Highest Score in Test Debut in India
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 15, 2023
Test Cricket Matches
Test cricket is a prestigious form of first-class cricket that is played internationally among teams representing full member countries of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This format involves matches consisting of four innings, with each team batting twice. Traditionally, Test matches are scheduled to last for up to five days, although in the past, some matches had no time limit and were known as Timeless Tests. The term "test match" was initially coined in 1861-62, albeit in a different context.
Although Test cricket did not officially gain recognition as a format until the 1890s, several international matches held since 1877 have been retrospectively awarded Test status. The inaugural recognized Test match was played in March 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) between the Combined Australian XI and James Lillywhite's XI, a team of English professionals visiting Australia. It was not until 1892 that matches between Australia and England were first referred to as "test matches." Two years later, South Australian journalist Clarence P. Moody compiled the first definitive list of retrospective Tests, which gained acceptance by the end of the 19th century.
At present, there are twelve full ICC member countries actively participating in Test cricket. In 2012, the ICC approved the inclusion of day/night Tests, which allow matches to be played with a pink ball under floodlights. The inaugural day/night Test match took place in November 2015 between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval. This innovation has added a new dimension to Test cricket and enhanced the spectator experience.
Top 10 Highest Score in Test Debut in India
Shikhar Dhawan
Rohit Sharma
Yashasvi Jaiswal
GR Viswanath
Prithvi Shaw
Sourav Ganguly
Surinder Amarnath
Suresh Raina
Lala Amarnath
Abbas Ali Baig
Players
Score
187(174) vs Australia (2013)
177(301) vs West Indies (2013)
171(387) vs West Indies (2023)
137 vs Australia (1969)
134(154) vs West Indies (2018)
131(301) vs England (2016)
124 vs New Zealand (1976)
120(228) vs Sri Lanka (2010)
118 vs England (1933)
112 vs England (1959)
Highest Test Debut Score For India
Shikhar Dhawan – 187(174) vs Australia (2013)
Shikhar Dhawan, who had a forgettable ODI debut against Australia, surprised everyone by delivering a remarkable performance on his Test debut against the same opponent in 2013. In just 85 balls, Dhawan smashed his way to a century, becoming the fastest Test debutant to achieve this feat. Notably, he also holds the record for being the oldest player to score a century on his Test debut.
Dhawan's hunger for runs and his determination to showcase his talent were evident in his innings. He treated Indian fans to a delightful display of strokeplay, satisfying their craving for a dominant performance. Although he fell just short of a double century, his innings of 187 runs left a lasting impression.
Throughout his innings, Dhawan played a range of classy shots, demonstrating his skill and composure at the crease. He struck an impressive total of 33 well-timed fours and sent two big hits sailing into the crowd. It was a feast for the eyes as Dhawan orchestrated his innings with precision and flair, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cricket fans.
Rohit Sharma – 177(301) vs West Indies (2013)
Rohit Sharma, renowned for his prowess in limited-overs cricket, showcased his abilities in the longest format of the game with a remarkable innings on his Test debut against the West Indies in 2013. His knock of 177 runs off 301 balls displayed a different facet of his batting skills.
Despite facing initial struggles, Rohit Sharma's perseverance paid off as he battled through challenging situations and showcased his maturity as a player. The process he went through, the number of balls he faced, and the pressure he handled demonstrated his determination to succeed in Test cricket.
Throughout his innings, Rohit Sharma's love for his favorite shot, the pull shot, was on full display. He executed the shot with precision, finding the gaps in the field and dispatching the ball to the boundary. His ability to play the pull shot effectively showcased his timing and technique, adding to the beauty of his innings.
In total, Rohit Sharma's memorable Test debut innings comprised 23 boundaries and 1 six. His strokeplay was a treat to watch as he combined elegance with power to dominate the opposition bowlers. His ability to find the boundaries consistently reflected his excellent shot selection and control over his batting.
Rohit Sharma's innings on his Test debut established him as a versatile player capable of succeeding in all formats of the game. It was a glimpse of his potential as a Test cricketer, laying the foundation for many more impressive performances to come in his Test career.
