In the deeply strategic and often traditional world of Test cricket, certain decisions reflect not just tactical insight but raw courage and a desire to lead by example. One such bold move is when the captain took the new ball. It’s a rare sight for commanders of cricket teams to choose to open the bowling unless they’re known frontline pacers or have absolute faith in their abilities to make an early impact.
This act isn’t just about skill; it’s about statement. When a captain took the new ball, it often came with pressure, expectation, and immense responsibility. It meant the captain was not just calling the shots but delivering them literally. In this article, we explore the Top 10 Tests Where the Captain Took the New Ball Themselves, rewriting narratives, defying norms, and stamping authority on the match from the very first over.
10. Andrew Flintoff vs Australia – Perth Test, 2006
Amid the intimidating Ashes series Down Under, Andrew Flintoff, known for his aggressive style, led England with both bat and ball. In the third Test at Perth, the England captain took the new ball against a rampant Australian lineup. Though his figures weren’t outstanding, his physical effort and commitment showcased leadership in tough times. Flintoff’s new-ball decision was a nod to old-school valour even in defeat.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth Test | 2006 | WACA | Andrew Flintoff | 2/84 (1st Inn) | Australia Won |
9. Ben Stokes vs South Africa – Lord’s Test, 2022
In his early days as Test captain, Ben Stokes tried to set a tone of aggression. In a bold move that surprised commentators and fans alike, the England captain took the new ball on a green Lord’s pitch. While the move didn’t directly bring him many wickets, it galvanised the team’s intensity, and his relentless energy uplifted the entire bowling unit.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lord’s Test | 2022 | Lord’s | Ben Stokes | 1/51 (1st Inn) | South Africa Won |
8. Richie Benaud vs West Indies – Brisbane Test, 1961
As a leg-spinner, it’s almost unheard of to open the bowling, but Richie Benaud was no ordinary captain. On a Brisbane pitch offering little early on, the Australian captain took the new ball, surprising everyone. While he didn’t take a truckload of wickets up front, his brave move disrupted the West Indies’ opening rhythm and opened up tactical advantages for fast bowlers later.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Test | 1961 | Gabba | Richie Benaud | 2/70 (1st Inn) | Draw |
7. Bob Willis vs India – The Oval Test, 1982
When England were desperate for a series-levelling win, Bob Willis, the fast-bowling captain, chose to trust himself more than anyone else. The England captain took the new ball and made it swing viciously under overcast skies. India was bundled out cheaply, and Willis’s leadership was hailed as a turning point in the series. The decision to open the bowling himself reflected old-school grit.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oval Test | 1982 | The Oval | Bob Willis | 5/66 (1st Inn) | England Won |
6. Jason Holder vs England – Bridgetown Test, 2019
In one of the most uplifting West Indian victories of recent years, Jason Holder chose to lead from the front. Not only did the captain take the new ball, but he also made it count with accuracy and subtle movement. His bowling removed England’s resistance early on, but what truly elevated his performance was a double century with the bat, making it one of the most complete captains’ efforts in modern Test history.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgetown Test | 2019 | Kensington Oval | Jason Holder | 2/15 & 5/59 | West Indies Won |
5. Shaun Pollock vs India – Bloemfontein Test, 2001
Shaun Pollock, one of the most disciplined bowlers of his era, took over captaincy duties after the Hansie Cronje scandal. In a tense home series against India, the South African captain took the new ball and struck gold immediately. He removed the flamboyant Virender Sehwag and the dependable Rahul Dravid early, setting the tone for the Test. Although India eventually fought back, Pollock’s decision to bowl first as captain proved pivotal.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloemfontein Test | 2001 | Mangaung Oval | Shaun Pollock | 3/52 (1st Inn) | India Won |
4. Courtney Walsh vs South Africa – Bridgetown Test, 2001
Known more for his relentless bowling stamina than for bold captaincy, Courtney Walsh had his moment of supreme leadership when he decided to take the new ball himself against South Africa. The decision paid off immediately. With bounce and seam on offer, the West Indies captain took the new ball and sent the South African openers packing. It was a rare case where fire met fire and fire won.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgetown Test | 2001 | Kensington Oval | Courtney Walsh | 4/54 (1st Inn) | West Indies Won |
3. Wasim Akram vs England – The Oval Test, 1996
Wasim Akram, a left-arm magician with the ball, led Pakistan’s bowling unit from the front. In the decider at The Oval, the Pakistan captain took the new ball in cloudy English conditions, his favourite setting. What followed was reverse-swing carnage. Akram’s lethal inswingers accounted for Mike Atherton and Alec Stewart early. Pakistan won the Test convincingly, and it was a masterclass in seam bowling leadership.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Oval Test | 1996 | The Oval | Wasim Akram | 6/48 (2nd Inn) | Pakistan Won |
2. Kapil Dev vs Australia – Adelaide Test, 1991
In what would be remembered as one of Kapil Dev’s most inspiring overseas performances, the Indian captain took the new ball at the Adelaide Oval in the absence of a quality pace partner. With the responsibility of leading both the team and the attack, Kapil bowled with controlled aggression. He picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings and dismissed the dangerous David Boon and Mark Waugh in quick succession. His early breakthroughs gave India a rare sniff in Australia.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Test | 1991 | Adelaide Oval | Kapil Dev | 5/97 (1st Inn) | Australia Won |
1. Imran Khan vs India – Sialkot Test, 1984
In what was a slow-moving series marred by political tensions and dull draws, Imran Khan decided to ignite the contest himself. In the final Test at Sialkot, the Pakistan captain took the new ball and led from the front with a spell that was pure poetry in motion. He dismantled India’s top order with swing and pace, finishing with figures of 8/60 in the first innings. This decision not only broke India’s back but also tilted a previously lifeless series toward Pakistan’s dominance.
| Test | Year | Venue | Captain | Figures | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sialkot Test | 1984 | Jinnah Stadium | Imran Khan | 8/60 (1st Inn) | Draw |
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