ISLAMABAD: Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the second-fastest player to score a century on Test debut.
He achieved the milestone in just 90 balls during the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Having already showcased his skills in 26 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 29 T20Is for Australia, English-born Australian Inglis stepped into the Test arena, replacing Sam Konstas, while Travis Head was elevated to open the batting. Coming in at No. 5, he joined the fray after Australia had laid a strong foundation, with Steve Smith departing after a stellar 141 and Usman Khawaja nearing his first double-century.
Inglis brought up his century in the 132nd over of Australia’s innings, contributing to a formidable total of 566-4. This achievement marks the 29-year-old eighth century in first-class cricket.
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The record for the fastest Test century on debut remains with Shikhar Dhawan, who accomplished the feat in 2013 against Australia in just 85 balls. Dwayne Smith of the West Indies holds the third spot, having reached his century in 93 balls against South Africa in 2004.
However, Inglis’s innings was cut short shortly after his century when he was dismissed by Prabath Jayasuriya for 102 off 94 balls, bringing Australia tantalisingly close to the 600-run mark, with no declaration in sight just yet.
Fastest Test centuries on debut
Player Match Balls
Shikhar Dhawan India V Australia, 2013 85 Balls
Josh Inglis Australia V Sri Lanka, 2025 90 Balls
Dwayne Smith West Indies V South Africa, 2004 93 Balls
The fourth person on the list is India’s Prithvi Shaw, who took 99 balls to score a debut ton against the West Indies in 2018.
Inglis’s eventual strike rate of 108.51 is the highest among all debut centurions in Tests.
Player Score Strike Rate Match Year
Josh Inglis 102 Off 94 108.51 Australia V Sri Lanka 2025
Shikhar Dhawan 187 Off 174 107.47 India V Australia 2013
Dwayne Smith 105* Off 105 100 West Indies V South Africa 2004
Matt Prior 126* Of 128 98.43 England V West Indies 2007
Abul Hasan 113 Off 123 98.16 Bangladesh V West Indies 2012
