5 youngest debutants in Test cricket

In the face of the introduction of the shorter formats of cricket, there are numerous cricket pundits who still deem Test cricket as the main format which actually evaluates a cricketer's abilities. Consequently, featuring in Test cricket is a dream of every cricketer and it is an awe-inspiring achievement when one attains this dream at a juvenile age.

Over the course of the past few years, Under-18 players appearing in Test cricket has become sort of a rare bird. The primary reason for this is that many nations fear that their prodigies may fall prey to the intense pressure and expectations that inevitably come with such a feat, compelling them to fade into obscurity.

Ergo, the last time an Under-18 player made a Test debut was a long way back in 2009 when Pakistan Cricket Team mustered the audacity to field their whizz-kid, Mohammad Amir, who was 17 years and 82 days old back then.

On that note, let us take a look-see at the 5 youngest players who plucked up the courage to appear in Test cricket at a tender age.

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#1 Hasan Raza - Pakistan

Pakistan-A team captain Hasan Raza

The youngest debutant ever in international cricket, Hasan generated headlines when he made his first appearance for Pakistan in October 1996 against Zimbabwe owing to his incredible age. At the time of his debut, Hasan was only 14 years and 227 days old - an age when the author of this article was busy showcasing his flair on a PlayStation.

As stated previously, the right-handed batsman found it difficult to effectively handle the pressure of the international cricket and was soon sent back to the domestic format after a brief struggle. He then made his return to the international stage against Australia at Sharjah in 2004, where he notched up a couple of half-centuries.

Hasan also skippered Pakistan A team to victory in the EurAsia Cup in Abu Dhabi in 2006, overcoming the likes of India A, Sri Lanka A, UAE, Kenya and Netherlands in the process.

Nevertheless, he failed to make a proper comeback, playing his last Test against England at home in 2005.

#2 Mushtaq Mohammad - Pakistan

Sport. Cricket. pic: 1977. Mushtaq Mohammad, Northamptonshire and Pakistan. Mushtaq Mohammad played in 57 Test matches for Pakistan between 1959-1979.

Prior to Hasan Raza, it was Mushtaq Mohammad who boasted the record of being the youngest player in international cricket as the Indian-born cricketer made his debut for Pakistan against West Indies at Lahore way back in 1959 when he was only 15 years and 124 days old.

However, unlike Hasan, Mushtaq went on to become one of the most successful Pakistani all-rounders and also captained his country in nineteen Test matches.

The all-rounder featured in 57 Test matches and amassed 3643 runs with an average of 39.17. His highest score was 201 not out against New Zealand at Dunedin.

On top of that, Mushtaq was also an excellent right-arm leg-spinner who took 79 Test wickets.

#3 Aaqib Javed - Pakistan

Aaqib Javed - Pakistan

Having made his debut in the 90s era at the age of 16 years and 189 days, Aaqib unfortunately never took the stage he merited as the fast-medium bowler spent most of his career in the shadows of the two Pakistani greats: Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

Nevertheless, he left an indelible mark in the cricketing fraternity with some of his memorable performances especially against the arch-rivals, India.

Even though Aaqib was not of much use in the Test format, clinching only 54 wickets in 22 matches, he proved his worth in the One Day Internationals where he notched up 182 wickets in 163 games.

#4 Sachin Tendulkar - India

Winning Captain's Press Conference - 2011 ICC World Cup

Not even the most optimistic of Indian fans could have predicted the impact Sachin Tendulkar has made on cricket when he played his first international match against Pakistan in November 1989 at an unseasoned age of 16 years and 205 days.

Undoubtedly the most successful cricketer on this list, Sachin defied all odds by breaking a host of records in his 24-year career.

In Test Cricket, the Indian great made 200 appearances and accumulated 15,921 runs at a splendid average of 54.08. He also owns the record of the most centuries in international cricket (100).

#5 Aftab Baloch - Pakistan

Aftab Baloch - Pakistan

The 5th youngest debutant in Test cricket, Aftab Baloch makes a case for why wonder children should not be sent out at an early age. The right-handed batsman made his debut for Pakistan against New Zealand in 1969 at an age of 16 years and 221 days.

Nevertheless, he failed to make any mentionable impact as he only played 2 Test matches for Pakistan. All the same, he was much more impressive in first-class cricket as he racked up 9171 runs in 172 matches at an average of 41.68.

In that format, he also played a one-for-the-books knock when he registered 428 for Sind against Baluchistan in 1973-74.