Achieving the Fastest Double Centuries in Test Cricket
Test cricket is considered the most grueling form of the game. Test matches are the longest formats in international cricket with regards to time; hence, to play a test match, players endure a lot more than others. The typical Test centuries require patience and a lot of balls, but in some instances, some have disobeyed the convention and have destructively changed the history of the game into newer records by aggressive batting.
The fastest double century in Test history was scored in just 153 balls. Virender Sehwag really makes it very popular, as he appears three times in the fast ten fastest double centuries in the format.

3. Virender Sehwag’s blazing knock against Sri Lanka in 2009.

A player who not many would probably be aware of but Virender Sehwag is the only player in Test cricket history who has made three double hundreds with scores from 290 to over. One of his best innings was against Sri Lanka, played in December 2009, at Brabourne stadium in a space of just 168 balls into a double century. The runs finally amounted to 293 from 254 balls with 40 fours and seven sixes. He played some brilliant cricket, but missed out narrowly on a triple century. Though his innings sealed up a victory of India by an innings and 24 runs.

2. Ben Stokes In The Aerial Game Against South Africa (2016)

One of the most significant cricketers to have ever graced modern-day cricket, Stokes had the potential to dominate the game in all aspects. In the early part of January 2016, he went on to record the second-fastest double century, which turned out to be the highest for Test matches, with 200 runs being received with just 163 balls. He scored 258 runs on bye-balling 30 fours and 11 sixes. Incredibly, he won the Man of the Match award.

1. Nathan Astle’s Record-Breaking Double Century Against England (2002)

The fastest double century in Test cricket was achieved by New Zealand’s Nathan Astle in March 2002 against England in Christchurch. He reached the milestone in just 153 balls, finishing with 222 runs off 168 deliveries, including 28 fours and 11 sixes. Despite his heroics, New Zealand fell short while chasing a target of 550, eventually getting bowled out for 451 and losing the match by 98 runs.

These extraordinary performances prove that while Test cricket is known for its strategic battles, it has also witnessed breathtakingly aggressive innings that have left an indelible mark on the game.