Top 3 bowling performances by Australia players on Test debut

The Australian cricket team has produced numerous noteworthy individuals throughout its history, far exceeding the expectations of maybe its most ardent supporters. On the same note, we will look at the top 3 bowling figures by Australian players in their debut match

3. 16/137 –Bob Massie vs England at Lord’s in 1972

The historic Test game between Australia and England, which was played at Lords in 1972, will always be remembered as Bob Massie’s match. Following some strong showings in domestic cricket in Australia, Bob Massie was included in the 1972 Ashes. He grabbed eight wickets in all during the first innings while conceding 84 runs as England was bowled out for 272. Notably, following the second innings, Massie picked up a further eight wickets for an aggregate of 16 wickets after the concluding Test match.

2. 12/358 –Jason Krejza vs India at Nagpur in 2008

During the fourth Test match against India in 2008, Australia’s star bowler Jason Krejza made his debut in Nagpur. Krejza’s eight-wicket haul against India marked the beginning of his ideal career in the first innings. Notably, India posted a score of 441 runs against tough visitors. Australia was only able to rack up 355 runs while chasing. Following that, the star bowler again grabbed four wickets in the second innings, which helped them restrict the home team to just 295 runs. Eventually, despite his great efforts, Australia was unable to chase the target and got bundled out for 209 runs while giving a great win to the Sourav Ganguly-led Indian side.

1. 11/82 –Clarrie Grimmett vs England at Sydney in 1925

It’s true that very few bowlers ever recorded spectacular Test debuts before continuing their own successful careers. One of the rare cricketers who consistently excelled after making the move to the international. Level was none other than Clarrie Grimmett. The wrist-spinner grabbed a total of five wickets in the first innings and six in the subsequent one to completely take over England. Notably, in 1925, during the fifth Test match, Australia scored 295 and 325 in both innings, while the English team was only able to score 167 and 146 runs, losing the match by a large margin.