5 legendary Australian cricketers who endured poor Test debuts

#4 Arthur Morris

Morris carved a successful career despite getting out cheaply on debut

Nearing his 25^th birthday, Arthur Morris entered Test cricket in the 1946/47 Ashes on home soil. With Bradman returning to the field after eight years, there was additional pressure on this stylish opener to negate the new-ball and protect the all-important number three batsman.

However, he succumbed to the swing of Sir Alec Bedser for just two runs and took the long walk back even as his skipper entered the arena to vociferous applause.

Morris came into his own during the famous Invincibles tour two years later. With 696 runs from 5 Tests including 3 centuries, the left-hander outshone Bradman himself and paved the way for an away 4-0 Ashes triumph. Despite losing the prime of his youth to the Second World War, he did enough to secure a place in ICC’s Hall of Fame.

Performance on Debut – 2 (9) & DNB against England at Brisbane Cricket Ground in Woolloongabba (1946)

Overall Test Career – 3533 runs from 46 matches at an average of 46.48 with 12 centuries and 12 fifties