Test Cricket is considered the most important format in cricket. It’s known as the toughest because not many players succeed in it. Only a few players even get to play Test Cricket, and even fewer build successful careers in it.
Test Cricket challenges players in every way. To do well in this format, a cricketer needs exceptional skills, strong mental toughness, and a desire to play for long periods. Over time, many highly talented cricketers have represented their countries in Test cricket.
Some cricketers stand out early in their careers, showing their talent from a young age. They get the chance to play Test Cricket for their country at a young age.
Here, we look at the 5 youngest cricketers to ever debut in Test cricket.
5. Sachin Tendulkar: 16 years and 205 days
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is fifth on the list. He started playing Test cricket when he was just 16 years and 205 days old. Tendulkar became one of the greatest cricketers ever. He scored a lot of runs and set many records. Sachin Tendulkar played his first Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in November 1989.
During his impressive Test career, Sachin Tendulkar played in 200 Test matches and scored 15,921 runs. He holds the record for the most runs scored in Test cricket and has scored the most centuries (51) in this format.
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4. Aaqib Javed: 16 years and 189 days
Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed started playing international cricket when he was just 16 years and 189 days old. His first Test match was against New Zealand on February 10, 1989. Aaqib began his cricket journey early, making his debut in first-class cricket at only 12 years old. He represented Pakistan in both Test and One Day International formats for many years. Known for his fast bowling skills, he could swing the ball both ways.
In his Test career, Aaqib played 22 matches and took 54 wickets with an average of 34.7. However, he excelled more in One Day Internationals (ODIs), playing 163 matches and taking 182 wickets at an average of 31.4. Unfortunately, his career ended early when he was only 26 years old.
3. Mohammad Sharif: 15 years and 128 months
Mohammad Sharif, a former cricketer from Bangladesh, was the third youngest player to debut in Test cricket. He was known for his skill in reverse swing bowling, which helped him get selected for his first Test match against Pakistan in 2002, when he was just 15 years and 128 months old.
In that match, Sharif took four wickets and impressed everyone with his fast bowling abilities. However, frequent injuries prevented him from having a successful Test career. He played a total of 10 Test matches, taking 14 wickets with his best bowling performance being 4 for 89. His last Test match was against Sri Lanka in 2007.
2. Mushtaq Mohammad: 15 years and 124 days
Mushtaq Mohammad, a former player from Pakistan, was born in Gujarat before India was divided into Pakistan and India. He started playing Test cricket at a very young age of 15 years and 124 days. His debut match was against West Indies in Lahore in March 1959.
In 1961, at just 17 years and 78 days old, Mushtaq Mohammad became the youngest player to score a century in Test cricket. He scored 101 runs against India in Delhi, a record that lasted for 40 years. Mushtaq Mohammad is considered one of Pakistan’s most successful all-rounders in cricket history.
He led the Pakistan Team in 19 Test matches. Throughout his impressive Test career, he played 57 matches and scored 3643 runs with an average close to 40.
1. Hasan Raza: 14 years and 227 days
Hasan Raza used to play cricket for Pakistan. He started playing Test matches when he was just 14 years and 227 days old, making him the youngest player ever to debut in Test cricket. His first Test match was against Zimbabwe on October 24, 1996, in Faisalabad.
However, he struggled to perform well and was dropped from the team. He later returned to play during a series against Australia in Sharjah.
His last Test match was against England at home in 2005. Hasan Raza played a total of 7 Test matches and scored 235 runs, with an average score of 26.11.
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