5 Bowlers Who Bagged Maiden Test Wicket Over A No-Ball

image-lszzl7xmAkash Deep had an impressive debut in Ranchi (AP Photo)

Delivering a no-ball is one of the nightmares of every bowler playing the sport while getting a wicket in the maiden Test match is a dream of many. However, picking a wicket in your debut match and learning that you have failed to achieve it since you overstepped can be a thought that can haunt you for life.

There have been many instances in which bowlers have faced this terrifying mishap on their debut match. 

Such a case was recently observed in the debut match of Akash Deep as he got his maiden call-up for the Indian team during the fourth Test match of England’s tour of India. 

Akash Deep is not the first bowler who has overstepped on his dream of achieving his first wicket in Test cricket.


List of bowlers who got the first Test Wicket of their career over a no-ball

1. Akash Deep

image-lszzuh2xAkash Deep & centurion Root in a frame (AP Photo)

India’s newest squad member Akash Deep recently played the first Test match of his career against England and got a dreamy kickstart to the game as he picked three quick wickets on day one.

However, Akash’s immense excitement soon turned into disappointment as the umpire informed him that he had overstepped while bowling the English opening batsman Zak Crawley. Akash eventually got Crawley at a score of 42, but the thought of beginning his career with a no-ball can make him cautious for the rest of his cricketing life.


2. Tom Curran

image-lszzz5a7Tom Curran made his Test debut vs AUS (x.com)

The English all-rounder Tom Curran has also made it to the unfortunate list of bowlers who got their maiden Test wicket on a no-ball. Tom dismissed one of the greatest Test cricketers of the modern era, David Warner as he was batting in the nervous 90s at a score of 99.

Tom was not so elated to find out that he had overstepped while bowling while giving a lifeline to Warner to complete his magnificent century during the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes 2017.


3. Mark Wood

image-lt0008xgMark Wood is one of the fastest bowlers going the world (AP Photo)

The English pacer Mark Wood has made an astonishing impact on red ball Cricket, however, his dream comes true moment was foiled by a no-ball. Wood debuted for England in Tests at the prestigious ground of the Lord’s in 2015, where he was set to dismiss the BlackCaps opening batter Martin Guptill.

The New Zealand player was caught behind with an outside edge, as the first slip took the catch. Mark Wood’s celebration was disrupted as the replays suggested that he had overstepped the crease.


4. Lasith Malinga

image-lt002xknLasith Malinga after Dareen Lehmann's wicket (x.com)

The veteran Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga has been renowned for his toe-crushing yorkers, but not many know that he began his red ball cricket career while banging his first wicket over a no-ball.

During his debut Test in Darwin in 2004, Malinga dismissed the legendary Australian cricketer Darren Lehmann. However, the umpire ruled in favour of Lehmann as he extended his arms while indicating that Malinga had overstepped.


5. Ben Stokes

image-lt006hcjBen Stokes currently leads England in Tests (x.com)

The English captain Ben Stokes also made it to the unfortunate list, as he began his Test career with a wicket over a no-ball. Stokes bowled a fine out-swinger to the Australian batter Brad Haddin during the Ashes Test series of 2013-14.

The all-rounder’s party plans were ruined as the umpire declared the delivery to be a no-ball, leaving Haddin to be relieved as he was awarded a lifeline in the game.