5 legendary cricketers who had forgettable Test debuts

#3 – Shane Warne

Warne ran into a rampant Ravi Shastri and an eager Sachin Tendulkar

During Shane Warne’s early days, there was once a banner in the crowd which read, “Shane Who? Richie Benaud is still the King of Spin.” It is incredible how the flamboyant Australian endeared himself to his countrymen as familiarity grew.

One of the most entertaining bowlers of all time, Warne’s arrival was unforgettable – in the negative sense. Up against a batting lineup who were raised on turning tracks, the leg-spinner sent down 45 overs and gave away 150 runs.

Apart from bringing an end to Ravi Shastri‘s patient double ton, there was very little to cheer for Warne. In a way, it was the sign of things to come for the great man who averaged less than 30 against every country other than India at 47.18.

An interesting sub-plot in the contest was the inaugural face-off between himself and Sachin Tendulkar.