Fastest Double Hundreds in Test cricket is a huge achievement, but doing it at a fast pace is even more special. These batsmen played explosive innings and created history. A double century (200 runs) in Test cricket usually takes a long time, as players focus on building their innings. However, some batters have scored it in record time, playing aggressive and fearless cricket. These are the Fastest double hundreds in Test cricket history, ranked from Number 10 to Number 1.
Here Are Top 10 Fastest Double Hundreds in Test Cricket History
10. Chris Gayle (221 Balls)
Chris Gayle, known for his powerful hitting, scored a double hundred in just 221 balls against Sri Lanka in 2010 at Galle. The West Indian opener played aggressive cricket, smashing boundaries all over the ground. His innings was a perfect combination of patience and attacking play and he is the Fastest Double Hundredsin test .
Chris Gayle’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 221 | Chris Gayle | Sri Lanka | Galle | 2010 |
9. Ian Botham (220 Balls)
England’s all-rounder Ian Botham was known for his explosive batting. In 1982, he smashed a double hundred in 220 balls against India at The Oval. Botham’s powerful strokes and fearless approach made him one of England’s greatest cricketers.
Ian Botham’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | Ian Botham | India | The Oval | 1982 |
8. Adam Gilchrist (212 Balls)
Adam Gilchrist, one of the most destructive wicketkeeper-batsmen, scored a double hundred in 212 balls against South Africa in 2002 at Johannesburg. His innings included massive sixes and quick boundaries, showing why he was one of Australia’s best attacking batsmen with the Fastest Double Hundreds.
Adam Gilchrist’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212 | Adam Gilchrist | South Africa | Johannesburg | 2002 |
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7. Ross Taylor (211 Balls)
New Zealand’s Ross Taylor played a stunning knock against Bangladesh in 2019, scoring a double century in just 211 balls at Wellington. His innings was full of aggressive shots, dominating the opposition bowlers.
Ross Taylor’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 211 | Ross Taylor | Bangladesh | Wellington | 2019 |
6. Herschelle Gibbs (211 Balls)
South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs played an explosive innings against Pakistan in 2003 at Cape Town, reaching his double hundred in 211 balls. He attacked from the start, punishing every bowler who came in his way.
Herschelle Gibbs’ Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 211 | Herschelle Gibbs | Pakistan | Cape Town | 2003 |
5. Ollie Pope (207 Balls)
England’s Ollie Pope recently made history by scoring a double hundred in just 207 balls against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023. His aggressive yet classy batting made him the talk of the cricketing world and Fastest Double Hundreds.
Ollie Pope’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 207 | Ollie Pope | Ireland | Lord’s | 2023 |
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4. Virender Sehwag (194 Balls)
Virender Sehwag, one of India’s most explosive openers, played a 194-ball double hundred against South Africa in Chennai (2008). His fearless batting style made him a nightmare for bowlers and he is the Fastest Double Hundredsin test cricket history.
Virender Sehwag’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 194 | Virender Sehwag | South Africa | Chennai | 2008 |
3. Brendon McCullum (186 Balls)
New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum played a stunning knock against Pakistan in 2014 at Sharjah, reaching his double hundred in just 186 balls. His aggressive approach made him one of the most feared batsmen with Fastest Double Hundreds.
Brendon McCullum’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 186 | Brendon McCullum | Pakistan | Sharjah | 2014 |
2. Virender Sehwag (168 Balls)
Sehwag appears again in the list for his 168-ball double hundred against Sri Lanka in 2009 at Mumbai. He dominated the bowlers, showing why he was one of the most aggressive Test batsmen with Fastest Double Hundreds.
Virender Sehwag’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168 | Virender Sehwag | Sri Lanka | Mumbai | 2009 |
1. Nathan Astle (153 Balls)
Nathan Astle holds the record for the fastest double hundred in Test cricket, scoring it in just 153 balls against England in 2002 at Christchurch. His innings was full of power hitting, making it one of the most memorable knocks in Fastest Double Hundreds in cricket history.
Nathan Astle’s Record
| Balls | Player | Opponent | Location | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 153 | Nathan Astle | England | Christchurch | 2002 |
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Conclusion
Scoring a double hundred is a big achievement in Test cricket, but doing it at a fast pace is even more special. Players like Sehwag, Astle, and McCullum have changed the way Test cricket is played, proving that aggression can also be successful in the longest format. Their records may stand for years, but future cricketers will always try to break them.
FAQ
1. Who holds the record for the fastest double hundred in Test cricket?
Nathan Astle scored the fastest double hundred in 153 balls against England in 2002.
2. How many times has Virender Sehwag scored a fast double hundred?
Virender Sehwag has done it three times, in 2006, 2008, and 2009.
3. Who was the first player to score a double hundred in less than 200 balls?
Virender Sehwag was the first to achieve this in 2006 against Pakistan in Lahore.
4. Has any wicketkeeper scored a fast double century?
Yes, Adam Gilchrist scored a double hundred in 212 balls against South Africa in 2002.
5. Can a future player break Astle’s record?
Yes, with modern aggressive batting, it is possible, but 153 balls remains a tough challenge.