Yashasvi Jaiswal – 171(387) vs West Indies (2023)
Yashasvi Jaiswal, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, fulfilled his dream debut during India's first Test against the West Indies in 2023. Having carried his brilliant form from the Indian Premier League, Jaiswal made a significant impact in his maiden Test appearance, marking the beginning of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle for Team India.
The match began with the West Indies being dismissed for a meager total of 150 runs, courtesy of Ravichandran Ashwin's impressive five-wicket haul. As the Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, walked out on Day 1, they started steadily with a score of 80/0.
Jaiswal showcased his talent and took his innings to another level on Day 2, displaying exceptional composure and determination. He batted throughout the day, remaining unbeaten until the end. The West Indian bowlers struggled to find a way to dismiss him as he continued to accumulate runs and build a substantial total for India.
Finally, on the first session of Day 3, the West Indian bowlers managed to dismiss Jaiswal when he reached an impressive score of 171 runs. His innings included 16 boundaries and 1 six, highlighting his ability to find the gaps in the field and accumulate runs consistently.
Experts lauded Jaiswal's performance, noting that he batted like a seasoned professional despite it being his debut Test. His technique, temperament, and shot selection displayed maturity beyond his years, further solidifying his reputation as a promising player. Representing the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Jaiswal carried his form onto the international stage, leaving a lasting impression in his first Test appearance.
GR Viswanath – 137 vs Australia (1969)
GR Viswanath's innings of 137 runs against Australia in 1969 remains memorable, despite technically not being his debut innings. In the first innings of the match, Viswanath had been dismissed for a duck. However, what awaited him in the second innings was nothing short of extraordinary.
Coming off a disappointing start to his Test career, Viswanath showcased remarkable resilience and determination. He played a sensational knock, scoring 137 runs with an array of exquisite strokes that found the boundary ropes on 25 occasions. His ability to find gaps and play all around the park demonstrated his immense talent as a batsman.
What made Viswanath's innings even more special was the fact that he became the first player to score another century in his career after registering a century on debut. His remarkable feat showcased his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. Viswanath's innings played a pivotal role in the match against Australia, as it helped India salvage a draw. His composed and impactful knock not only earned him personal accolades but also contributed significantly to the team's success.
Despite the initial setback of a duck in his debut innings, Viswanath's ability to bounce back and deliver a remarkable performance highlighted his mental fortitude and determination. His innings became a significant milestone in his illustrious career, setting the stage for many more memorable performances to come.
Prithvi Shaw – 134(154) vs West Indies (2018)
Prithvi Shaw's Test debut against the West Indies in 2018 was nothing short of remarkable. Having already gained attention and confidence due to his captaincy and success in the U-19 World Cup, Shaw was eager to make his mark in the senior team. In that memorable match, Shaw played an exceptional innings, scoring 134 runs off just 154 deliveries.
His innings was filled with aggression, as he unleashed a flurry of attacking strokes all around the ground. Shaw's ability to find the gaps and time his shots to perfection was evident, as he smashed 19 boundaries during his stay at the crease. What made Shaw's debut even more extraordinary was the fact that he became the youngest cricketer to score a century on Test debut.
This remarkable achievement added another feather to his cap and showcased his immense talent at such a young age. It was a record that could potentially stand for years to come. Not only did Shaw's innings etch his name in the history books, but it also played a crucial role in helping India secure victory in the match. His aggressive approach put the West Indies bowlers on the backfoot and gave the Indian team a significant advantage.
For his outstanding performance, Shaw was rightfully awarded the man of the match. Shaw's debut century marked the beginning of what promised to be a promising career for the young cricketer. His ability to dominate the opposition with his attacking strokeplay and his composure under pressure hinted at a bright future ahead.
Sourav Ganguly – 131(301) vs England (2016)
Sourav Ganguly's innings on his Test debut against England in 2016 is etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide. The left-handed batsman showcased his swashbuckling style of play right from the start of his career. Opening the innings alongside Rahul Dravid, Ganguly played a crucial role in forming a vital partnership.
