Who were 2025’s first 5 debutants in Test cricket?

Jonhenry Wilson 02 Jan 2025

Beau Webster debuted in Test cricket on 3 January 2025.

Test cricket will likely see several players debut in 2025.

The year has already yielded debutants in the longest format of the international game.

Here, we look at Test cricket’s first debutants in 2025.

Beau Webster

Australia were evidently fed up with Mitchell Marsh’s poor form during the Border-Gavaskar Series in January 2025. Marsh had fallen for five consecutive single-figure innings and had not taken a wicket in three matches.

Webster had been impressing in domestic cricket in Australia for an extended period, so was an understandable replacement. “I can’t wait to see Beau go out there and give it a crack,” said Test captain Pat Cummins at the time.

Kwena Maphaka

Dane Paterson had taken two five-wicket hauls in his last two Tests, but didn’t crack the nod for South Africa’s XI against Pakistan at Newlands in early January 2025.

Instead, they blooded Kwena Maphaka at the highest level. “Kwena’s selection is about his potential more than anything. He has shown his talent and he possesses that extra bit of pace, which we wanted to go with,” said South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma.

“Unfortunately Dane, who has been superb for us, misses out. But we are quite excited for Kwena. There is a series on the line and we wanted to give a youngster a chance when there is something to play for. I’m sure he will be looking forward to running in with Kagiso Rabada over the next few days.”

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

Fareed Ahmad

Fareed Ahmad debuted in Test cricket alongside Afghanistan team-mates and fellow Test debutants Ismat Alam and Riaz Hassan against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in early January 2025.

Ahmad will have a key role to play with the ball in this match. Conditions could be conducive to his left-arm seam.

Ismat Alam

Ismat Alam debuted in Test cricket alongside Afghanistan team-mates and fellow Test debutants Fareed Ahmad and Riaz Hassan against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in early January 2025.

Alam hit back-to-back centuries for Pamir in first-class cricket late last year. There is a lot of responsibility sitting on his shoulders nowadays.

Riaz Hassan

Riaz Hassan debuted in Test cricket alongside Afghanistan team-mates and fellow Test debutants Ismat Alam and Fareed Ahmad against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in early January 2025.

Hassan opened the batting on day one and was run out for 12.