A double century is arguably the hardest feat for a batsman to achieve in Test cricket. Given that the knock requires greater levels of concentration and temperament, it is not always easier for a batsman to convert a century into a double. It is a common observation in world cricket that batsmen often give it away after reaching the first three-digit mark, for they are obviously overwhelmed by the achievement and take a longer time to come to terms with the situation of the match.
It is this lapse in concentration that robs the batsman off the supreme feat and then, the player is left with no option but to rue the missed opportunity and the thoughts of the same continue to haunt the batsman every time he walks out for a fresh innings While this is the case with many, there were some, who struck the iron when it was hot and compiled a brilliant double-century in the team’s cause. The cricketing fraternity was shocked to see them accomplish such a landmark at a young age but soon they recovered to the fact and accepted it with open arms. In the below piece, we look at 5 batsmen, who scored a double century at a young age in their Test career:
1. Javed Miandad – 19 years 140 days
A batting star for Pakistan, who found a way to score runs in any situation and condition, Miandad made a way into this list after scoring a fabulous double century against New Zealand during the 3rd Test at Karachi in 1976. Owing to the huge knock of 206 by Miandad and 112 by Majid Khan, Pakistan posted 565-9 in their first innings and build pressure on the Kiwis.
The visitors, in reply, managed 468 and allowed Pakistan the advantage in home conditions. Going further, the hosts accumulated 290-5 in their second innings and set Kiwis a target of 388 to win. Yet again, Miandad was the top-scorer with a solid 85.
The odds were heavily stacked against the Kiwis, but they managed to survive the test of time, posting 262-7 in the second innings and drawing the Test match.
2. George Headley – 20 years 308 days
One of the early batting legends for the Windies, Headley achieved the feat against England during the 4th Test at Kingston in 1930. Batting first, England amassed plenty of runs on the board in the first innings, scoring 849 on the back of a wonderful triple century by Sandham and a century by Ames.
In reply, Windies were bowled out for 286 in their first innings and handed England a humongous lead. Building on the same, England declared their second innings at 272-9 and set Windies a target of 836 to chase.
Coming out firing all the ammunitions, Windies, owing to a resplendent knock of 223 by Headley and 92 by Nunes, drew the contest and took back lots of positives from the game.
3. Vinod Kambli – 21 years 32 days
Known for his attractive strokeplay and flamboyant attitude as a batsman, Kambli struck this wonder knock against England during the 3rd Test at Mumbai in 1993. Electing to bat first, England posted a competitive 347 in their first innings on the back of an excellent knock of 178 by Hick. Kapil Dev picked up 3-35 during the innings and exerted his impact.
Being well-versed with the conditions and knowing what to expect, Kambli showcased a masterclass, hammering 224 and propelling India to 591 in their first innings. The lead gained was enough for India to inflict a result as they dismissed England for 229 in their second innings and won the contest by an innings and 15 runs. The leg-spinning magician, Kumble was the star with the ball in the second innings, scalping 4-70.
4. Garry Sobers – 21 years 213 days
The greatest all-rounder of all-time, Sobers chronicled this memorable knock against Pakistan during the 3rd Test at Kingston in 1958. Having restricted the Pakistan side for 328 in the first innings, the hosts made the opposition bowlers toil hard for success as they scored a mammoth total of 790-3 in their first innings, courtesy a sublime knock of 365 by Sobers and 260 by Hunte.
After squandering the opportunity of scoring big in the first innings, Pakistan were expected to showcase their credentials atleast in the second. Hapless, it wasn’t to be as they were skittled out for 288 where Mohammad scored 106 and Kardar chipped in with a gritty 57.
Atkinson was the pick of the bowler for the Windies with figures of 3-36 to go with his 5-42 in the first innings. Windies won the game comfortably by an innings and 174 runs, and the Test is still remembered for the Sobers heroics than anything else!
5. Graeme Smith – 21 years 259 days
A solid left-handed opening batsman for South Africa, Smith pulled off this innings against Bangladesh during the 1st Test at East London in 2002. Put into bat first, South Africa managed 529-4 in their first innings, owing to an unforgettable knock of exactly 200 by Smith and 150 by Kirsten.
In response, Bangladesh were shattered by some excellent piece of bowling from Ntini, who snapped 5-19 and ended their resilience at 170 in the first innings. The home team rightly enforced the follow-on and yet again bundled out the Bangladeshi tigers for 252, winning the Test by an innings and 107 runs.
Sahariar was the top-scorer for Bangladesh with a knock of 71 while Terbrugge was the recipient of the five-wicket haul during this innings, picking up 5-46.