Although Dravid fell for just 5 runs before reaching his maiden hundred, Ganguly seized the opportunity and took charge. He went on to score a magnificent 131 runs, the highest score on Test debut at the iconic Lord's venue. Throughout his innings, Ganguly exhibited his aggressive batting approach, hitting 20 boundaries in his innings. His strokeplay was a treat to watch, as he combined elegant shots with power, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition.
Ganguly's debut innings set the tone for his illustrious career as he went on to become one of the best captains in Indian cricket history. Known for his aggressive captaincy style, Ganguly led the team with charisma and determination, guiding them to several memorable victories.
Throughout his international career, Ganguly amassed more than 18,000 runs, establishing himself as one of India's finest batsmen. His fearless approach and ability to score runs in crucial situations earned him a special place in the hearts of cricket fans. Ganguly's debut innings at Lord's not only marked the beginning of an impressive individual career but also hinted at the immense talent and leadership qualities he possessed.
It remains one of the standout performances in Indian cricket history and a testament to Ganguly's impact on the game.
Surinder Amarnath – 124 vs New Zealand (1976)
Surinder Amarnath's innings on his Test debut against New Zealand in 1976 was nothing short of sensational. Coming in to bat when India was facing a tricky situation, trailing by 266 runs, Amarnath played a crucial role in rescuing the team. Amarnath formed a vital partnership with the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, which proved to be a turning point in the match.
The duo stitched together a crucial partnership of 204 runs, shifting the momentum in India's favor. Amarnath's contribution was instrumental in turning the tide of the match. Following in the footsteps of his father, Lala Amarnath, Surinder Amarnath became part of the elite list of debutants who scored a century on their Test debut. His brilliant knock of 124 runs included 16 well-timed boundaries that delighted the crowd.
Amarnath's innings helped India secure a massive lead of 148 runs, putting them in a commanding position in the match. Although he couldn't replicate his success in the second innings, his debut knock is still regarded as one of the best innings by a debutant.
Amarnath's ability to rise to the occasion and make an impact in a challenging situation showcased his temperament and skill as a batsman. His debut innings not only left a lasting impression but also laid the foundation for a successful international career. Surinder Amarnath's contribution on his Test debut remains cherished in Indian cricket history, as it demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and make a significant impact on the outcome of the match.
Suresh Raina – 120(228) vs Sri Lanka (2010)
Suresh Raina, known for his stylish batting, made his mark in Test cricket with a memorable innings against Sri Lanka in 2010. Having already established himself as the first Indian batsman to score a century in T20Is, Raina was eager to showcase his talent in the longest format of the game.
In that particular match, Raina found himself batting alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the "God of Cricket." Together, they formed a crucial partnership, adding 256 runs off 419 balls to help India avoid the follow-on. Raina's gritty knock of 120 runs displayed his ability to adapt to the demands of Test cricket. His innings included 12 well-timed fours and two consecutive sixes, showcasing his aggressive strokeplay combined with a solid defensive technique.
What made Raina's innings even more remarkable was the fact that he became the first Indian player to score a century in every format of the game - Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20Is. This achievement was a testament to Raina's versatility and skill across different game formats.
Raina's century not only helped India in that particular match but also solidified his position as a reliable middle-order batsman in Test cricket. His ability to score runs under pressure and his stylish strokeplay made him a valuable asset to the Indian team. Raina's achievement of scoring centuries across all formats took several years to be replicated, highlighting the uniqueness of his feat.
It added another feather to his cap and further established his reputation as a talented and accomplished cricketer in Indian cricket history.
Lala Amarnath – 118 vs England (1933)
Lala Amarnath's innings of 118 runs against England in 1933 holds historical significance as it marked the first-ever Test match played on Indian soil against a strong English side. Additionally, it is worth noting that this Test match commenced on a Sunday, making it a trivia-worthy event.
During the match, the bowlers were in no mood to spare the batsmen, resulting in India being bowled out for a meager total of 219 runs in the first innings. In this challenging scenario, Amarnath stood out as he emerged as the top scorer for India with 38 runs.
