The highest test century and highest test wicket have always been a common topic of discussion among the cricket fans around the world. Cricket is known as “Gentleman’s Game” and it has never failed to astonish us with its record-breaking performances, thrilling finishes and world-class players from all the corners of the world. The old saying about cricketers that “they start late and end late” couldn’t be truer because some players took their time to find their feet but once they did, there was no stopping them. In this post we will be highlighting the Top 10 Oldest players who ever played a test match.
1. James Southerton (England) 49 Years 119 Days
James Southerton was an English professional cricketer who became the oldest debutant in Test cricket at the age of 49 years and 119 days. He made his debut in the first ever Test match between England and Australia played in 1877 at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. It was indeed a historic occasion as England’s youngest ever debutant made his mark in international cricket at the age of 49 years.
2. Miran Bakhsh (Pakistan) 47 Years 284 Days
Miran Bakhsh is a Pakistani cricketer who played for the national team as a batsman and wicketkeeper. He made his Test debut against India in 1955 at an age of 47 years, 284 days which made him the second oldest player ever to have played a Test match. Pakistan at that time had a very strong domestic circuit and plenty of talented players were ready to take their place in the national side whenever required.
3. Don Blackie (Australia) 46 Years 253 Days
Don Blackie was an Australian cricketer who played for New South Wales as a batsman and wicketkeeper. He made his Test debut against England in 1928–29 series at 46 years, 253 days and went on to become the third oldest debutant in Test cricket. He spent most part of his career playing for New South Wales before making his mark on international stage late in life.
4. Omar Henry (South Africa) 40 Years 295 Days
Omar Henry is a South African cricketer who made his debut for the national team at the age of 40 years, 295 days against India during 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup. South Africa had a very good domestic structure during those days with talented youngsters coming through ranks every year so Omar Henry was able to keep his place in side till his retirement.
5. Somachandra de Silva (Sri Lanka) 39 Years 251 Days
Somachandra de Silva is a Sri Lankan cricketer who made his debut for the national team at the age of 39 years, 251 days against England during 1982 ICC Cricket World Cup. He was a useful all rounder who contributed with both bat and ball but couldn’t cement his place in side due to stiff competition from younger players around him.
6. Nelson Betancourt (West Indies) 42 Years 242 Days
Nelson Betancourt is a West Indian cricketer who made his Test debut against England in 1930 at 42 years, 242 days. He was an all rounder who could do the job with both bat and ball but had to wait till his late thirties before getting the chance to represent his country on international stage.
7. Herb McGirr (New Zealand) 38 Years 101 Days
Herb McGirr was a New Zealand cricketer who made his Test debut against England during 1930–31 series at 38 years, 101 days. He was a right-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler but couldn’t establish himself in side because of his age and lack of opportunities during his playing days.
8. Rustomji Jamshedji (India) 41 Years 27 Days
Rustomji Jamshedji is an Indian cricketer who made his Test debut against England during 1933 tour of England at 41 years, 27 days. He was a middle order batsman and off-spinner but couldn’t get enough chances to perform well for his country so retired from international cricket after playing just 3 matches for India.
9. Andy Waller (Zimbabwe) 37 Years 84 Days
Andy Waller was a Zimbabwean cricketer who made his Test debut against New Zealand during 1992 tour of New Zealand at 37 years, 84 days. He was an all rounder who could bat as well as bowl both fast-medium and off-spin but couldn’t keep his place in side due to lack of opportunities during his playing days.
10. Enamul Haque (Bangladesh) 35 Years 58 Days
Enamul Haque is a Bangladeshi cricketer who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka during 2005 tour of Sri Lanka at 35 years, 58 days. He was a right-handed batsman and an off-break bowler but could never establish himself as a regular member of Bangladesh’s team due to stiff competition from other players around him.
It’s never too late to chase your dreams, if you have the passion and desire then nothing can stop you from achieving what you desire most in life. These cricketers are living proof that age is just a number and you can achieve whatever your heart desires provided you have the will power and determination to do so.