Flashback: The only two players with centuries in their first and last Test innings

Every aspiring cricketer dreams of shining in national colours. Even if a player manages to get the national cap, he needs to tackle world-class oppositions. Hence, not many players tend to shine in their maiden international assignment. Ending the career on a high is another problem that players face as their reflexes tend to slow down with the age. However, do you know there are only two players who scored centuries in both their first and last Test innings?

They are none other than India’s Mohammad Azharuddin and Australia’s Greg Chappell. Interestingly, both these former players happen to be one of the most successful captains of their respective nations. Chappell is the elder of the two and his Test debut was marked during the second match of 1970-71 Ashes in Australia. The Perth track seemed to favour the batters with England posting 397 runs while batting first.

Chappell’s feat

In reply, Chappell came out to bat with the scorecard reading 104/4. The then youngster showcased no signs of nervousness and tackled the red cherry with precision. He went on to score 108 off 218 as the game resulted in a draw. As far as Chappell’s last Test is concerned, it was a 1984 match against Pakistan in Sydney. After bundling out for 278 while batting first, Pakistan took three quick wickets.

However, Chappell came out to bat at number five and what followed was a one-man show. The veteran made a mockery of Pakistan bowlers and scored 182 off 400 deliveries. Riding on his prowess, the home team comfortably won the contest by 10 wickets.

Azharuddin’s unfortunate end

Speaking of Mohammad Azharuddin, the stylish batter made his Test debut during the third match of the 1984-85 series against England. India opted to bat first in Eden Gardens and Azharuddin came out at number five. He tackled England bowlers with brilliance as there were no half measures. The right-handed batter ended up scoring 111 off 357 deliveries as the game ended in a draw. Azharuddin didn’t stop and scored hundreds in the next two Tests of his career.

Although claims of match-fixing didn’t allow Azharuddin to end his career on a high note, his last Test outing was memorable. It was a 2000 match against South Africa which happened to be Azharuddin’s 99 in the format. He made the occasions even more special by smashing a brilliant ton and that too in the third innings to the game. He scored 102 off 170 balls but couldn’t save India from an innings defeat.