Only four batsmen have made a century on ODI debut? (20 June 2001)

A century on Test debut is not uncommon. Sixty seven batsmen from all 10 Test playing countries have performed the feat. ODIs are quite literally a different ball game. Only four debutants have made a century and all of them have been openers, a telltale sign of why it is so difficult. Dennis Amiss was the first. He was also the first ever centurion in ODIs, stroking 102 off an Aussie attack at Manchester in 1972 in the second ever ODI. Six years later Desmond Haynes caned 148 on debut against Australia in Antigua, the first of 17 centuries. Interestingly enough, the 17th came in his last match, against England at Port-of-Spain.

In a World Cup game in 1992 at the small but picturesque Pukekura Park in New Plymouth (New Zealand), Andy Flower launched his ODI career in similar fashion. After Zimbabwe had been inserted by Sri Lanka, Flower batted through the innings to compile an unbeaten 115. Zimbabwe surged to 312/4 but still ended on the losing side. Pakistan's Salim Elahi completes the elite group, producing an unbeaten 102 on his maiden appearance against Sri Lanka at Gujranwala in 1995. Honourable mention may also be made of Shahid Afridi who slammed 102 in 40 balls against Sri Lanka at Nairobi in his second ODI after not batting in the first. The Indian record on debut remains Brijesh Patel's 82 at No.6 against England at Leeds in 1974.

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