Gary Ballance, Kepler Wessels and more – 8 cricketers who played Tests for 2 countries

Jonhenry Wilson 11 Jan 2025

Gary Ballance played Test cricket for England and Zimbabwe.

Test cricket was first played as long ago as 1877. Since then, more than 2500 Tests have been played. We’ve seen the advent of ODI cricket and T20I. There have been a lot of changes.

Over the rich history of international cricket, a few unique players have had the distinction of representing more than one country in at international level.

This rare feat reflects not only their exceptional talent but also their adaptability, love for the game, and in many instances willingness to make a plan based on their unique set of circumstances.

Here’s a look at eight cricketers who have played for two different countries.

1. Billy Midwinter (Australia and England)

Billy Midwinter was one of the earliest cricketers to achieve this unique feat. Born in England, he made his Test debut for Australia in the inaugural Test match in 1877.

He later played for England, making a remarkable transition between the two rival cricketing nations. His was a storied career that not only saw him play12 Tests (including the first ever Test), but which also features a kidnapping (by WG Grace no less) and a tragic mental breakdown.

2. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi (England and India)

Another player with a fascinating and tragic backstory, Iftikhar Ali Khan held the title Senior Nawab of Pataudi. Born in India he studied at Oxford and qualified to play for his adopted country. He scored a century on debut at the SCG in the opening Test of the bodyline series but returned home after reportedly disagreeing with skipper Douglas Jardine’s tactics.

He was recalled for one further Test, also against Australia, after almost two years out before he returned to India, where, in the twilight of his career he was selected as captain for a tour to England. While he scored plenty of runs on tour he struggled in the Tests. He died shortly after his retirement following an accident while playing polo.

Also read: The 25 bowlers who took a wicket with their first ball in Test cricket

3. Amir Elahi (India and Pakistan)

As much as Amir Elahi played cricket for two different countries, his was more the result of political geography rather than personal circumstance. In short Elahi’s cricketing journey was intertwined with the partition of India.

He played his solitary Test for India in 1947, just before the country’s division. Post-partition, he moved to Pakistan and represented the newly formed nation in its first-ever Test series against India in 1952. His career stands as a symbol of the shifting geopolitical landscape at the time.

4. Abdul Hafeez Kardar (India and Pakistan)

Kardar is widely regarded as the father of Pakistani cricket. Like Amir Elahi, above, Karder initially played three Tests for India in 1946. But when Pakistan gained independence, he became the country’s first Test captain in 1952.

Under his leadership, Pakistan won their first Test match, setting the foundation for future successes.

5. Gul Mohammad (India and Pakistan)

Another beneficiary of Pakistani independence, Gul Mohammad’s cricketing career saw him represent both India and Pakistan. He played eight Tests for India between 1946 and 1952 before making a single appearance for Pakistan in 1956.

A stylish allrounder, Mohammad was one of the first players to take big pride in his ability in the field. His career ended with a disappointing Test batting average of just 12.81. His two Test wicket however came at an average of 12.

6. Sammy Guillen (West Indies and New Zealand)

Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Sammy Guillen played five Tests for the West Indies before moving to New Zealand, where he played a further three Tests in 1956 (ironically, they were against the West Indies). A wicketkeeper, Guillen bagged 13 catches and three stumpings during his Test career.

Although his time in Test cricket was short, Guillen nevertheless played a key role in the history of New Zealand cricket – it was his stumping of Alf Valentine that ended the third Test against the West Indies and secured the Black Caps their first ever Test win – one they had 26 years to achieve. He retired after the game.

7. Kepler Wessels (Australia and South Africa)

Kepler Wessels is one of the most famous dual-nationality cricketers. Born in South Africa he left the country of his birth to seek his fortune abroad after South Africa were banned from international sport due to the Apartheid policies of the government.

He began his international career with Australia in 1982 and later returned to his native South Africa to play for the Proteas after their re-entry into international cricket in 1991. A dour, left-handed opener, Wessels made 162 in his Test debut against the West Indies. In all he played 40 Tests and averaged 41 with the bat.

8. Gary Ballance (England and Zimbabwe)

Gary Ballance played Test cricket for England before returning to represent Zimbabwe in 2023. His arrival on the Test scene was explosive – in his first ten innings he scored three centuries and two fifties as he appeared to be the next big thing. The flow of runs tapered somewhat, and he played his last game for England, against South Africa at Trent Bridge, in 2017, after which he returned to Zimbabwe where he was welcomed home.

His decision to play for his country of birth was met with enthusiasm, and he brought valuable experience and skill to the Zimbabwean team. He made an unbeaten 137 in his first and only Test for Zimbabwe in 2023. With five centuries from 24 matches, Ballance averages 40.31 in Tests.