The World Test Championship (WTC), introduced in 2019, revolutionised the way Test cricket is perceived, giving structure, purpose, and a sense of climax to the game’s most traditional format. Amid established legends fighting for glory, a new generation of players made their mark with impactful debuts. Some rewrote narratives in a single match, while others announced the beginning of an era with consistent performances throughout the cycle. These debutants didn’t just fill gaps; they seized moments, turned games, and etched their names into Test folklore.
This article highlights five of the most impactful debutants across WTC cycles (2019–21, 2021–23, and ongoing 2023–25), showcasing how their early performances helped reshape the fortunes of their respective teams.
5. Shamar Joseph (West Indies)
Few debut stories in cricket are as cinematic as Shamar Joseph’s. A net bowler-turned-international hero, Joseph made his debut in January 2024 during the WTC 2023–25 cycle against the reigning champions, Australia. In his very first ball in Test cricket, he dismissed Steve Smith. But that was just the beginning.
In the second Test at Brisbane, bowling with a painful toe injury, Joseph produced a jaw-dropping spell of 7/68, dismantling Australia and helping West Indies clinch their first Test win Down Under since 1997. His relentless energy, fearless pace, and emotional celebration became iconic overnight, and he was rightfully named Player of the Series.
Shamar Joseph – WTC 2023–25 (First 2 Tests)
| Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average | 5W Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 13 | 7/68 | 17.30 | 2 |
4. Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s World Test Championship triumph in 2021 was built on a bowling unit that hunted in packs. But the X-factor arrived in the form of a towering all-rounder, Kyle Jamieson. Debuting in 2020 against India, Jamieson immediately caught attention with his steep bounce, controlled swing, and surprisingly handy lower-order batting.
In just a few games, he became indispensable to New Zealand. He played a pivotal role in the WTC Final against India, taking a match-winning 7 wickets (including Virat Kohli twice) and was named Player of the Match. His height and discipline made him a nightmare for batters, and his record in the WTC cycle was nothing short of phenomenal.
Kyle Jamieson – WTC 2019–21 Stats
| Matches | Innings (Bowl) | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average | 5W Hauls | Runs (Bat) | Bat Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 13 | 43 | 5/34 | 12.53 | 5 | 256 | 42.66 |
3. Kyle Mayers (West Indies)
When Kyle Mayers made his Test debut against Bangladesh in February 2021, no one could have imagined what was about to unfold. Chasing a mammoth 395 on the final day, Mayers produced an innings for the ages, an unbeaten 210 off 310 balls, securing the fifth-highest successful run chase in Test history.
More than the runs, it was the context of a debutant, fourth innings, Asian conditions, and a depleted squad that made the feat legendary. Mayers’ innings broke records and gave West Indies a new belief in Test cricket. He remained a handy middle-order batter and an occasional medium-pacer throughout the cycle.
Kyle Mayers – WTC 2019–21 Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 16 | 521 | 210* | 47.36 | 2 | 2 |
2. Abid Ali (Pakistan)
In a time when Pakistan’s Test lineup was craving solidity at the top, Abid Ali arrived with remarkable composure. Debuting during the WTC 2019–21 cycle, he made history as the first male cricketer to score a century on debut in both ODIs and Tests.
His first Test century came against Sri Lanka in December 2019 at Rawalpindi. But it was his innings of 174 in Karachi during the same series that showcased his ability to grind bowling attacks over long periods, an old-school approach in a modern game. Abid went on to accumulate valuable runs throughout the WTC cycle, bringing stability to Pakistan’s opening slot.
Abid Ali – WTC 2019–21 Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 21 | 569 | 174 | 35.56 | 2 | 2 |
1. Shubman Gill (India)
India’s rise during the 2019–21 WTC cycle was a mix of resilience, talent, and timing. Among the young blood injected into the squad, Shubman Gill stood out as a symbol of calm aggression. Making his debut on the bouncy pitches of Australia, Gill faced one of the most daunting challenges in modern cricket, tackling Australia in their backyard.
His crowning moment came during the famous Brisbane Test in January 2021. Chasing 328 on the final day at a venue where Australia hadn’t lost since 1988, Gill played a fearless 91 off 146 balls at the Gabba, neutralising a lethal attack led by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. His strokeplay had a rare blend of class and intent, setting the tone for India’s most historic overseas series win.
Shubman Gill – WTC 2019–21 Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 14 | 414 | 91 | 31.84 | 3 | 0 |
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