South African pacer Hardus Viljoen enjoyed a dream start to his Test cricket career after claiming the wicket of England captain Alastair Cook with his first delivery. Here is the special club and it's members who have achieved this remarkable feat
South African pacer Hardus Viljoen enjoyed a dream start to his Test cricket career after claiming the wicket of England captain Alastair Cook with his first delivery.
ADVERTISEMENT
By virtue of this strike, Viljoen, who had the added pleasure of doing it on his home turf at The Wanderers, has joined a very select and elite group of bowlers who have taken a wicket with their first ball in Test career.
But Viljoen also has to hope and work hard to make sure that the "curse of the first ball" doesn't affect him since several of the bowlers who had the honour of being part of this group never went on to have a long and illustrious career. Only Maurice Tate, Intikhab Alam, Nathan Lyon and Shaminda Eranga have played in more than ten Tests, with Ted Arnold having played exactly ten matches. Arthur Coningham, Matt Henderson, Dennis Smith, and Tyrell Johnson played just one match each.
Viljoen, who is the 20th bowler in this league, has teammate Dane Piedt for company. And South Africa will be hoping that the duo take inspiration from their brilliant start and become forces to reckon with.
Here's the list of cricketers who have claimed a wicket on their Test debut
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
