There have been several New Zealand batsmen who have had remarkable Test careers. In addition to stunning their team promptly, they embraced the responsibility of performing well. On the same note, look out here for the top three batters who scored magnificent knocks on their Test debut.
1. 214 –Matthew Sinclair vs West Indies at Wellington in 1999
The Kiwis faced the West Indies at Wellington during the 1999–2000 tour. Matthew Sinclair, who appeared in his debut Test, shined in the second test, getting a score of 214. The West Indies lost this Test by an innings. Notably, 2-0 was the final result of New Zealand’s dominance over the Windies. On that day, the Black Caps had posted a target of 518 runs, but the West Indies only scored 179 and 234 runs in both innings of the second Test, giving a massive 105-run victory to the home team.
2. 200 –Devon Conway vs England at Lord’s in 2021
New Zealand star batter Devon Conway was anxious to make his mark in Test cricket after establishing a great start to his international career in the other two formats. Notably, the star opener had achieved considerably more than anything else. In 2021 at the iconic Lord’s ground, Conway scored 200 runs from 347 balls in his debut match, which helped the Black Caps post a total of 378 runs in their first innings over England. Later, the match ended in a draw, but South African-born cricketer Conway was awarded the Player of the Series award for his magnificent knock.
3. 171 –Hamish Rutherford vs England at Dunedin in 2013
Opening batter Hamish Rutherford had a wonderful debut for New Zealand in Test matches. During the Test campaign with England in 2012–2013, New Zealand gave the left-handed player his debut cap in the first game. Rutherford, however, remained persistent in his response as well as excellent in his tactics while chasing the 167 runs posted by England. The dashing batter hammered 171 runs, hitting 22 fours and a total of three sixes. This allowed New Zealand to put up an enormous score of 460-9 in their opening inning.