred which was lauded by everyone. He was looking good for a big one but eventually got out at 134. His 99-ball hundred is the third fastest century by a player in his debut Test match.

#4. Matt Prior (100 in 105 balls vs Windies)

Matt Prior scored his century from just 105 balls

A rare feat to be achieved by a wicket-keeper batsman, but Matt Prior made it to the list nevertheless. A prolific wicket-keeper for England, Prior was pretty much handy with the bat as well.

He made his debut against Windies in 2007 at Lords and became the first wicket-keeper to score a century on debut at Lords. What made it more special that it came in a real quick time in just 105 balls. Prior top-scored in that match with his knock of 126.

Apart from this, Prior has been one of the best keepers for England and with his batting coming good during crunch moments, made him an integral part of the English cricket team

#5. Abul Hasan (100 in 106 balls vs Windies)

Abul Hasan celebrating his century against Windies

An unfamiliar name of the Bangladeshi bowling all-rounder Abul Hasan makes it to the list. He made his debut against Windies in 2012 and came into bat at no.10. With the likes of Mahmudullah at the crease, he went onto score a Test hundred in just 106 deliveries and became only the fourth player overall and the second after Australia's Reggie Duff to do so.

However, he has not been a regular part of the Test side since his debut and last played a Test match against Sri Lanka in 2013.