Being Test captain is a big job and some players have really impressed in their first game as captain. Scoring a lot in that first match can really boost a player’s confidence and show they can lead the team.
Here are the highest scores by players in their first Test as captain. These are big moments that show skill, resolve and ability to lead from the start.
Most runs in 1st Test innings as a Captain – Test Cricket
| Player | Runs | Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wiaan Mulder | 264* | SA | ZIM | Bulawayo | 2025* |
| Graham Dowling | 239 | NZ | IND | Christchurch | 1968 |
| S Chanderpaul | 203* | WI | SA | Georgetown | 2005 |
| Clem Hill | 191 | AUS | SA | Sydney | 1910 |
| Joe Root | 190 | ENG | SA | Lord’s | 2017 |
6. Alastair Cook 173 vs Bangladesh in Chattogram, 2010
Alastair Cook, the English opener, made his mark as Test captain in 2010. He scored 173 against Bangladesh in Chattogram. After being asked to bat first, Cook led the way with a long innings that got England a huge first innings score. This set them up for a big win and a great start to the 2 match Test series.
See Also:- Most Wickets as Captain in Test Cricket
5. Joe Root 190 vs South Africa in Lord’s, 2017
Joe Root is another English player who made a big statement in his first game as England’s Test captain. In 2017 he scored 190 at Lord’s against South Africa. After winning the toss and batting first, Root led from the front with a good innings. His big score helped England win the first match of the 4 match series easily.
Read Also:- Most Man of the Match Awards in Tests Cricket
4. Clem Hill 191 vs South Africa in Sydney, 1910
Clem Hill, one of Australia’s early cricket stars, had a great start to his Test captaincy. Way back in 1910 he scored 191 against South Africa in Sydney. It was the first match of the 5 match Test series and Hill’s big batting after he chose to bat first got Australia a big first innings score. This led to a big win over South Africa.
3. Shivnarine Chanderpaul 203 vs South Africa in Georgetown, 2005
Shivnarine Chanderpaul started his West Indies Test captaincy in 2005 with a big score. He scored an unbeaten 203 against South Africa in Georgetown, Guyana. He took over as captain when the team was in transition. He chose to bat first and became the first West Indies captain to score a double century in his first match as captain. His big innings got West Indies to 543/5 in the first innings of the first Test.
2. Graham Dowling 239 vs India in Christchurch, 1968
Graham Dowling took over as New Zealand captain after Barry Sinclair in the second Test against India at Christchurch in the 1968 series. He made an impact straight away with a big 239 in the first innings. His good score helped New Zealand win and level the series, setting up a possible comeback. But India, under Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, played too well and won their first-ever Test series by winning the last two Tests.
Read Also:- Most Runs in an innings in Test Cricket History
1. Wiaan Mulder’s 264* vs Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, 2025
Wiaan Mulder, standing in for Temba Bavuma as captain, made a big impact in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Asked to bat first, South Africa lost their openers early but Mulder, playing at 3 and captain for the first time, took charge and smashed Zimbabwe for 264* by stumps on Day 1, putting South Africa in the box seat
