The South African players have produced numerous memorable knocks during their cricketing history, surpassing the desires of arguably their most passionate fans. It’s unusual for batsmen to score big during their Test debuts, although many South African batters have had success turning in strong performances in their debut games. On the same note, look out here for the top three batters who scored magnificent knocks on their Test debut.
1. 222* – Jacques Rudolph vs Bangladesh at Chattogram in 2003
South African cricketer Jacques Rudolph, who played against Bangladesh in 2003, achieved the highest score in a Test debut. The opening Test went spectacularly as South Africa faced Bangladesh. Rudolph assisted the Proteas in posting 470 runs on the scoreboard in the first inning by hitting a brilliant, undefeated 222-run knock that allowed the visitors to dominate. The star batter had set the record for a player making their Test debut with the most runs in history, 222. He played a crucial role in South Africa’s success, which they accomplished by an innings and 60 runs.
2. 163 –Andrew Hudson vs West Indies in Bridgetown in 1992
The very first South African to score a hundred on his Test debut was Andrew Hudson. The memorable 163 runs came over an exceptional West Indian pace attack at Barbados in 1991–1992, which comprised Ambrose, Patterson, and co. The nine-hour-long encounter has been regarded as one of the best efforts by a South African opening batter. Notably, due to his valiant knock, Proteas was able to put 345 runs on board, but later his efforts went in vain as the Windies won that one-off Test match by 52 runs.
3. 115 –Stephen Cook vs England at Centurion in 2016
The host nation was unfortunately not pleased with England’s 2015–16 visit to South Africa. As the fourth and last Test took place at Centurion Park, they had previously lost the series. Considering all of this, it is fair to infer that Stephen Cook, the opening batsman, made his debut in the struggle. Notably, during the fourth Test, the dashing batter hammered 115 runs of knock against tough visitors, which helped them post a massive target of 475 runs. Later, while chasing, the visitors were all dismissed for just 101 runs, giving a massive victory to the home team in the last Test match.