Clearing the boundary in Test cricket requires a rare combination of power, confidence and the ability to attack without compromising a team’s position in the game. While the longest format has traditionally rewarded patience and technical discipline, several batters have shown that calculated aggression can be equally effective.
Over the years, a select group of destructive batters have consistently turned Test matches with their ability to hit sixes. Rishabh Pant has now joined that elite group while setting a new benchmark for how quickly the milestone can be reached. Here is a closer look at the batters who reached 100 Test sixes in the fewest innings.
Batters with fastest to 100 sixes in Test cricket
1. Rishabh Pant (India) — 89 innings
Pant has taken the top spot after reaching 100 Test sixes in just 89 innings. He achieved the milestone during India’s ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, becoming the first Indian batter to accomplish the feat. Pant smashed two sixes during his 66 off 69 balls in India’s second innings, taking his career tally to 100.
The wicketkeeper-batter needed only 4,918 deliveries to reach the mark, underlining the extraordinary attacking intent that has defined his red-ball career. His ability to counterattack against both pace and spin has made him one of India’s most influential Test batters.
2. Adam Gilchrist (Australia) — 130 innings
Adam Gilchrist previously held the record for reaching 100 Test sixes in the fewest innings. The former Australian wicketkeeper achieved the landmark in 130 innings, having played 92 Tests. Gilchrist revolutionized the role of the wicketkeeper-batter with his aggressive approach and ability to score rapidly from the lower middle order. He finished his Test career with exactly 100 sixes and 5,570 runs.
3. Ben Stokes (England) — 151 innings
Former England captain Ben Stokes reached 100 Test sixes in 151 innings, establishing himself among the most destructive batters in the format. Stokes has been a central figure in England’s aggressive approach to Test cricket, regularly using powerful strokeplay to change the momentum of matches. His ability to attack under pressure has made him one of the defining red-ball players of his generation. He has since moved well beyond the 100-six mark and currently holds the overall record for most Test sixes.
4. Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) — 170 innings
Brendon McCullum completed 100 Test sixes in 170 innings and was one of the earliest players to consistently bring a limited-overs style of aggression into Test cricket. The former New Zealand captain finished his career with 107 sixes and 6,453 runs. His fearless approach, particularly during the later stages of his career, helped redefine expectations around scoring rates in Test cricket.
