5 legendary Australian cricketers who endured poor Test debuts

#2 Shane Warne

Warne dropped a difficult return catch and watched Ravi Shastri score a double century

Australia were 2-0 up in the series and decided they had enough leeway to bring in an uncapped blonde leg-spinner into the equation. Despite debuting at the usually spin-friendly SCG, Shane Warne ran into batsmen who grew up honing the art of playing the turning ball.

Following a useful 20 with the bat, the then 22-year old almost had his maiden Test wicket but shelled a difficult return catch of Ravi Shastri. By the time he did get his first scalp, the opener had compiled a 477-ball 206. At the other end was Sachin Tendulkar who smashed a 213-ball 148.

Despite the ignominious start to his career, the ‘King of Spin’ finished his career as the leading wicket-taker in the game before long-time rival Muttiah Muralitharan overtook his tally.

Performance on Debut – 45-7-150-1 & DNB against India at Sydney Cricket Ground (1992)

Overall Test Career – 708 wickets from 145 matches at an average of 25.41 with 37 five-wicket hauls and 10 ten-wicket hauls