Adam Gilchrist owns the record for fastest Test hundred by a wicketkeeper, so it’s only fair that the new second-best mark has been achieved against Australia.

Pakistan gloveman Sarfraz Ahmed blasted an 80-ball century on day two of the first Test in Dubai on Thursday.

Arriving at the crease with the score 5-291, when the scoring rate was just over 2.5 per over, the 27-year-old smashed his second century in successive Tests to guide Pakistan to a total of 454 in their first innings.

The wicketkeeper’s 109 off 105 balls included 14 fours, although it failed to rival the explosive hitting power of Gilchrist’s 57-ball hundred for Australia against England in Perth in 2006.

“The wicketkeeper, Sarfraz, was outstanding,” Australia spinner Steve O’Keefe said.

“Even from ball one he just changed the tempo.

“His hundred was critical for them, to not only make a hundred but make it in the fashion that he did.”

Sarfraz, speaking in Urdu, said he had simply played his natural game.

His 80-ball hundred ranks him behind only Majid Khan (74) and Shahid Afridi (78 twice) for the quickest century by a Pakistan batsman.

“It is good to know that I am fourth-fastest Test century-maker but that was never on mind,” Sarfraz said.

“I only realised after I was informed about the record.

“I attacked the spinners and whenever possible the fast bowlers.

“I backed my instinct.

“It is the best innings of my career so far but I would happier if this century helps Pakistan.”

Australia’s spinners Nathan Lyon (2-148), O’Keefe (2-107) and Steve Smith (1-50 off six overs) received some heavy punishment.

However pacemen Mitchell Johnson (3-39 off 31) and Peter Siddle (1-50 off 24) proved more difficult to hit around.

Sarfraz said coach Waqar Younis had told him to play his natural game but proceed with caution against Johnson.

“He said if you can read him play but if you can’t just hold on as he would bowl only short spells of four overs,” Sarfraz said.