Which Indian played the most ODIs before making his Test debut
(04 June 2001)

When Robin Singh made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Harare in October 1998, it marked a world record for the most number of One-Day Internationals played before a maiden Test. At the time, the Tamil Nadu all rounder was a veteran of 60 ODIs dating back to March 1989. Robin broke the existing figure of 55, held by New Zealander Gavin Larsen, aka 'the postman' (because he always delivers). The most notable feature of Robin's first and - as it transpired - only Test appearance was his agility in the field (remarkable for a man of 35) where he snapped up five vital catches.

Robin's record lasted for a mere 15 days. Later in the same month, Pakistan played Australia at Karachi and local boy Shahid Afridi received his first Test cap. Afridi, who then was only 18, had already played 66 ODIs before the occasion and although failing with the bat, his fastish leg breaks did mop up five wickets in the Australian first innings. The reverse feat of playing in the most Test matches before a maiden ODI belongs to Colin Cowdrey. Cowdrey's ODI debut, along with 21 others, at the MCG on January 5, 1971 in the first ever contest of its kind, came after he had notched up 106 entries in the Test arena.

[ Archive ]

For more details on all the above facts check out [ StatsGuru ]