5 Test series with maximum number of debutants

The recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy might have dazzled you with the number of players making their debut in a Test series across both sides. But in cricket’s everlasting history, the number of players debuting in a single Test series has been way higher than our imagination.

Let’s check out the five Test series that featured the most number of debutants:

England in West Indies (1947-48) – 21 players

Being regarded as one of the best series played during its time, the games also witnessed the debut of England’s legendary cricketer Jim Laker. The four-match Test series throughout its course saw some obnoxious number of debutants without a cause. While England debuted seven of its players, West Indies doubled that number with 14 debutants. In terms of results, the two Tests inculcated a draw whereas the other two games were convincingly won by the hosts.

England in South Africa (1888-89) – 21 players

Also known as South Africa’s first series at the international level, the matches were organized by a retired British army officer named Major R.G. Warton. The series involved some hired English first-class cricketers. Of the several first-class matches, two of them were classified as the international Tests. Apart from a handful of English cricketers carrying international experience, there were around 21 players who made their debut from the South African side. The visitors won the series 2-0.

England in New Zealand (1929-30) – 23 players

There were a lot of first instances being recorded in the game’s perpetual folklore during this time. Both West Indies and New Zealand were playing their first Test series and both teams were simultaneously scheduled to play against England. While the more experienced side of England had to play against the West Indies, the inferior side had to play a four-Test series against New Zealand. In terms of some debutants, there were six newbies from England’s side and 17 from New Zealand’s side. The inferior side of England did win the first game while the other three fetched a draw.

England in Australia (1876-77) – 25 players

Although this series was termed as a first-class tour, it later got classified as the first-ever series of international cricket. There were two timeless Tests played in this series, wherein 14 players from England’s side and 11 players from Australia side made their respective debuts. Both these matches were played at the iconic MCG and Australia won the first match by 108 runs. The second Test marked England’s strong comeback and saw the visitors winning the game by four wickets. This well-known rivalry later got termed as the ‘Ashes’.

England in South Africa (1895-96) – 25 players

This tour of South Africa was organised by Lord Hawke, who was also the skipper of the English team on this tour. The squad led by Lord Hawke only comprised four players from the actual full-fledged England side and was mostly filled with the regional first-class cricketers. The South African players were highly anticipated to beat this England side by a long way. But a sturdy show by the English team didn’t allow them to win even a single Test. Two of the three-Tests were won by England by an innings. The miserable losses are often termed as one of the lowest points of South African cricket. As many as 25 players made their debuts in this series.