If formats could be rated according to their difficulty level, Test cricket has to occupy the top spot followed by the other two formats. Likewise, it is comparatively easy for a domestic player to break into the limited-overs side but extremely tough to find his place in the Test squad, let alone featuring in the line-up. It takes consistent performances in the domestic circuit along with pathbreaking success in the tour games to make one’s way into the Test set-up of the country. The real challenge begins when the player makes his debut, who has to justify the faith and fulfil the enormous expectations which the well-wishers of the nation have from a particular player.
In the last few years, we have seen several players make the cut and feature in the Test line-up for their respective teams. What’s remarkable is that they have stood the test of time and almost cemented their place in the playing XI. In the below piece, we look at 5 such players, who made their anticipated debut at the Test arena in recent past and have secured their places in the line-up:
1. Mayank Agarwal
After scoring truckload of runs at the domestic circuit, Agarwal finally got his opportunity in the boxing day Test at MCG in 2018. His 76 runs then helped India in laying a suitable platform for the middle order to capitalise and build a strong total in the first innings.
In his short international career of 12 games, Agarwal has slammed 1000 runs at an average of 52.63 which includes 2 double hundreds, 3 centuries and a highest score of 243.
His role will be greater in the ongoing Test series against Australia, who has to continue his dream run and score hefty runs at the top of the order, providing enough for their illustrious bowlers to attack and get the results in their favour.
2. Kyle Jamieson
This lanky all-rounder from New Zealand got an opportunity to impress at the Test arena after performing brilliantly in the limited-overs series against India preceding it. He not only picked wickets with the bounce and seam movement but also contributed crucial runs coming lower down the order.
Jamieson has garnered 164 runs from 4 games at an average of 54.67 which includes a best score of 51 and has also picked 20 wickets at an average of 14.55.
His all-round contributions turned out to be the difference between 2 teams as India were whitewashed 2-0. His mega success in the first stint has seen him keep his place in the Kiwi line-up and Grandhomme’s unfortunate injury has indeed come as a blessing in disguise.
3. Zak Crawley
This tall middle-order batsman from England has made massive strides in his short international career. His 267 against Pakistan in a Test series contested a few months ago has established him as a dependable and solid batsman in the middle order, who could take the game away from the opposition.
In the 8 games that he has played, Crawley has struck 581 runs at an average of 48.42 and strike rate of 56.63.
In the absence of star all-rounder, Stokes, Crawley batted efficiently and with responsibility in the line-up and made sure England maintained their supremacy in the presence of equally talented second-string players.
4. Marnus Labuschagne
This technically sound and temperamentally strong batsmen from Queensland, got his first go on to debut with the alien tracks of UAE playing against Pakistan. He couldn’t impress with the bat much but left a stellar impact with his enticing leg-spin.
The batsman soon found his rhythm with the bat and piled runs for Australia on the home soil against quality oppositions like India, Pakistan and New Zealand. Labuschagne has compiled 1512 runs from 15 games at an average of 60.48 and the best score of 215.
The ongoing series against India is largely built around the way he and Smith bat and given the priceless win in the first encounter, both the batsmen will be etching to perform and carry the momentum forward.
5. Jasprit Bumrah
The yorker sensation from India made the requisite shift from limited-overs cricket to Test cricket and has now become an indispensable member at the Test arena. He made his dream debut against South Africa in 2018, turning heads with his impeccable lines and lengths and wicket-taking spree.
Bumrah has scalped 70 wickets from 15 games at an average of 20.89 and economy rate of 2.7. He was the major reason for India’s success on the overseas tour in 2018.
His deadly accurate spell in the first Test of the ongoing series kept India’s noses ahead before the debacle of the second innings took place. An injury to Shami has magnified his role as the leading pacer, who will be expected to bowl phenomenal spells and pull off an unlikely series victory.
