Test cricket is considered the purest format of the game. In this format, batters generally play risk-free cricket and do not play too many aggressive shots. The average run rate is around three runs per over. Since batters play defensively, bowlers need to put extra efforts to take wickets. Sometimes, they even end up conceding 200 runs.
When a batting team plays for a long time, they post totals of more than 500 runs on the board. In that scenario, the bowling team’s scorecard would feature players with more than 100 runs conceded. Some of them would even have 150 or 200 runs in the conceded section.
It is a little embarrassing for a bowler when he concedes 200 runs because in some innings, an entire team does not manage that many runs. In Test cricket’s history, four bowlers have had the disappointing experience of conceding 200 runs in their first match itself. Here’s a list of those four names:
4. Omari Banks – 203
Former West Indies bowler Omari Banks was the first bowler to achieve this dubious feat. Playing against Australia in the year 2003, Banks conceded 203 runs on debut.
3. Jason Krejza – 215
Former Australian spin bowler Jason Krejza made his debut against India back in the year 2008. He took eight wickets in the innings but also conceded 215 runs. Krejza has now retired. He recently turned up for Australia Legends in Road Safety World Series 2022.
2. Suraj Randiv – 222
Another bowler who achieved this dubious feat against India was former Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv. He gave away 222 runs on debut against India in the year 2010.
1. Zahid Mahmood – 235
Most runs conceded in an innings on Test debut:
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 2, 2022
227* – Zahid Mahmood🇵🇰 v ENG, 2022
222 – Suraj Randiv🇱🇰 v IND, 2010
215 – Jason Krejza🇦🇺 v IND, 2008
204 – Omari Banks🏝️ v AUS, 2003
195 – Nilesh Kulkrani 🇮🇳 v SL, 1997#PAKvENG
Pakistan’s new leg-spin bowler Zahid Mahmood broke all records earlier today in the first Test against England. He gave away 235 runs in just 33 overs and had an economy rate of more than 7 runs per over.
