Maia Bouchier recorded a century on her Test debut in the recently concluded one-off Test against South Africa, becoming only the fourth English batter to do so. Notably, 14 players so far have scored a century on their Test debut and in this article, we will take a closer look at the four Englishwomen who scored a century on their Test debut.
England players to score a century on Test debut:
1) Enid Bakewell: 113 vs Australia, 1968
Australia was hosting a three-match Test series against England in 1968/69. During the first Test at Adelaide, the visitors elected to bat first. Enid Bakewell, who was on her Test debut, opened the innings alongside Audrey Disbury. Bakewell showed her composure, as the opening duo were involved in a 48-run stand before Disbury departed for 20. Bakewell was involved in a 127-run stand for the second wicket alongside English skipper Rachael Heyhoe-Flint. Bakewell crafted a superb 113 and etched her name in history by becoming the first English batter and only the second female to score a century on a Test debut. She was the top scorer for the side with 113 runs as the match ended in a draw.
2) Leasly Cooke: 117 vs India, 1986
The right-handed batter made a memorable Test debut against India in 1986 during India’s tour to England. India put up 323 on the board in the first innings and Cooke provided a steady start with a solid 72 in the first innings before England were rattled for 198. England were chasing 254 and Cooke followed up her 72 with a magnificent century in the second innings for England. Cooke opened the innings alongside Hodges and the pair stitched a 149-run stand for the first wicket before Hodges was dismissed for 68. Cooke went on to smash her Test ton displaying composure and skill at the highest level. She went on to score 117 as England drew the match against the visitors after having crumbled in the first innings. Cooke was the top-scorer for England in that match.
3) Alice Davidson-Richards: 107 vs South Africa, 2022
The English all-rounder announced her arrival in Test cricket with a stellar performance with the bat. Alice made her Test debut against the Proteas in 2022 when England was hosting South Africa for an all-format series. During the only Test at Taunton, the Proteas were bowled out for 284 after being put into bat. In England’s innings, Alice walked out to bat lower down the order when the host lost their fifth wicket with only 121 on the board and a massive task ahead as they were trailing by 163 runs. Alice showed grit and determination and shared a 207-run stand for the sixth wicket alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt. She went on to score a brilliant 107 as she became the third English batter to score a century on Test debut. Her innings included 17 boundaries as England declared the innings on 417 and the match resulted in a draw.
4) Maia Bouchier: 126 vs South Africa, 2024
Maia Bouchier’s Test debut was a remarkable one with her a magnificent 126 against the Proteas at the Bloemfontein. England elected to bat first against the hosts and Maia Bouchier opened the innings alongside Tammy Beaumont. The elegant batter displayed a blend of aggression early in her innings and constructed her innings with stroke play, being involved in a 174-run stand for the third wicket alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt. She brought her 50 off 71 balls before dispatching the Proteas bowlers to bring her rapid century, off just 124 balls, also becoming the fourth England batter to score a century on Test debut. Her innings ended with 126 runs, which included 22 boundaries and two sixes, also the highest score by an English batter on Test debut to date. She was the top scorer in England’s innings as the visitors declared with 395 on the board.
Players to register a century on Test debut
1) Una Lillian Paisley – 108 (Australia)
2) Enid Bakewell – 113 (England)
3) Lynette Hill – 118* (Australia)
4) Janette Ann Stockton – 117 (Australia)
5) Lesley Cooke – 117 (England)
6) Bronwyn Joy Haggett – 126 (Australia)
7) Belinda Jane Clark – 104 (Australia)
8) Chamari Rasangika Seneviratna – 105* (Sri Lanka)
9) Michelle Anne Jones – 131 (Australia)
10) Michelle Ann Jordon Goszko – 204 (Australia)
11) Nadine Andrea Juliette George – 118 (West Indies)
12) Mignon du Preez – 102 (South Africa)
13) Alice Natica Davidson-Richards – 107 (England)
14) Maia Emily Bouchier – 126 (England)
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