Top 5 Fastest Centuries In Youth Test Cricket Ft. Ayush Mhatre

Test cricket, often hailed as the pinnacle of the sport, is a stern examination of skill, patience, and mental fortitude. It is the format that separates the great from the good, the patient from the reckless. And within this high-pressure environment, when a teenager walks out to bat and smashes a century in under 100 balls, the cricketing world takes notice.

Youth Test cricket might not carry the same headlines as senior international Tests, but it provides a valuable glimpse into the stars of tomorrow. In a landscape increasingly dominated by T20 flair, when young players display explosive batting in the classical red-ball arena, it sends a message—not just about talent, but temperament, audacity, and intent.

Here, we look at five remarkable young cricketers who defied the red-ball norms and etched their names into the record books by scoring the fastest centuries in Youth Test cricket.

1. Ayush Mhatre – 64 balls vs England U19 (2025)

Date: July 2025
Venue: Taunton, England
Balls Faced for Century: 64
Strike Rate: 156.25

A name that’s on everyone’s lips in Indian cricketing circles right now — Ayush Mhatre announced himself with a truly jaw-dropping performance against England U19 at Taunton. His whirlwind century in just 64 balls didn’t just break records — it redefined what’s possible in youth Test cricket.

With India U19 needing quick runs to establish dominance, Mhatre walked in with the scoreboard under pressure. What followed was a batting blitz reminiscent of Rishabh Pant, yet delivered with the classical touch of VVS Laxman. Mhatre used an all-round strokeplay — lofted drives over cover, hooks off the front foot, and cheeky scoops to third man.

He wasn’t just aggressive — he was calculated, targeting specific bowlers and manipulating field placements. By the time he brought up his century, even the English fielders paused to applaud.

What makes this century truly iconic isn’t just the speed — it’s the statement. Mhatre’s knock was a loud, proud announcement that he’s ready for the big stage, and India’s Test future might just be in very safe hands.

“He batted like he was playing on a different pitch. That was an international-quality knock,” said former India U19 coach Rahul Dravid, who was in attendance.

2. George Bell – 88 balls vs Sri Lanka U19 (2022)

Date: January 2022
Venue: Galle, Sri Lanka
Balls Faced for Century: 88
Strike Rate: 113.64

Before Mhatre shattered the record, it was George Bell, the English prodigy, who reigned supreme with an 88-ball century against Sri Lanka U19 in the sweltering heat of Galle.

George Bell’s innings was a masterclass in counterattacking cricket. Facing a spin-heavy Sri Lankan attack on a turning Day 2 pitch, Bell took the aerial route early. Rather than defending into submission, he danced down the track, often meeting the ball at the pitch and dispatching it over long-on with authority.

He wasn’t just hitting big — he was reading the game beautifully, rotating strike when needed, and making bowlers err in line and length. His intent changed the match’s tempo entirely.

Bell’s aggression was a breath of fresh air for England’s red-ball youth system, which has long been accused of being too conservative. This innings underlined the new generation’s approach — fearless, smart, and always looking to dominate.

3. Atharva Taide – 89 balls vs Sri Lanka U19 (2018)

Date: July 2018
Venue: Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Balls Faced for Century: 89
Strike Rate: 112.35

Atharva Taide may not be a household name in international cricket yet, but in 2018, he gave India U19 fans a reason to cheer when he scored a sensational 89-ball century against Sri Lanka U19 on a pitch that was doing everything for the bowlers.

At the time, Indian openers had been struggling to find rhythm against spin early in the innings. But Taide, with his strong bottom-hand grip and natural attacking instincts, changed that narrative. His footwork against off-spin was textbook — using the crease brilliantly to play both back and forward, cutting late and sweeping with finesse.

The most impressive aspect? His risk management. Despite scoring quickly, he never looked like he was slogging. Every shot was executed with purpose.

While his career since has seen highs and lows, this knock remains a highlight of youth cricket history — a perfect blend of composure and aggression in tough conditions.

4. Liam Dawson – 93 balls vs New Zealand U19 (2008)

Date: January 2008
Venue: Lincoln, New Zealand
Balls Faced for Century: 93
Strike Rate: 107.52

Before Liam Dawson became known for his spin-bowling exploits and all-round capabilities in England’s limited-overs setup, he made headlines as a promising U19 batter. His 93-ball century against New Zealand U19 was a glimpse of his versatility with the bat.

Batting at No. 6, Dawson came in with England U19 reeling. What followed was a clean hitting masterclass — peppering the off-side with square drives and slog sweeps to the leg. He showed maturity beyond his years by balancing the counterattack with stonewall defense when required.

While Dawson evolved into more of a bowling all-rounder in the senior side, this innings remains a reminder of the attacking instincts he always had in his locker.

His youthful hundred showed England that even middle-order batters could flip the script with aggression — a rare mindset at the time in junior red-ball formats.

5. Brendon McCullum – 96 balls vs South Africa U19 (2001)

Date: December 2001
Venue: Paarl, South Africa
Balls Faced for Century: 96
Strike Rate: 104.16

Long before he revolutionized the role of wicketkeeper-batter and became the face of Bazball, Brendon McCullum was already making waves in youth cricket. In 2001, playing against a potent South African U19 side, he blazed his way to a 96-ball ton that would later prove to be prophetic.

McCullum’s intent was clear from ball one — attack or perish. His pull shots, drives, and cuts were all about maximum impact. Despite the quality of the bowling — which included future international pacers — McCullum’s tempo never wavered.

This innings would be a foreshadowing of what was to come. McCullum would go on to redefine Test batting in 2016 by scoring the fastest century in senior Test cricket history (off just 54 balls vs Australia).

Even at the U19 level, his fearless mentality was already on full display. His legacy continues to influence the next generation of cricketers around the world.

Beyond the Numbers: Why These Innings Matter

While the centuries listed above are statistical feats, their real impact goes much deeper:

They reflect evolution: The very essence of Test cricket is being challenged and reshaped by young players who don’t fear the format’s traditions. That’s a healthy sign for the game’s future.
Mental strength on display: Scoring rapidly in Tests isn’t just about power — it’s about reading conditions, handling pressure, and backing your technique.
Influencing modern Test cricket: These players, especially McCullum and now Mhatre, embody the ethos of aggressive red-ball cricket, which is increasingly being adopted at the senior level.
Redefining youth development: Cricket boards are now embracing fearless batting at the U19 level, encouraging natural strokeplay rather than suppressing it.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Be Next?

With the increasing overlap of formats, youth players now grow up watching and playing all versions of the game. As such, expect the line between T20-style aggression and red-ball tradition to blur even further.

Ayush Mhatre’s recent 64-ball century is not just a record — it’s a statement. It says that Test cricket doesn’t need to be slow to be special. It can be bold. It can be thrilling. And it can be reimagined — one youth century at a time.

Top 5 Fastest Youth Test Centuries – Summary Table

Rank	Player	Country	Balls Faced	Opponent	Year
1	Ayush Mhatre	India	64	England U19	2025
2	George Bell	England	88	Sri Lanka U19	2022
3	Atharva Taide	India	89	Sri Lanka U19	2018
4	Liam Dawson	England	93	New Zealand U19	2008
5	Brendon McCullum	NZ	96	South Africa U19	2001

Youth cricket is no longer just a nursery for future stars — it’s now a high-performance, high-intensity platform producing fearless champions. The five players on this list proved that age is just a number when talent meets confidence.

And if Ayush Mhatre’s 64-ball century is anything to go by, the future of Test cricket might just be faster, bolder, and brighter than ever before.

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