However, what transpired next was unexpected. Amarnath, in a display of exceptional skill and determination, went on to score the first-ever century for India in Test cricket. This remarkable achievement made him an iconic figure in Indian cricket history, and he later became the first captain of independent India.
Amarnath's second innings was equally impressive, as he once again top-scored with a magnificent knock of 118 runs. His innings included a staggering 21 boundaries, showcasing his ability to find the fence with ease. Amarnath's innings played a vital role in giving India a fighting chance in the match.
Not only did Amarnath's innings contribute significantly to the match, but it also laid the foundation for the future of Indian cricket. His achievement of scoring the first Test century for India marked a milestone moment and served as an inspiration for generations of Indian cricketers to come.
Amarnath's debut innings and subsequent contributions established him as a revered figure in Indian cricket folklore. His innings in that historic Test match against England will always be remembered as a momentous occasion in the early days of Indian cricket's journey.
Abbas Ali Baig – 112 vs England (1959)
In the fourth match of the series against England in 1959, Abbas Ali Baig played a sensational knock that etched his name in the record books. By this point, India had already lost the series, trailing 0-3. To make matters worse, their hopes were further diminished when Vijay Manjrekar, a key player, was sidelined due to an injury.
With England already in a dominant position, they set a daunting target of 548 runs for India to chase or survive for two days. In the face of an inevitable defeat, the Indian team went out to play for pride. It was during this time that a young Abbas Ali Baig rose to the occasion with a sensational innings. Baig became the first overseas batsman to score a century on Test debut, marking a significant achievement in cricket history. At the time, he was also the youngest player to achieve this milestone.
Baig's knock of 112 runs displayed immense talent and skill. His innings was crucial in restoring some pride and providing a ray of hope amidst the challenging circumstances. His ability to handle pressure and perform against a strong English side showcased his maturity as a young cricketer. Although India ultimately fell short in the match, Baig's century on debut left a lasting impact. It highlighted his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket and set the stage for a promising future in the sport.
Baig's achievement of becoming the first overseas player to score a century on Test debut stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he made in his early career. His innings will forever be remembered as a significant milestone in cricket history.
India National Cricket Team
The India men's national cricket team, known as Team India or the Men in Blue, represents India in men's international cricket. It is governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and holds Full Member status with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats.
Cricket was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by British sailors in the 18th century, and the first cricket club was established in 1792. India's men's national cricket team played its inaugural international match on 25 June 1932 in a Test match against England at Lord's, becoming the sixth team to receive Test cricket status.
However, it took almost twenty years for India to secure its first Test victory, which came in 1952. In its initial fifty years of international cricket, India had limited success, winning only 35 matches out of 196 Tests. The team gained strength in the 1970s with the emergence of players like Sunil Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath, Kapil Dev, and the famous Indian spin quartet. In limited-overs cricket, India made its ODI debut in 1974 and its T20I debut in 2006.
India's men's national cricket team has achieved significant success in international tournaments. They have won the Cricket World Cup twice (in 1983 and 2011), the ICC T20 World Cup once (in 2007), and the ICC Champions Trophy twice (in 2002 and 2013). The team has finished as runners-up in the World Cup once (in 2003), the T20 World Cup once (in 2014), and the Champions Trophy twice (in 2000 and 2017).
Additionally, India has won the Asia Cup seven times and was victorious in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket. The team has also secured the ICC Test Championship Mace five times and the ICC ODI Championship Shield once. They have consistently been ranked among the top teams in international cricket, currently holding the first position in Tests, third in ODIs, and first in T20Is according to the ICC rankings as of June 2023.
Highest Score in Test Debut in India - FAQs
The India men's national cricket team, also known as Team India or the Men in Blue, represents India in men's international cricket.
The team is governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The team holds Full Member status with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats.
The team played its first international match on 25 June 1932 in a Test match against England at Lord's.
India had to wait until 1952 to secure its first Test victory. In its first fifty years of international cricket, the team had limited success, winning only 35 matches out of 196 Tests.