5 debutants from 2021 who are set to make it big in international cricket

2021 has indeed been a fascinating year for cricket fans as some exciting contest was witnessed over the 22 yards. Several exciting games unfolded in tournaments like the Indian Premier Leagues, Big Bash League, and Caribbean Premier League. As far as international cricket is concerned, the T20 World Cup and the ICC World Test Championship final bagged the maximum limelight.

Meanwhile, the year also saw many players making debuts and creating impact straightaway. It must be noted that international cricket isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and the challenge is sterner in the initial days. After all, the best players from a nation are joining forces to see their team home. The pressure of performing at the highest level can also get under anyone’s skin. Nevertheless, several debutants in 2021 showed great promise.

Meanwhile, let’s look at 5 Players who made their debut in 2021 and are set to make it big in international cricket: –

5. Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lankan cricket might have been facing several problems in recent years but producing quality spinners isn’t one of them. Maheesh Theekshana has shown great promise in his early days and is backed to go a long way. The mystery spinner can restrict the run flow and his knack of taking wickets makes him even more lethal. Notably, he took a four-wicket haul in his ODI debut against South Africa.

4. Devon Conway

England is one of the toughest places for Test openers as the new Dukes ball tends to move a lot. However, Devon Conway aced this challenge in his very first outing in the longest format. The New Zealand opener slammed a remarkable double century at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord’s on Test debut. As he has done well in white-ball cricket as well, he’s set to go a long way.

3. Kyle Mayers

Like Conway, Mayers also smashed a double century on Test debut. However, the West Indies batter’s challenge was arguably sterner as his side was chasing a colossal 395 to win against Bangladesh in Chattogram. While the home team’s win looked a mere formality, Mayers slammed a brilliant 210 to take his side over the line.

2. Ollie Robinson

Robinson’s early days in international cricket were challenging as many of ‘racist’ tweets, which he had made as a minor, resurfaced on social media. He even faced an eight-match ban for the same. However, this controversy couldn’t restrict the England pacer from shining in national colours. Robinson did exceptionally well against New Zealand and India, taking 35 wickets in his first seven Tests.

1. Axar Patel

The left-arm spinner made a dream start to his Test career against England earlier this year. He bowled one sensational spell after another as Joe Root’s men looked entirely clueless against him. Axar did well in the Test series against New Zealand as well. In fact, Patel became the first Indian to scalp five five-wicket hauls in his first four Tests. The southpaw also played some impressive knocks.