Highest individual scores on Test debut

Test cricket is undoubtedly one of the hardest formats of the game out there, a player’s true ability is measured by his/her ability to perform in the longest format. Over the years, there have been many players who have made a lasting impact on Test cricket and even had sensational debuts as well. Continuing on the same, let us have a look at the top three highest scores on a player’s Test debut.

3) 214 – Lawrence Rowe vs New Zealand in Kingston in 1972, Mathew Sinclair vs West Indies in Wellington in 1999

West Indies’ Lawrence Rowe and New Zealand’s Mathew Sinclair are tied in third place in the list of batters with the highest scores on Test debuts. Rowe and Sinclair both scored 214 runs in 1972 and 1999, respectively. Rowe achieved the feat in the first Test when New Zealand toured the West Indies, whereas Sinclair hit the double century for New Zealand when the West Indies toured them in 1999.

2) 222* – Jacques Rudolph vs Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2003

The second-highest score on Test debut was hit by South Africa’s Jacques Rudolph against Bangladesh back in 2003. South Africa toured Bangladesh and were sensational in the first Test. Rudolph hit a magnificent unbeaten 222 in the first innings and helped the Proteas score 470 runs on the board before declaring as they had gained a considerable lead. His knock of 222* runs is the second-highest score by a player on their Test debut. His performance was also crucial in South Africa winning the game by an innings and 60 runs.

1) 287 – Tip Foster vs Australia in Sydney in 1903

The highest-ever score by a player on his Test debut was scored by English cricketer Tip Foster against Australia back in 1903. It was in the first Test of the series when Foster was at the absolute top of his game and helped England win the game by five wickets. Coming in to bat after Australia’s first innings, England notched up a mammoth 577 runs on the board after Tip Foster’s brilliant knock of 287 runs, which remains the highest-ever score by a player on their Test debut.