Which Cricketers Didn’t Make Their Test Debut During the WTC Cycle?: The World Test Championship (WTC) has brought a fresh competitive edge to the longest format of cricket, providing a framework for teams to vie for supremacy over a two-year cycle. The inaugural WTC began in 2019 and concluded with the final in 2021, leading to a renewed interest in Test cricket. While many players made their debut during this period, others had already established themselves before the WTC cycle commenced. In this article, we highlight some prominent cricketers who did not make their Test debuts during the WTC cycle.
1. Virat Kohli
One of the most recognizable names in cricket, Virat Kohli, made his Test debut much earlier, in 2011, against West Indies. Since then, Kohli has evolved into one of the game’s greats, holding numerous records, including being one of the fastest players to score 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Kohli has been instrumental for India, leading them as captain and setting a high standard for batting in the longest format.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 115 | 195 | 12 | 8947 | 254 | 48.89 |
| ODI | 295 | 283 | 44 | 13906 | 183 | 58.18 |
| T20I | 125 | 117 | 31 | 4188 | 122 | 48.7 |
| IPL | 252 | 244 | 37 | 8004 | 113 | 38.67 |
His contributions during the WTC cycle were significant, and he played a pivotal role in India’s remarkable run, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Kohli’s experience and skill were essential for India’s success, but he had already made his mark long before the WTC began.
2. Steve Smith
Another stalwart of Test cricket is Steve Smith, who debuted for Australia in 2010 against Pakistan. Smith’s unconventional batting style and incredible consistency have made him one of the leading run-scorers in Test history. His performances during the WTC cycle were instrumental for Australia, particularly during their home series against India.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 109 | 195 | 25 | 9685 | 239 | 56.97 |
| ODI | 163 | 147 | 19 | 5583 | 164 | 43.62 |
| T20I | 67 | 55 | 11 | 1094 | 90 | 24.86 |
| IPL | 103 | 93 | 21 | 2485 | 101 | 34.51 |
Smith’s ability to play under pressure was on full display as he helped Australia secure crucial wins. However, like Kohli, Smith was already an established player by the time the WTC was introduced, making his Test debut long before the tournament began.
3. Joe Root
Joe Root, the English captain, made his Test debut in 2012 against India. Root has been a cornerstone of the England batting lineup, known for his elegance and technique. His leadership and batting prowess were vital during England’s campaign in the WTC cycle.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 148 | 270 | 22 | 12716 | 262 | 51.27 |
| ODI | 171 | 160 | 23 | 6522 | 133 | 47.61 |
| T20I | 32 | 30 | 5 | 893 | 90 | 35.72 |
| IPL | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 10.0 |
Root’s performances often set the tone for the English side, and he has amassed over 8,000 runs in Test cricket. His experience and strategic acumen have been invaluable, but he was already well into his Test career before the WTC cycle commenced.
4. Ben Stokes
Another prominent figure in contemporary cricket is Ben Stokes, who debuted in 2013 against Australia. Stokes is renowned for his match-winning abilities, demonstrated spectacularly in the 2019 World Cup final and the Ashes series. His fearless approach to batting and exceptional all-round skills have made him a fan favourite.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 106 | 192 | 8 | 6546 | 258 | 35.58 |
| ODI | 114 | 99 | 15 | 3463 | 182 | 41.23 |
| T20I | 43 | 36 | 9 | 585 | 52 | 21.67 |
| IPL | 45 | 44 | 6 | 935 | 107 | 24.61 |
During the WTC cycle, Stokes played crucial roles in various matches, but his Test debut predates the tournament, showcasing his long-standing impact on the format.
5. Kagiso Rabada
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada made his Test debut in 2016 against India. Rabada quickly established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket, known for his speed and ability to swing the ball. His contributions during the WTC cycle were significant for South Africa, as he consistently took wickets and led the bowling attack.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 64 | 99 | 17 | 932 | 47 | 11.37 |
| ODI | 101 | 42 | 18 | 360 | 31 | 15.0 |
| T20I | 65 | 24 | 15 | 156 | 22 | 17.33 |
| IPL | 80 | 31 | 14 | 206 | 44 | 12.12 |
Rabada’s presence in the team was crucial, but he had already begun his Test career several years before the WTC started.
6. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand team, made his Test debut in 2010 against India. Williamson is celebrated for his calm demeanour and exceptional batting technique. He has been instrumental in New Zealand’s rise in international cricket and led them to the inaugural WTC final in 2021.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 102 | 180 | 17 | 8881 | 251 | 54.48 |
| ODI | 165 | 157 | 16 | 6811 | 148 | 48.3 |
| T20I | 93 | 90 | 12 | 2575 | 95 | 33.01 |
| IPL | 79 | 77 | 17 | 2128 | 89 | 35.47 |
His ability to handle pressure and guide his team has been remarkable, but like others on this list, he was an established player well before the WTC cycle.
7. Babar Azam
Pakistani cricketer Babar Azam made his Test debut in 2016 against the West Indies. Known for his elegant batting style, Babar has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the top batsmen in the world. He played a key role for Pakistan during the WTC cycle, displaying consistency and skill.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 55 | 100 | 9 | 3997 | 196 | 43.92 |
| ODI | 117 | 114 | 13 | 5729 | 158 | 56.72 |
| T20I | 123 | 116 | 15 | 4145 | 122 | 41.04 |
Despite his significant contributions, Babar’s Test career began before the WTC, highlighting his pre-existing status in the international cricket scene.
8. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, known for his unique bowling action and death-over prowess, made his Test debut in 2018 against South Africa. While he debuted just before the WTC cycle began, his impact during the tournament was monumental. Bumrah quickly became one of the leading fast bowlers in the world, taking crucial wickets and playing a vital role in India’s Test success.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 38 | 57 | 19 | 279 | 34 | 7.34 |
| ODI | 89 | 26 | 14 | 91 | 16 | 7.58 |
| T20I | 70 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 2.67 |
| IPL | 133 | 30 | 23 | 68 | 16 | 9.71 |
However, as he debuted right before the WTC, he does not fit the category of those who played before the tournament started.
9. David Warner
Australian opener David Warner made his Test debut in 2011 against New Zealand. Warner’s aggressive batting style has made him a key player for Australia, and he has been a central figure during the WTC cycle. His experience and attacking approach at the top of the order have been instrumental in many of Australia’s successes.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 112 | 205 | 8 | 8786 | 335 | 44.6 |
| ODI | 161 | 159 | 5 | 6932 | 179 | 45.01 |
| T20I | 110 | 110 | 12 | 3277 | 100 | 33.44 |
| IPL | 184 | 184 | 22 | 6565 | 126 | 40.52 |
Like others mentioned, Warner’s career has been ongoing for years, and he had firmly established himself before the WTC began.
10. Rishabh Pant
Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant made his Test debut in 2018 against England. Although he was a newer entrant to Test cricket compared to others on this list, he was not part of the initial WTC cycle. Pant’s explosive batting and agile keeping have made him a fan favourite, particularly during high-pressure situations.
His performances during the WTC were memorable, but he cannot be categorised with those who debuted before the cycle.
Batting Career Summary
| Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 35 | 60 | 5 | 2432 | 159 | 44.22 |
| ODI | 31 | 27 | 1 | 871 | 125 | 33.5 |
| T20I | 76 | 66 | 14 | 1209 | 65 | 23.25 |
| IPL | 111 | 110 | 17 | 3284 | 128 | 35.31 |
The World Test Championship has showcased many new talents and provided a platform for cricketers to shine. However, numerous established players did not debut during this cycle, instead having made their Test debuts years earlier. Cricketers like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and others have paved the way for the new generation, demonstrating the depth of talent in international cricket.
While the WTC has changed the dynamics of Test cricket, it is essential to recognize the contributions of those who had already set the stage for this competition. Their legacies continue to shape the future of the sport, influencing aspiring cricketers around the globe. As cricket evolves, the blend of experienced players and emerging talents will undoubtedly create a thrilling future for the longest format of the game.
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