A Star Rises, One Century at a Time
Harry Brook, England’s stylish right-hander, is no longer just a promising name — he’s now a bona fide match-winner. On 3 August 2025, Brook reached a landmark that few manage even in long careers: 10 Test hundreds. But what sets him apart? He did it faster than any batter this century — in just 50 innings.
That’s faster than modern giants like Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli. Let’s break down what makes this achievement so special — and why Brook might just be the future of English cricket.
The Milestone: 10 Test Centuries in 50 Innings
At The Oval, against India, Brook made his 10th century in spectacular fashion — a blistering 111 off 91 balls. And this wasn’t just another ton. It came while chasing a mammoth 374 in the fourth innings of a Test match. Under pressure, Brook thrived.
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Match: England vs India, 5th Test
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Date: 3 August 2025
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Target: 374
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Brook’s score: 111 (98)
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Partnership: 195-run stand with Joe Root
How Fast Is That, Really?
To put things into perspective:
Player | Innings to 10 Test Hundreds |
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Harry Brook | 50 |
Marnus Labuschagne | 51 |
Steve Smith | 55 |
Joe Root | 76 |
Virat Kohli | 82 |
Brook now holds the record for fastest to 10 hundreds in Tests in the 21st century.
England’s Modern-Day Run Machine
While the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow have all had their moments, Brook’s rapid rise is refreshing. Since his debut, he has shown:
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A fearless mindset
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The ability to adapt across conditions
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A hunger for big runs under pressure
By the time he reached the 10th century, he had played 30 Tests, scoring well over 2500 runs, with an average hovering near 55+.
A Tactical Genius in Pressure Situations
Brook’s 10th hundred didn’t come easily. England was chasing 374 — a daunting task. But Brook looked unfazed. He went on the attack, playing aggressive strokes, rotating strikes, and keeping the pressure on India.
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Why it mattered:
It kept England in the game when things could’ve collapsed. -
How he did it:
Controlled aggression, solid technique, and smart risk-taking.
This wasn’t just a century; it was a statement.
A Look Back: Brook’s Test Hundreds Journey
Here’s a quick timeline of Brook’s Test centuries:
No. | Opponent | Venue | Score | Date |
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1 | Pakistan | Rawalpindi | 153 | Dec 2022 |
2 | Pakistan | Multan | 108 | Dec 2022 |
3 | Pakistan | Karachi | 111 | Dec 2022 |
4 | New Zealand | Wellington | 186 | Feb 2023 |
5 | West Indies | Nottingham | 109 | Jul 2024 |
6 | Pakistan | Multan | 317 | Oct 2024 |
7 | New Zealand | Christchurch | 171 | Nov 2024 |
8 | New Zealand | Wellington | 123 | Dec 2024 |
9 | India | Edgbaston | 158 | Jul 2025 |
10 | India | The Oval | 111 (98 balls) | Aug 3, 2025 |
Note: We’ve listed Brook’s first 9 Test centuries based on the best available information. However, official confirmation on some dates and venues is still awaited.
Comparison with Past Greats
While some old legends — like Herbert Sutcliffe and Denis Compton — reached 9 hundreds in around 44 innings, their 10th centuries came later. No official record confirms anyone else reaching 10 Test tons in 50 innings or fewer this century.
What Makes Brook Special?
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Strike Rotation: He doesn’t let bowlers settle.
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Aggression with Class: Not slogging, but calculated risks.
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Consistency: Not just in England, but overseas too.
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Mental Toughness: Thrives under pressure — like the 10th ton in a 4th innings chase.
What’s Next for Brook?
With the 2025 Champions Test Series around the corner and England planning for the 2026 Ashes, Brook is already central to England’s batting lineup. If he continues this form, he may be remembered alongside the greatest names in red-ball cricket.
Final Thoughts
Harry Brook’s 10th century wasn’t just another number. It was a performance under pressure, a record-breaking moment, and a glimpse into England’s cricketing future. With 10 hundreds in just 50 innings, Brook is setting standards others will struggle to match.
The scary part? He’s just getting started.
FAQs
Q1: How many innings did Harry Brook take to reach 10 Test centuries?
A: 50 innings — the fastest by any batter this century.
Q2: Who held the previous record for fastest to 10 Test tons in this century?
A: Marnus Labuschagne, in 51 innings.
Q3: What was Harry Brook’s 10th-century score?
A: 111 off 91 balls vs India at The Oval, 3 August 2025.
Q4: Is Brook the fastest Englishman to 10 Test hundreds?
A: He’s the fastest in the 21st century. Earlier records are unclear or slower.
Q5: What’s special about Brook’s 10th century?
A: It came in the fourth innings while chasing 374 — a high-pressure situation.
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