Most Runs Scored On Test Debut As An Opener

Devon Conway became the cricketer with the most runs on his Test debut in the first Test against England. He scored 223 runs as the Test match ended in a draw. Conway overtook former South African skipper Keppler Wessels who scored 208 runs on his Test debut. New Zealand won the second Test to win the series 1-0 as England started their home season with a series loss.

The Kiwis are now gearing up for the World Test Championship final against India to be played at Southampton from June 18-22. Ahead of the final, we take a look at an interesting stat. Here are players with the most runs on Test debut as an opener.

Most Runs Scored On Test Debut As An Opener

Devon Conway 223 vs England, 2021

Devon Conway batted all the way through in the first innings at Lord’s. He was run-out and the last wicket to fall as NZ scored 378 in the first innings. He scored 23 in the second innings as the Kiwis declared on 169/6 as the match ended on a draw after rain played spoilsport on the third-days play.

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208 vs England, 1982

Kepler Wessels played international cricket for two countries, Australia and South Africa.?? He made his Test debut against Australia in 1982 against England at The Gabba.

He scored 162 as an opener in the first innings and followed it up with a 46 in the second innings. He scored 208 runs in the match as Australia won the game by seven wickets.

Brendon Kuruppu 201 vs NZ, 1987

Kuruppu played just four Test matches in his career and in his very first Test as an opener he scored 201 as an opener in Colombo. Sri Lanka declared on 397/9 as Kiwis scored 406/5 in their first innings.

Some god batting from both teams meant that all the five days were eaten up with batters from both teams enjoying the conditions in Colombo. None of the teams batted for their second innings.

Also Read: 5 Most Brilliant Centuries In A Losing Cause In ODI Cricket

Archie Jackson 200 vs England, 1929

Australian cricketer Archie Jackson played eight Test matches as a specialist batsman between 1929 and 1931. Jackson scored 164 in his first Test innings as an opener and followed it up with a 36 in the second innings.

Despite his batting prowess, Australia lost the match to England. Jackson during his times was often compared to Don Bradman. He died on 1933 at the age of just 24.

Gordon Greenidge 200 vs India, 1974

The former Windies cricketer made his debut against India back in 1974 in Bengaluru. He scored 93 in the first innings before he was run out. West Indies scored 289 in the first innings. In the second innings, he scored 107 as the Windies scored 356/6d.

India scored 260 and 118 in their two innings as Clive Lloyd‘s men won the game by 267 runs. The match marked a memorable debut as an opener for Greenidge.

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