OTD 1920, PGH Fender scored the fastest authentic first-class century in 35 mins 

Percy Fender was one of the pioneers of cricket in the early years. Born on 22nd August 1892, Percy Fender was known to be a great batter and able pace and spin bowler. His career may have seen him play just 13 Test matches but he was a huge name in first class cricket. 

During the height of his career, Percy Fender scored the fastest ever century which came in just 35 minutes. The record stands tall till this day as no one has come close to achieving the feat. 

The former English star made his Test debut in 1921 at the age of 29 against Australia. In his first Test he picked 2 wickets and scored 44 runs with a best of 42 as Australia won the match by massive 119 runs. 

Percy Fender scripts history 

On the 26th of August in 1920, Percy Fender playing for Surrey scored a century in a mere 35 minutes. The feat came against Northampton as the fans who had come to the stadium to support their home team were in for a shock. 

Percy Fender was the captain of the Surrey team and saw his team bowl out the hosts for 306 with Malden scoring a century. In reply Surrey lost their great batting hope Sir Jacks Hobbs early for 3. Sandham scored 52 while Wilkinson scored 43 as both fell to Wooley 

Surrey then saw Peach score 200 while Ducat scored 149 to help the team take a huge lead. The arrival of Percy Fender saw the runs pick up as he scored his half-century in just under 20 minutes at the crease. 

The century came in exactly 35 minutes as he hit 16 boundaries and five huge sixes. This helped Surrey declare with 619 runs on the board. Northamptonshire were bowled out for 430 in their 2nd dig with three batters scoring fifties as Haywood top scored with 96. 

Surrey won the match by 8 wickets while chasing a target of 118 runs. Percy Fender also contributed with the ball picking 5 wickets in the game. His first three wickets came in the first innings and two more in the second. 

Also read: Birth of Tommy Andrews who played 16 Tests for Australia between 1921 and 1926