Best match figures on Test debut

Test cricket, considered to be the toughest format in the game, has witnessed some spellbinding performances by debutants. In recent times, Yashasvi Jaiswal stole the show in the West Indies while Tom Harley picked up nine wickets on his Test debut against India in Hyderabad. The nerves play a huge role for the debutante but certain cricketers made the most of the opportunity and made it to the history books with their phenomenal performances on debut.

Here’s a look at the top three bowlers who broke records on their debut and picked up wickets for fun:

3. Fred Martin vs Australia at The Oval in 1890

Fred Martin was an English professional cricketer who bowled left-arm medium-pace. His debut against Australia in 1890 was nothing short of spectacular as took six wickets each in both innings and became the first player to pick up two five-wicket hauls in a debut Test match. His 12 wickets for 102 runs in that match set a record for debutants, which stood until 1972. England won it by two wickets.

2. Bob Massie vs England at Lord’s in 1972

Bob Massie, the fast-medium swing bowler from Australia, etched his name in cricketing history with one of the most startling debuts in Test cricket. In 1972, the iconic Lords witnessed Massie’s brilliance. He demolished England with eight wickets in each innings. His remarkable figures of 16 for 137 remain the best by a Test debutant for 15 years.

1. Narendra Hirwani vs West Indies in Chennai in 1988

Hirwani announced his arrival with a bang. Playing against the West Indies in Chennai, he spun a web, claiming an astonishing 16 wickets. His leg-spin bamboozled the opposition, as India won the match by 255 runs. Hirwani’s performance remains one of the best by an Indian in Test cricket history.