A century on Test debut is not only special but historical for a batsman especially when it is scored against a strong opposition. Over the years, many players have been successful against India and have gone on to make majestic records in Test cricket.
They played some outstanding cricket but also made use of the golden opportunity to make a mark for themselves in international cricket. Here are 5 of those batsmen who scored a century on their test debut against India:
#1 James Neesham – 137*
New Zealand were on fire when India toured them in 2014 for a two-match Test series. They won the first match comfortably by 40 runs, courtesy centuries from Kane Williamson and Brendon Mccullum. India went to the second match hoping to turn the tables around and level the series.
India started off well by putting 438 in the first innings and then getting New Zealand out cheaply on 192 with their superb pace bowling. However, New Zealand played some brilliant cricket in the second innings and put up a big score of 680/8 after declaring in the second innings. Neesham, who was playing his debut match, came out to bat at No. 8 and scored a 137 not out from 154 balls at a strike rate of 88.96.
He showed early resistance in fighting the reverse swing and played shots all round the ground. He beautifully constructed his innings and hammered the Indian bowlers to reach his first century in style. Not only he was cautious in his approach, he also played some aggressive cricket to help his team extend the lead and diminishing India’s chances of levelling the series.
#2 Alastair Cook - 104*
Cook had a fantastic test debut when England toured India in 2006 for a three-match Test series. He smashed a century in the first match of the series which was also his debut Test match. His century came in the second innings when he scored 104 not out from 243 balls and ripped apart the Indian bowlers on both sides of the wicket.
It helped England extend their lead of 70 runs from the first innings over India and further strengthened their position in the match. Though India managed to draw the match, it was Cook’s stylish innings that stole the limelight.
He batted elegantly and was a treat to watch as he played his classic cover drives. He reached the landmark in his trademark style as he scored a boundary by cutting a short ball by Harbhajan Singh to the point area. It was one of Alastair Cook's best test innings and was just an indication of what is to come in the future.
#3 Michael Clarke - 151
The Border-Gavaskar trophy has always been known to produce some miraculous matches over the years and bringing to light some amazing performances with both bat and ball. The 2004 series was no different.
When India played Australia in 2004, Michael Clarke was making his Test debut and all eyes were on him. It was just the first Test when Clarke decided to prove his mettle and smashed a stupendous 151 from 248 balls coming at number 6. Australia were reeling at 149 for 4 when Clarke came out to bat and completely changed the course of the match with his innings. His innings comprised of 18 fours and 4 sixes and was a delightful batting performance.
Clarke not only played the pacers well but was also comfortable with the spin. He started out by playing a beautiful wristy flick to Anil Kumble and then showed exemplary foot movement to drive the ball. He showed no mercy and thrashed the Indian bowlers all over the park which also included huge and sky-rocketing sixes.
#4 Keaton Jennings – 112
England’s tour of India in 2016 was proving to be disastrous as they lost 2 out of three matches in the 4 match test series. England made a few changes in their squad after Hameed was injured in the third match and Jennings was included in the team to help them avoid a disastrous washout.
The Durham batsman opened the innings in his debut match alongside Cook and produced a match stabilising innings by scoring 112 runs from 219 balls before falling to Ravi Ashwin.
His innings consisted of 13 boundaries where he played a variety of shots including a reverse sweep. Jennings was quick to read the ball and played his shots accordingly to score runs. He was at ease at the crease and played some fantastic cricketing shots to help England put up a big total of 400 on the board.
#5 Kane Williamson – 131
When New Zealand toured India in 2010 for a 4 match Test series, it was Kane Williamson who rose to the occasion and starred with the bat. Williamson debuted in the first match of the series at Ahmedabad and played a fantastic innings.
India put a huge total of 487on the board in the first innings riding on centuries from Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag.
New Zealand lost their top order batsmen early and it was Ryder and Williamson who provided stabilisation to the team. It was even more special for Williamson who was playing his debut test match and scored a classic 131 from 299 balls.
His innings was a reflection of his class and temperament. His foot movement was sublime and he amazed the audience with classic cricketing shots ranging from cover drive to straight drive.
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
