England’s spinner Tom Hartley made his Test debut against India and claimed nine wickets in the debut match, returning with match figures of 9-193. However, it is astonishing that his heroics lies at the 19th position in the list of most Test wickets on debut. This makes us wonder about the bowlers who had a dream Test debut with superior number of wickets. Let’s dive right into the top five bowlers with most wickets in their debut match.
Mohammad Zahid – 11/130 (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s Mohammad Zahid showcased his immense talent in his debut Test match against New Zealand on November 28th, 1996. Zahid’s right-arm fast deliveries wreaked havoc on the opposition, as he claimed an impressive 11 wickets for 130 runs, propelling Pakistan to victory and etching his name in cricketing history.
Jason Krejza – 12/358 (Australia)
Jason Krejza, the former Australian right-arm off-break bowler, showcased his talent on the grand stage during his debut Test match against India on November 6th, 2008. Despite his short-lived international career, Krejza’s memorable performance, which included 12 wickets for 358 runs, remains etched in cricketing history as one of the finest debut bowling displays.
Prabath Jayasuriya – 12 for 177 (Sri Lanka)
Prabath Jayasuriya made his debut against Australia in Galle two years back and showcased his exceptional talent and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world. He claimed a remarkable 12 wickets for 177 runs, playing a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory over the formidable Australian team by an innings and 39 runs.
Bob Massie – 16/137 (Australia)
Australian right-arm fast-medium bowler Bob Massie left spectators in awe with his stellar debut against England at Lord’s on June 22nd, 1972. Massie’s remarkable spell saw him dismantle the English batting lineup, securing 16 wickets for 137 runs and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field.
Narendra Hirwani – 16/136 (India)
Former Indian cricketer Narendra Hirwani etched his name in cricket folklore with a sensational debut Test match against West Indies on January 11th, 1988. Hirwani’s right-arm legbreak bowling style proved to be a potent weapon as he claimed a staggering 16 wickets for 136 runs, a performance that remains unparalleled in the history of debut Test matches.
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