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Highest Individual Scores In First Test As Captain Ft. Wiaan Mulder

Kaushik Kashyap

Wiaan Mulder 264* at Stumps vs ZIM. [Source - PoppingCreaseSA/x.com]Wiaan Mulder 264* at Stumps vs ZIM. [Source - PoppingCreaseSA/x.com]

Stepping into the role of Test captain is a huge responsibility, and some players have marked their first Test as skipper with outstanding performances. Scoring big runs in the very first match as captain not only boosts confidence but also sets a strong tone for leadership.

In this listicle, we highlight the highest individual scores made by players in their maiden Test matches at the helm. These innings are memorable milestones that showcase skill, determination, and the ability to handle responsibility of a leader right from the word go.

6. Alastair Cook’s 173 vs Bangladesh in Chattogram, 2010

Alastair Cook, the legendary England opener, made an instant impact as Test captain in 2010, smashing a commanding 173 against Bangladesh in Chattogram. Leading from the front after being asked to bat first, Cook’s marathon knock propelled England to a massive first-innings total, setting the tone for a dominant victory and marking a perfect start to the captaincy reign and to the 2-match Test series.

5. Joe Root’s 190 vs South Africa in Lord's, 2017

Joe Root is another Englishman who announced his arrival as England’s Test captain in grand style, hammering a brilliant 190 in his very first match at Lord’s against South Africa in 2017. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Root led from the front with a dominant knock that set the tone. His commanding innings paved the way for a convincing England victory in the first match of the 4-match series.

4. Clem Hill’s 191 vs South Africa in Sydney, 1910

Clem Hill, one of Australia’s earliest cricketing greats, made a stunning start to his Test captaincy with a monumental 191 against South Africa in Sydney way back in 1910. It was the first game of the five match Test series and Hill’s batting masterclass after electing to bat first, powered Australia to a huge first innings total, eventually sealing a dominant innings victory over the Proteas.

3. Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s 203 vs South Africa in Georgetown, 2005

Shivnarine Chanderpaul began his stint as West Indies Test captain in 2005 with a record-breaking knock, scoring an unbeaten 203 against South Africa in Georgetown, Guyana. Taking charge during a transitional phase, he chose to bat first and became the first West Indies captain to register a double century on debut as skipper. His resilient innings powered West Indies to a mammoth 543/5 in the first innings of the first Test.

2. Graham Dowling’s 239 vs India in Christchurch, 1968

Graham Dowling took over as New Zealand captain from Barry Sinclair in the second Test against India at Christchurch in the famous 1968 series and made an instant impact with a commanding 239 in the first innings. His superb knock powered New Zealand to a series-leveling win, setting the stage for a comeback for his side but India, under Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, were too good to clinch their first-ever Test series win by dominating the final two Tests.

1. Wiaan Mulder’s 264* vs Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, 2025

Wiaan Mulder, standing in as captain for South Africa in the absence of Temba Bavuma, made a stunning impact in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. After being asked to bat first, South Africa lost their openers early, but Mulder, playing at No. 3 and captaining for the first time, took control and smashed Zimbabwe with a record-breaking 264 not out by stumps on Day 1, putting South Africa in command.