Top ten debut knocks in Test matches

4. Jacques Rudolph (South Africa – 222* vs Bangladesh, Chittagong, April 2003)

The opposition may have been minnows for an already established international team of South Africa’s calibre, but it did not take away the joyous feeling of scoring a maiden double century in Jacques Rudolph’s first appearance for his side against Bangladesh.

Previously having been omitted from the side for the 2002 New Year’s Test against Australia, due to the prevalent practice of a quota for non-white players, Rudolph seized his chance in 2003 and marked his debut with a phenomenal innings of 222 not out. It still remains the highest individual score by a Test debutant and a left-handed opener.

Along with Boeta Dippenaar, Rudolph established a new South African record partnership for the third wicket – the pair put on an unbeaten 429 runs in the same game, which South Africa eventually won by an innings and 60 runs.