On This Day in 2016: Brendon McCullum Blasts Fastest Test Ton in His Last Match

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, currently in India as England team’s coach, played cricket on his own terms until his very last international game. McCullum’s illustrious batting career culminated fittingly with his record-breaking 54-ball century against Australia at Christchurch on February 20, 2016. With England trailing 2-1 in the ongoing Test series against India, can he inspire the Englishmen to fight back and win the series the Bazball way?

Leading the Black Caps in his final game on this day in 2016, McCullum won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to set a formidable total. However, the decision seemed to backfire as Australian bowlers took three quick wickets with just 32 runs on the board.

McCullum strode to the crease with the task of rescuing his team from the early trouble. While others might have opted for caution in such circumstances, McCullum, true to his style, launched a counterattack on the Australian bowlers.

Despite losing the wicket of Kane Williamson, McCullum maintained his aggressive approach, finding support from Corey Anderson at the other end.

With a flurry of boundaries, McCullum reached his fifty in just 34 deliveries, including six boundaries and three powerful sixes. His innings gained momentum thereafter, with McCullum’s assault becoming even more relentless.

Before the Australians could grasp the situation, McCullum reached his century in a mere 54 deliveries, breaking the record for the fastest Test century by two balls. Previously, the record was jointly held by Viv Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq, achieved in 56 deliveries.

After Anderson departed for 72 off 66 balls, McCullum found another ally in BJ Watling, as he raced to 145 runs off just 79 deliveries. Riding on the captain’s blazing century and a crucial 58 from Watling, the Kiwis posted a formidable total of 370 runs.

In response, Australia amassed a massive 505 runs in their first innings and ultimately won the Test match. However, the highlight of the match remained McCullum’s rapid century in his farewell Test for New Zealand.

FASTEST TEST TONS

• 54 balls: Brendon McCullum, New Zealand v Australia, Christchurch (2015-16)
• 56: Viv Richards, West Indies v England, St John’s (1985-86)
• 56: Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan v Australia, Abu Dhabi (2014-15)
• 57: Adam Gilchrist, Australia v England, Perth (2006-07)
• 67: Jack Gregory, Australia v South Africa, Johannesburg (1921-22)
• 69: Shiv Chanderpaul, West Indies v Australia, Georgetown (2002-03)
• 69: David Warner, Australia v India, Perth (2011-12)
• 70: Chris Gayle, West Indies v Australia, Perth (2009-10)
• 71: Roy Fredericks, West Indies v Australia, Perth (1975-76)
• 74: Majid Khan, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi (1976-77)
• 74: Kapil Dev, India v Sri Lanka, Kanpur (1986/87)
• 74: M Azharuddin, India v South Africa, Kolkata (1996/97)