Top scores on debut, by batting position

Y Jaiswal’s 171 on debut was the highest on debut in all Tests while batting at No 1.

Here is the updated list for the top scores on debut in all Tests as well as for India:

Most catches on Test debut

This refers to catches by fielders, not keepers.

Innings:

Match:

Note that both records were set in the same match by Yajurvindra Singh on debut in 1977-one of the few bright spots for India in that series which they lost 3-1. He played only 4 Tests between 1976-77 and 1979-80.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/yajurvindra-singh-36072

The first to take 4 catches in an innings was McConnon in 1954.

The first to take 5 catches in a match was Fairfax in 1929.

Steve Smith’s fielding record

Australia’s former captain is known for his batting, but he does have a Test fielding record to his name.

Here we look at a relatively lesser-known record, that of catches by a fielder (non-keeper) in an innings or match.

Here we list all those who have taken a record 5 catches in an innings as fielders:

The first to do this was VY Richardson, who was then Australia’s captain and playing in his last Test. He is better known as the maternal grandfather of the Chappell brothers.

Next is Yajurvindra Singh, who was making his Test debut. He is the only one to achieve this fielding record on his debut.

It can also be seen that SPD Smith is the only one to do this twice. These occasions were vs SA in 2018 and vs England in 2023.

So far no fielder has taken more than 5 catches in an innings.

We also look at the record of catches in a match. This record is 8, and a relatively small number of fielders have taken 7 catches in a match.

GS Chappell was the first to achieve this, in an Ashes match in 1974. The second to do so was Yajurvindra Singh whom we have met before. He was making his debut. As in the above case, he is the only one to do this on his debut.

Later, AM Rahane became the only one to take 8 catches in a match. This included 5 in an innings, which is listed in the first table. KL Rahul is the most recent fielder to take 7 catches in match. However SPD Smith has not taken 7 in a match.