5 youngest debutants in International Cricket
Nothing is perhaps as exciting in cricket as to see a young player make a mark against the best in the world. The annals of cricket history are replete with great examples of very young cricketers, only in their teens, making a significant impact on international cricket.
Here, we look at the five youngest debutants in international cricket. Some went on to achieve great things, while some, after the initial promise, fizzled out. Have a look.
Hasan Raza (Pakistan)
Raza created quite a sensation when he burst into the international scene back in the 90s, only because of his age. At 14 years and 227 days – when most kids are busy mugging up for their school exams – Hasan Raza of Pakistan created history by becoming the youngest ever cricketer to play an international Test match.
The stylish right-handed batsman began decently – scoring 27 in his first match against Zimbabwe at Faisalabad, Pakistan, 1996 - and a lot was expected of him. However, he could not continue his promise and was soon discarded by the selectors.
Raza played only 7 Tests for Pakistan and scored 235 runs in them at an average of 26 with two fifties. Currently, the 34-year-old continues to play in Pakistan’s domestic scene and still hopes of staging a comeback.