Test cricket is widely regarded as the ultimate challenge in the sport. It’s the toughest format, where only a select few not only get the opportunity to play but also manage to build successful careers.
Test cricket demands top-level skill, mental toughness, and endurance. While many have excelled in this elite format, a rare few began their journeys as teenagers. Here’s a look at the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever who made their debut at remarkably young ages.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever:
5. Sachin Tendulkar: 16 years and 205 days
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar ranks fifth among the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever. He made his Test debut at just 16 years and 205 days old, facing Pakistan in Karachi in November 1989.
Tendulkar went on to become one of the greatest cricketers in history. Over an iconic career spanning 200 Test matches, he scored a record 15,921 runs and notched up 51 centuries—the most by any player in Test cricket.
4. Aaqib Javed: 16 years and 189 days
Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed is among the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever, making his debut at just 16 years and 189 days old. He played his first Test match against New Zealand on February 10, 1989. Remarkably, Aaqib had already begun his cricket journey in first-class matches at the age of just 12.
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Aaqib represented Pakistan in both Tests and ODIs. In his Test career, he played 22 matches and claimed 54 wickets at an average of 34.7. While his Test numbers were modest, he shone brighter in ODIs, taking 182 wickets in 163 games. His international career, however, came to an early end when he retired at just 26.
3. Mohammad Sharif: 15 years and 128 months
Mohammad Sharif from Bangladesh ranks third among the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever. He made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2002 at just 15 years and 128 days old, earning attention for his impressive reverse swing bowling.
In his debut match, Sharif took four wickets and showed great promise as a fast bowler. However, recurring injuries hampered his progress in the longest format. He went on to play 10 Test matches, taking 14 wickets, with his best figures being 4 for 89. His final Test appearance came against Sri Lanka in 2007.
2. Mushtaq Mohammad: 15 years and 124 days
Mushtaq Mohammad holds the second spot among the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever. Born in Gujarat before the partition of India and Pakistan, he made his Test debut for Pakistan at just 15 years and 124 days old, facing the West Indies in Lahore in March 1959.
In 1961, Mushtaq created history by becoming the youngest player to score a Test century—101 runs against India in Delhi—at just 17 years and 78 days, a record that stood for 40 years. Widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest all-rounders, he left a lasting impact on the game.
1. Hasan Raza: 14 years and 227 days
Hasan Raza leads the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever, debuting for Pakistan at just 14 years and 227 days old against Zimbabwe in 1996.
Though he showed early promise, he struggled to secure a permanent spot. Raza played his final Test in 2005, finishing with 235 runs from 7 matches at an average of 26.11.
Conclusion
The stories of the Top 5 Youngest Test Cricketers Ever highlight the rare talent and early promise that earned these players a place on the biggest stage at such a young age. While not all went on to have long or legendary careers, their early debuts remain remarkable milestones in cricket history. These cricketers proved that age is just a number when it comes to skill, determination, and passion for the game. Their journeys continue to inspire young talents dreaming of making it big in Test cricket.
Read More: Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time
FAQ`s
Q1: Who is the youngest player to ever play Test cricket?
A: Hasan Raza from Pakistan holds the record. He made his Test debut at just 14 years and 227 days old against Zimbabwe in 1996.
Q2: Has any young debutant gone on to have a successful Test career?
A: Yes, Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16, had an extraordinary Test career, scoring 15,921 runs and 51 centuries—both all-time records.
Q3: Did any of the youngest debutants struggle in their careers?
A: Yes, players like Hasan Raza and Mohammad Sharif showed early promise but couldn’t sustain long-term success due to inconsistency and injuries.