9 Test cricketers born in non-Test nations – Shan Masood, Geraint Jones, Steve O’Keefe and more

Geraint Jones keeps wicket for England
Geraint Jones was born in Papua New Guinea.

As much as cricket is a global sport, there are only a handful of nations with Test status.

While many stars have played Test cricket not all of them were born in Test-playing countries.

Here’s a look at nine Test cricketers who started their lives far away from the five-day magic, but who through fate, family or good fortune, found their way into a Test team.

1. Shan Masood (Kuwait > Pakistan)

Born in Kuwait in 1989, current Pakistan skipper Shan Masood is a left-handed opening batsman who has played Test cricket since 2013. His family relocated to Pakistan during the Gulf War, providing him with the opportunity to pursue cricket.

Masood is known for his elegant stroke play and solid technique. His standout performances include a remarkable 156 against England in Manchester in 2020. Aside from his role as skipper Masood has become a pivotal player at the top of Pakistan’s batting order.

2. Ted Dexter (Italy > England)

Ted Dexter, nicknamed ‘Lord Ted,’ was born in Milan, Italy, in 1935 to British parents. A charismatic batsman, Dexter played 62 Tests for England between 1958 and 1968, captaining the side in 30 of them.

Known for his attacking batting style and fearless approach, he scored over 4,500 Test runs. Dexter’s leadership skills and flair for the dramatic earned him a lasting legacy in English cricket. He later contributed to the game as chairman of England’s selectors and played a role in developing the ICC rankings.

3. John Traicos (Egypt > South Africa and Zimbabwe)

John Traicos has the rare distinction of playing Test cricket for two nations: South Africa and Zimbabwe. Born in Zagazig, Egypt, in 1947, Traicos debuted for South Africa in 1970 before the country’s exclusion from international cricket due to apartheid.

Decades later, he re-emerged to represent Zimbabwe in their inaugural Test match in 1992. A crafty off-spinner and useful lower-order batsman, Traicos’s career spanned a remarkable 22 years.

Also read: Which captain has the best bowling figures in Test cricket?

4. Henry Olonga (Zambia . Zimbabwe)

Henry Olonga was born in Lusaka, Zambia, in 1976 and later moved to Zimbabwe, where he became the country’s first black Test cricketer. Known for his raw pace, Olonga debuted for Zimbabwe in 1995 and played 30 Tests, claiming 68 wickets.

Off the field, Olonga is remembered for his courageous political stance during the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where he and teammate Andy Flower protested against the government of Robert Mugabe. His bravery forced him into exile, but his story remains a powerful symbol of resistance.

5. Jehan Mubarak (USA > Sri Lanka)

Jehan Mubarak, born in Washington, D.C., in 1981, made his Test debut for Sri Lanka in 2002. A stylish left-handed batsman and occasional off-spinner, Mubarak had a promising start but struggled for consistency in his international career.

He started life in the USA where his father worked as a scientist, but he was school in Sri Lanka and played age-group cricket for the Sri Lanka at Under-15, U-17 and U-19 levels. He played 13 Tests, scoring 385 runs with a highest score of 48 against South Africa.

6. Moises Henriques (Portugal > Australia)

Moises Henriques was born in Madeira in Portugal in 1987, making him one of the few Portuguese-born players to reach international cricket. His family moved to Australia when he was a child, and he rose through the ranks of Australian cricket as a reliable all-rounder.

Henriques made his Test debut in 2013 and has also been a mainstay in domestic cricket and the shorter formats for Australia. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him an asset for his teams. He played just four Tests with his highest knock an undefeated 81 against India.

7. Geraint Jones (Papua New Guinea > England)

Born in Papua New Guinea, in 1976, Geraint Jones moved to Australia before settling in England.

A wicketkeeper-batsman, Jones played a vital role in England’s historic 2005 Ashes victory, including a crucial catch to dismiss Michael Kasprowicz in the iconic Edgbaston Test. He played 34 Tests, scoring over 1,000 runs and taking 128 dismissals.

8. George Headley (Panama > West Indies)

George Headley, born in Colón, Panama, in 1909, is one of cricket’s all-time greats. Known as the ‘Black Bradman,’ Headley moved to Jamaica as a child and went on to become the first West Indian batting superstar.

He played 22 Tests between 1930 and 1954, scoring 2,190 runs at an average of 60.83, including 10 centuries. His dominance during an era when West Indies cricket was finding its feet makes him a legendary figure in the sport’s history – indeed the main stand at Jamaica’s Sabina Park is named after him.

9. Steve O’Keefe (Malaysia > Australia)

Steve O’Keefe, born in Malaysia in 1984, is a left-arm spinner who made his Test debut for Australia in 2014. O’Keefe’s crowning moment came during Australia’s 2017 tour of India, where he took 12 wickets in Pune to lead his team to a famous victory.

His control and ability to exploit subcontinental conditions made him an asset in Asia. O’Keefe was already 30 when he finally got to make his Test debut. His international career was short, but he left a mark as he bagged 35 wickets in nine games at an average of 29.40.

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