‘In the arc, out the park’ – 5 batters who hit the most sixes on their Test debuts

Jonhenry Wilson 06 Sep 2026

England didn't necessarily know what hit 'em in Birmingham.

Making a debut in Test cricket is traditionally a time for caution, nerves, and proper technique. Play with a straight bat, keep your end up and don’t get carried away is the mantra.

However, every now and then, a player walks onto the grand stage and decides to completely rewrite the rulebook with raw, unadulterated power.

While centuries on debut are celebrated, clearing the boundary ropes with fearless confidence provides a different kind of thrill.

In the unlikeliest of circumstances we watched as Pakistan debutant Razaullah wrote his name into the record books against England in the third Test – let’s take a moment to see where his blistering effort fits into the list of most sixes struck on Test cricket debut.

1. Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 9 Sixes

For 18 years, New Zealand‘s Tim Southee sat completely alone at the top of this mountain. Making his debut against England at Napier in 2008, the teenage swing bowler turned into a certified lumberjack when he got a bat in his hand.

Walking out lower in the order, Southee put on a breathtaking show of clean hitting.

He struck an unbeaten 77 off just 40 deliveries, clobbering 9 sixes into the stands. Southee’s debut knock ended up being his highest ever Test score, but his penchant for six hitting never abated.

He ended his career as the Test batsman with the most sixes to his credit without ever scoring a century. In total he hit 98 sixes in his 107-Test career.

Also read: Will drop-in pitches harm the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

2. Razaullah (Pakistan) – 9 Sixes

Fast forward to September 2026, and cricket fans witnessed history at Edgbaston. Pakistan‘s 21-year-old fast bowler, Razaullah, arrived on the international stage with a fairytale narrative.

After taking four wickets, including Joe Root as his very first Test scalp, he walked out to bat at number nine with Pakistan facing an innings defeat.

What followed was total carnage. Razaullah single-handedly dragged the game into a fourth day by smashing a blistering 81 off just 63 balls, which included 9 monstrous sixes.

At this stage it’s not clear what the future holds for the youngster who is playing in just his ninth First Class game, but whatever happens, his debut story will be one to be remembered.

3. Kyle Mayers (West Indies) – 7 Sixes

If you are looking for the most impactful debut innings in modern cricket history, look no further than Kyle Mayers against Bangladesh at Chattogram in 2021.

Chasing a mammoth 395 runs on a wearing fifth-day Asian pitch, the West Indies were dead and buried. Enter Mayers. The left-hander played an unbelievable anchor-turned-assault innings, scoring an unbeaten 210*.

He didn’t just survive; he attacked, launching 7 huge sixes to guide his team to a historic victory.

4. Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) – 5 Sixes

Long before modern bat technology and shortened boundaries, the legendary West Indian opener Gordon Greenidge showed the world how it was done. Making his debut at Bengaluru in 1974, Greenidge introduced himself to international cricket with absolute brutality.

He fell just short of a debut century in the first innings with 93 but followed it up with a spectacular 107 in the second innings. Across the match, he bludgeoned 5 sixes, a terrifying display of Caribbean power that set the tone for his iconic career.

5. Michael Clarke (Australia) – 4 Sixes

When a young, blonde-haired Michael Clarke walked out for his maiden Test against India at Bengaluru in 2004, the world knew he was talented. What they didn’t expect was a spin-masterclass packed with aerial aggression.

Facing a daunting Indian spin attack on their home turf, Clarke danced down the track with abandon and effortless elegance.

He compiled a stunning 151 runs, punishing the bowlers with 4 massive sixes. It was an entry so emphatic that it instantly cemented his spot in a legendary Australian era.