Scoring a century on debut is one of cricket’s most celebrated achievements. It marks the arrival of a new talent and often sets the tone for a promising career. Here are five exceptional players who made their mark with a century in their very first Test match.
1. Lance Klusener (South Africa)
- Match: South Africa vs. India, 1996, Johannesburg
- Innings: 1st innings
- Score: 116 runs
- Details: Klusener’s century was instrumental in establishing a solid foundation for South Africa in the match. His innings was marked by aggressive stroke play and solid technique, helping South Africa to a substantial total.
2. Graham Gooch (England)
- Match: England vs. India, 1975, Lord’s
- Innings: 1st innings
- Score: 110 runs
- Details: Gooch’s debut century was a display of resilience and technique. His innings helped England recover from an early collapse and set up a competitive total. Gooch’s performance was a glimpse of his future greatness.
3. Shikhar Dhawan (India)
- Match: India vs. Australia, 2013, Mohali
- Innings: 1st innings
- Score: 187 runs
- Details: Dhawan’s explosive debut century was a standout performance, showcasing his aggressive batting style. His innings was a key factor in India’s commanding position in the match and set a strong tone for his Test career.
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
- Match: Australia vs. Sri Lanka, 1995, Sydney
- Innings: 1st innings
- Score: 96 runs
- Details: Ponting narrowly missed a debut century but scored a crucial 96, showcasing his talent and technique. His innings was pivotal in establishing Australia’s dominance and laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
5. Younis Khan (Pakistan)
- Match: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, 2000, Rawalpindi
- Innings: 1st innings
- Score: 122 runs
- Details: Younis Khan’s debut century was a testament to his skill and composure. His innings was crucial in securing a strong position for Pakistan and demonstrated his potential as a future star of international cricket.
These debut performances were remarkable for their impact and the promise they held for the players’ future careers.
