Top 5 players with the fastest century in Ashes history

By Ravi - Nov 23, 2025 04:25 PM
Last updated on Nov 23, 2025 04:30 PM

The first Test of the 2025 Ashes in Perth ended in just two days, and the star of the match was none other than Travis Head. Coming in as an opener, he decimated England in every way. Chasing a target of 205, Head adopted his T20 style and scored 123 runs off just 83 balls, including 16 fours and four sixes. This brilliant innings put him on the list of fastest centuries in Ashes history.

Top 5 players with the fastest century in Ashes history

1. Adam Gilchrist – 57 balls (Perth, 2006)

The fastest century in Ashes history belongs to Adam Gilchrist, who scored a brilliant century in the 2006 Ashes in Perth; and it was one of the greatest Test innings ever. Batting at number seven, Gilchrist used his timing to perfect the English bowling attack, hitting 12 fours and four sixes, and reached his century off 57 balls.

2. Travis Head – 69 balls (Perth, 2025)

Travis Head led a brilliant counter-attack under pressure in the first Ashes match at Optus Stadium in Perth in 2025. He scored 123 runs off 83 balls, including a brilliant century off 69 balls, which included 12 fours and 4 sixes. Head's impressive strike rate of nearly 148 kept England under constant pressure.

3. Gilbert Jessop 76 balls (The Oval, 1902)

In 1902, when helmets didn't exist and pitches were unpredictable, Gilbert Jessop played an innings that people still talk about today. Chasing a target of 263 in the Fifth Test at the Oval, Jessop came to the crease when England were 48/5 and shared a partnership of over 100 runs with George Hirst. Gilbert played with passion, scoring a brilliant century off just 76 balls. He held on to his place and led England to a historic 1-wicket victory.

4. Travis Head – 85 balls (Brisbane, 2021)

The 2021 Ashes began in Brisbane, and the Australian team was in excellent form from day one. Pat Cummins' five wickets in the first innings restricted England to 147 runs. In response, Travis Head, batting at number 5, played a blistering innings. He reached his century off just 85 balls off Jack Leach. Head capitalized on this momentum, scoring 152 runs from 148 balls at a strike rate of 102.70, including 14 fours and four sixes. His innings laid the foundation for Australia's nine-wicket victory.

5. Joe Darling – 85 balls (Sydney, 1898)

In 1898, Joe Darling clinched the Ashes series with a century off 85 balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground. At a time when controlled and defensive scoring was the norm, Darling's innings were remarkable. He attacked the bowlers, unleashing powerful drives and punches through the off-side, and played explosive strokes that were a far cry from the conservative batting style of the time.

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