Guts and glory: 5 highest individual scores on Test debut in fourth innings of a Test

Test cricket is the format which is often termed as the toughest format of the game. For any young player to get into the Test team, and perform well in the very first match is like a dream. And if a batsman is able to contribute in the fourth innings in his debut Test, it’s a cherry on the cake. There have been only 8 players in Test history who have hit a century in fourth innings in their debut Test. The first time such a thing happened was as long back as in 1959. In this article, we are going to list out top 5 highest scores by debutants in the fourth innings.

5. Frank Hayes – 106* v England, 1973

English player Frank Hayes scored a glorious century against West Indies when the team was chasing 414 runs in the fourth innings. However, he turned out to be the lone warrior as all other batsmen failed and the team was bowled out for 255 runs. Despite the team losing by a margin of 158 runs, Hayes marked his impact in the very first match of the career. However, he could not continue with good performances in subsequent matches and played only 9 Tests for England.

4. Mohammad Wasim – 109* v New Zealand, 1996

Pakistan’s Mohammad Wasim played a wonderful knock of 109 runs in his debut Test against West Indies in the year 1996. Kiwi team had set a target of 276 runs in fourth innings with Stephen Fleming hitting 92 runs off 198 balls. Chasing the total, Pakistan got all-out for 231 runs despite a ton from Mohammad Wasim. Wasim hit 17 fours in his 165-ball unbeaten knock. He didn’t have a much longer career for Pakistan playing 18 Tests and 25 ODIs in total.

3. Faf du Plessis – 110* v Australia, 2012

Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis announced himself in the longest format of the game by hitting a marvellous century. While chasing 430 in the fourth innings, South Africa managed a draw after brilliant knocks from Du Plessis, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis. Du Plessis scored 110 runs off 376 balls including 14 fours. He was awarded player of the match for his match-saving effort.

2.  Abbas Ali Baig – 112 v England, 1959

India’s Abbas Ali Baig played a fine innings of 112 runs in his debut match. India were chasing a huge total of 548 runs in the fourth innings and were bowled out for 376 runs. Abbas Ali Baig’s brilliant century went in vain as India lost the match by 171 runs. Baig’s innings included a total of 12 fours. Polly Umrigar too scored a ton for India, hitting 118 runs with the help of 13 fours.

1. Kyle Mayers – 210* v Bangladesh, 2021

What a Historic Win for Windies. Kyle Mayers, Take a Bow. ???? pic.twitter.com/sMosU3aP6e

— Adish ? (@36_NotAllOut) February 7, 2021

Kyle Mayers grabbed the headlines with his fantastic double century on debut. Bangladesh had set a challenging target of 395 runs against the visiting team in the fourth innings, but Mayers had some other plans. He played a blistering knock of 210* runs off 310 balls including 20 fours and 7 sixes. He is the only player in Test history to smash a double century in fourth innings in a debut match. West Indies won this match by 3 wickets thanks to an impressive effort from Kyle Mayers.