Double debutants – 7 cricketers whose first Test as captain was also their Test debut

Jonhenry Wilson 09 Feb 2025

Neil Brand captained South Africa against New Zealand in February 2024.

Do you want to know who captained their country on their Test debut?

We have the seven most recent instances of this happening.

Read on to find out more about this interesting cricket trivia.

1. Johnathan Campbell (Zimbabwe) – 2025

Regular captain Craig Ervine withdrew from the one-off Test against Ireland due to “a family emergency” – and Zimbabwe promptly elevated Campbell to the leadership role.

His father, Alistair Campbell, had also captained the country in Test cricket – and gave Johnathan Campbell his debut Test cap on this historic day. Zimbabwe Cricket earlier hailed Campbell junior as a “proven leader at domestic level” before promoting him to the Test captaincy.

2. Neil Brand (South Africa) – 2024

When the Proteas toured New Zealand in early 2024, they were without several first-choice players. Aiden Markram and several others were instead involved in the SA20.

They were effectively contracted to the tournament and couldn’t commit to international duty. The tour went ahead regardless and Brand was included in the squad and named captain. He had captained South Africa A and the Titans previously.

3. Asghar Afghan (Afghanistan) – 2019

Afsar Zazai was Afghanistan’s captain for their first ever Test in 2018. But, a year later, they moved on to Afghan.

He hit a half-century and captained his country to an historic Test win over Ireland.

Also read: Most balls bowled in a Test match

4. William Porterfield (Ireland) – 2018

When the International Cricket Council finally granted Ireland Test status, Ireland had little doubt in appointing Porterfield captain for their maiden foray into the longest format of the international game.

Ireland lost this one-off Test against Pakistan. Portfield scored one and 32.

5. Naimur Rehman (Bangladesh) – 2000

This was Bangladesh’s first ever Test. They have come a long way since, and have beaten several teams bigger than them.

But this was a drubbing for Rehman and company, as India won by nine wickets inside four days.

6. Lee Germon (New Zealand) – 1999

The nuggety wicketkeeper-batter captained the Black Caps against India in Bengaluru despite the presence of experienced campaigners Martin Crowe, Chris Cairns and Stephen Fleming. India won the match.

7. Dave Houghton (Zimbabwe) – 1992

One of 11 Zimbabwe Test debutants on the day, Houghton was bestowed with the honour of leading his country in their first ever Test match.

He hit a century and 41 not out as Zimbabwe and India drew in Harare.

Test debutant, Test captain debutant and Test centurion debutant – what a Test debut for Houghton, indeed.