Test Cricket: Cricket is a game of surprises and all three formats come with a different set of challenges. But there is no doubt that the most challenging format is test cricket. It is because this is the format of patience. Especially for the batters, who just need to spend more time on the pitch. Real batsman-ship is shown in how you can tackle a bowling lineup.
But there are still those who like to play a dominating game. There have been some instances in the past where we have seen batters dominate the opposition bowlers and go on to play some extraordinary innings. In this article, we will cover the list of the fastest double centuries in the history of test cricket.
5. Brendon McCullum (186 balls) vs Pakistan in 2014
The fifth fastest double century in test cricket is registered under the name of former New Zealand skipper, Brendon McCullum. It came against Pakistan in 2014 at Sharjah. It was the third test of the three-match series. Batting first, Pakistan scored 351 in their first innings. In reply, New Zealand had a 297 run partnership for the second wicket, which helped the Kiwis score 690 runs. It was skipper McCullum who smashed a double century off 186 balls and made 202 runs. Trailing by 339 runs, Pakistan was out for 259 runs and lost the match by an innings and 80 runs.
4. Virender Sehwag (182 balls) vs Pakistan 2006
Former explosive opener Virender Sehwag holds the record for the fourth and third fastest double centuries. He scored a double century off 182 balls against Pakistan in 2006 at Lahore. It was the first match of the series and Pakistan declared 679/7 in their first innings. In reply, India needed a good start and that’s what happened. India added 410 runs for the first wicket, which included a 182-ball double century from Sehwag. He made 254 off 247 balls, while Rahul Dravid made an unbeaten 128* runs. Both teams settled for a draw.
3. Virender Sehwag (168 balls) vs Sri Lanka 2009
The third fastest double century came in 2009 against Sri Lanka. It was the third match of the three-match series at Brabourne. Sri Lanka made 393 runs in their first innings. In response, India had a 221-run partnership for the first wicket between Murali Vijay (87) and Virender Sehwag. However, Sehwag carried on and scored a 168-ball double century and made 293 off 254 balls. India declared at 726/9 in 163.3 overs. In the second innings, Sri Lanka got all out for 309 and lost the match by an innings and 24 runs.
2. Ben Stokes (163 balls) vs South Africa in 2016
The second fastest double century is registered under the name of Ben Stokes. It came in Cape Town, against South Africa in the second test. In the first innings, England scored 629/6 in 125.5 overs courtesy of a 163-ball double century. He smashed 258 runs off 198 balls in that innings. In reply, South Africa also batted well and made 627/7. In the end, the match ended with a draw and Stokes, who scored the second fastest double hundred, won the “Man of the Match”.
1. Nathan Astle (153 balls) vs England in 2022
The fastest double century came way back in 2022. But unfortunately, it came on a losing course. It was the first match between New Zealand and England in Christchurch. Batting first, England made 228 runs. In response, New Zealand also had a poor performance with the bat, and they got all out for 147 runs. With a lead of 81 runs, England declared their second innings at 468/6 in 96.4 overs. New Zealand needed 550 runs to win, but they had a bad batting performance in the second innings as well. The only positive was Nathan Astle, who hit the fastest double century in history. Astle made a 153-ball double century and scored 222 off 168, but the Kiwis got out for 451 and lost by 98 runs.
List of Fastest Double Century in Test
| Player | Balls | Against | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Astle (NZ) | 153 | England | Christchurch | 2002 |
| Ben Stokes (ENG) | 163 | South Africa | Cape Town | 2016 |
| Virender Sehwag (IND) | 168 | Sri Lanka | Mumbai | 2009 |
| Virender Sehwag (IND) | 182 | Pakistan | Lahore | 2006 |
| Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 186 | Pakistan | Sharjah | 2014 |
| Virender Sehwag (IND) | 194 | South Africa | Chennai | 2008 |
| Ollie Pope (England) | 207 | Ireland | Lord’s | 2023 |
| Herschelle Gibbs (SA) | 211 | Pakistan | Cape Town | 2003 |
| Adam Gilchrist (AUS) | 212 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 2002 |
| Ian Botham (ENG) | 220 | India | The Oval | 1982 |
| Chris Gayle (WI) | 221 | Sri Lanka | Galle | 2010 |
Most Double Centuries in Test cricket