3 oldest debutants to take a fifer in Test Cricket ft. Asif Afridi

Overview

• On his Test debut against South Africa in the Rawalpindi 2025 Test, Asif Afridi became the oldest debutant to claim a fifer at the age of 38 years and 299 days
• The previous record was held by England's Charles Marriot, who claimed a fifer on his Test debut against the West Indies at the age of 37 years and 332 days
• The West Indies' Hines Johnson was the oldest Test cricketer to have claimed a fifer at the age of 37 years and 332 days before Marriot got past him

In cricket, age is regarded just a number, as players who are young and fairly old have all proven their ability to perform at the highest level. There was a time when cricket used to be played mostly by older players during the amateur era, where cricketers tended to have an extended careers well into their 40s.

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Some of the cricketers in the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century made their debuts late. However, with fitness not a big priority in cricket back in days, older cricketers managed to be relevant. With time, younger players started to be preferredby the teams over the older players. However, that did not stop late bloomers from proving their worth.

3 oldest debutants to take a fifer in Test Cricket

Hophie Hines Johnson

The West Indies' Hines Johnson was the second oldest Test cricketer to have claimed a fifer at the age of 37 years and 332 days. The West Indian made his debut in 1948 at Sabina Park during the Test against England. In fact, he took a fifer on both innings of the Test match, making his debut iconic.

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In the first innings, Johnson bowled 34.5 overs and claimed 5/41, which included the wickets of Len Hutton, Jim Laker, Robertson, Cranston, and Tremlett. In the second innings, he bowled 31 overs and claimed 5/51, which included the wickets of Gubby Allen, Robertson, Hrdstaff, Evans, and Tremlett.

Charles Marriot

England's Charles Marriot claimed a fifer on his Test debut against the West Indies at the age of 37 years and 332 days. The former English bowler's record remained intact for 16 years for 92 years, which is nearly a century, till Asif Afridi broke it during the Rawalpindi 2025 Test against South Africa.

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It was also the only Test Marriot played in his entire career. At Kennington Oval, he bowled 11.5 overs and claimed 5/37 in the first innings, including the big wicket of George Headley. In the second innings, he bowled 29.2 overs and claimed 6/59.

Asif Afridi

On his Test debut against South Africa in the Rawalpindi 2025 Test, Asif Afridi became the oldest debutant to claim a fifer at the age of 38 years and 299 days. Pakistan batted first in the second Test of the series and posted 333 runs on the board. In reply to it, South Africa scored 404, gaining a lead of 71 runs.

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At one stage in the South African innings, they seemed to be in a bit of trouble after being reduced to 235/8. Asif was the pick of the bowlers, who claimed 6/79 in his 34.3 overs, which included the wickets of Tristan Stubbs, Toni de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Simon Harmer, and Kagiso Rabada.