The second of Hashim Amla’s back-to-back hundreds was scored at Centurion on day one of the fourth Test between South Africa and England. Although he got out almost immediately after getting to his 25th Test ton, that was not before he became the sixth-fastest to 25 Test centuries.
It was his sixth hundred against England in Tests and he achieved his century in a manner that spoke volumes about his return to form. Although he was given a repreive by Jonny Bairstow early in his innings, the former South African skipper showed that it only takes a few innings to get back to the form he has showed throughout his career.
Amla’s century was also his fifth on this venue in 10 Tests and his hundred on day one not only enhanced his already glittering record at the ground, but also provided the perfect platform for South Africa to get to a good first innings total.
Leading the list is obviously Don Bradman, the holder of plenty of Test records, including the one for the fastest to 25 Test tons. He got to his 25th hundred in just his 68th innings, comfortably the best by any batsman.
Given the player in second place is almost twice as long, it is highly unlikely that Bradman's record will ever be broken. But as they say, never say never. In second place is Sachin Tendulkar, who got to his milestone in 130 innings, which is impressive, if not easily overshadowed by Bradman's unbelievable records.
In third place is another Indian, Sunil Gavaskar, who got to the milestone in 138 innings, closely followed by Matthew Hayden, who only took an innings more. Rounding off the top five is West Indian Gary Sobers, who got to his in 147 innings.
Amla, who got to his record in 155 innings, is the sixth-fastest, only just ahead of Ricky Ponting.
Amla’s knock was almost overshadowed by Stephen Cook, who became the 100th player to score a hundred on Test debut. The 33-year-old was also the fourth-oldest to score century on Test debut.
Fastest to 25 Test centuries
| No | Player | Innings |
| 1 | Don Bradman (Australia) | 68 |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar (India) | 130 |
| 3 | Sunil Gavaskar (India) | 138 |
| 4 | Matthew Hayden (Australia) | 139 |
| 5 | Gary Sobers (West Indies) | 147 |
| 6 | Hashim Amla (South Africa) | 155 |
| 7 | Ricky Ponting (Australia) | 156 |
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