Top 3 scores on captaincy debut in men's T20Is ft. Mitchell Marsh
Captaincy is not an easy task for a player, especially in T20s, where one or two overs can decide the fate of the match.
Some crumble under pressure, while others rise to the occasion, leaving an indelible mark on their leadership skills.
As a captain, you would want to set an example by leading from the front. That helps earn respect from teammates, so that they can trust your vision and your decisions for the team.
And what better way (as a batter) to perform outstandingly with the bat than to do so?
In this article, we will look at some of the players who had a great impact with the bat on their captaincy debut.
Top 3 scores on captaincy debut in men's T20s
#3. Greame Smith 61 against New Zealand, Johannesburg, 2005
In the first T20I match for both countries, and only the third ever in history, New Zealand comfortably beat South Africa in Johannesburg. But not before skipper Graeme Smith showed his class with the bat.
Smith, along with opening partner Jacques Kallis, plundered the Kiwi bowlers, completing his half-century in just 37 deliveries. However, none of the upcoming batters capitalized on the start, with South Africa ending up with a below-par total of 133 runs and eventually losing the match.
#2. Mitchell Marsh, 92* against South Africa, Durban, 2023
If there's one player who has underachieved given his potential with both bat and ball in international cricket, it's Mitchell Marsh. But when he started making his bat talk with some impactful knocks in big matches, it was expected that he would be given a bigger role in the shortest format after Aaron Finch's retirement.
Mitchell Marsh, who made his debut as Australia captain in the T20I series opener against South Africa at Kingsmead on August 30, showed how mentally tough he is. He looked ready to take on the challenge of captaincy.
With Australia losing Travis Head in the very first over, Marsh came in and changed the momentun with some breathtaking shots. He spared no one, be they spinners or pacers.
Marsh finished on a magnificent 49-ball 92*, propelling the team's total to a mammoth 226.
#1. Ricky Ponting, 98* against New Zealand, Auckland, 2005
It was complete mayhem in Auckland when Australian captain Ricky Ponting started dismissing the Kiwi bowlers in the first ever international T20 match.
With Australia finding themselves in a spot of bother at 21 for two in the second over, Ponting started counter-attacking and never allowed the bowlers to settle down to their lengths and plans.
He took a special liking to Daryl Tuffey, whom he smacked 30 runs in the penultimate over to power the score to 214 for 5.
Ponting remained unbeaten on 98, as Australia won the maiden T20I match by 44 runs.