5 Oldest debutants in Test Cricket

As it is said that ‘Age is just a number’, but there are some cricketers who have proved the quote right after playing the longest format of the game in their late 40s. On that note, let us take a look at the top five players’ oldest players to make their debut in Test cricket.

5. Nelson Betancourt (West Indies)

Wicketkeeper-batter from West Indies, Nelson Betancourt made his debut at the age of 42 years and 242 days against England in 1930. To note, the batter also captained his side in the debut match. However, that was his first and last match in his Test career. Nelson scored just 52 runs in two innings, with 39 in the first and 13 in the second innings.

4. Herbert Ironmonger (Australia)

Hebert Ironmonger represented Australia at the age of 46 years and 237 days against arch-rivals England at Brisbane in 1928. Known for bowling tight lines, the left-arm spinner showcased his excellent spin bowling and grabbed two wickets each in both the innings. Overall, he played 14 Tests for Australia and scalped a total of 74 wickets.

3. Donald Dearness Blackie (Australia)

Another Australian on the list is Donald Dearness Blackie. Hailing from Victoria, Donald debuted at the age of 46 years and 256 days against England in December 1928. The off-spinner scalped four wickets in his first game. Overall, he represented Australia in three Tests and went on to take 14 wickets in his short career.

2. Miran Bakhsh (Pakistan)

Another spinner on the list is Pakistan’s, Miran Baksh, who is the second-oldest debutant in Test history. The off-spinner played his first game at the age of 47 years and 284 days against arch-rivals India at Lahore in 1955. He managed to get two wickets in his debut match. Born in Rawalpindi, Baksh played only two Test matches for his country Pakistan.

1. James Southerton (England)

The first name on the list is James Southerton from England. To note, He was amongst those who played the first-ever Test in the history of the game. Southerton made his debut at the age of 49 years and 119 days. However, the veteran only played two Test matches for his country and scalped seven wickets. His debut Test was the first Test match ever played i.e. Australia vs England in 1877.