Eastern Park cricketer Bailey Thompson smashes his way into club record books with quickest century

A 12-year-old SA cricketer has smashed a record-breaking century – and it’s up there with the quickest tons of all time.

Eastern Park cricketer Bailey Thompson smashed 110 runs off 32 balls during an under-12 game on Friday, breaking a club record. Picture: Emma Brasier.

Bailey Thompson is just 12 years old but is already showing signs of becoming a rising star of SA cricket.

The Eastern Park right-hand batsman smashed an incredible 110 runs off just 32 deliveries during a Para District Cricket Association under-12s south match against Salisbury West away last Friday.

Bailey, of Elizabeth, retired on 75 after facing 20 balls due to the association’s under-12 rules but was allowed to return to the crease after all his teammates had batted.

He made his 100 off 29 deliveries before reaching 110, helping Eastern Park to 5/255 and a victory, beating Salisbury West’s 5/84.

Bailey’s knock, which included six fours and 12 sixes, was a club record for the quickest century reached.

Eastern Park rising cricket star Bailey Thompson. Picture: Emma Brasier.

West Indies star Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest century in professional cricket – a 30-ball T20 ton in the Indian Premier League in 2013.

Bailey’s score also comes after Adelaide Strikers and Australian batsman Alex Carey hit 101 off just 62 balls during a BBL game against Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval earlier this month.

Sydney Thunder right-hand batsman Alex Hale scored 110 from 56 balls against

Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval just a week after Bailey recorded his stunning knock.

Bailey, meanwhile, lined up with Eastern Park’s under-14 side the next day and retired after hitting 43 off 15 deliveries.

The youngster, who also captains Northern Districts‘ under-14 white team, is proud his hard work is paying off.

“I just hit the ball like Donald Bradman, (at home) I just use a stump and a little bat that my dad cut for me,” the St Columba College Year 8 said.

Eastern Park’s Bailey Thompson. Picture: Emma Brasier.

“It was the best feeling to make the score with my mates an in front of my mum, having the feeling of posting the ton is great but I was very nervous.

“All the boys ran up to me.

“I am stoked to have a club record, there’s so many superstars at the club and to have a record there doesn’t feel real, it’s amazing.”

Bailey’s dad David Thompson coaches the under-12 side and the pair has a strong bond.

“It can be hard sometimes but I love it … we talk about cricket all the time and I don’t think I’d be that good if Dad wasn’t the coach and he knows how hard I work.

“I want to try to play for Australia but first I just want to try and play for South Australia and go big from there.”