Top 5 oldest players to feature in a test cricket match in India

Here we take a look at the top five oldest cricketers to feature in a test cricket match in India.

With all of its twists and turns over five days, test cricket is the most popular form of the game. Any kid who dreams of becoming a cricketer, always looks at himself donning the white jersey for his country. This format of the game requires everything that a cricketer needs during his entire career.

Even after crossing the age of 40, cricketers are willing to come up and play for five long days. Indian conditions are considered tough for players due to varied weather and pitch conditions. There are a few cricketers who have played a test match even after crossing the age of 45. Let’s have a look at the top five oldest players to feature in a test cricket match in India.

5. James Anderson (England) 41 Years and 187 Days old in 2024 :

England pace bowler James Anderson became the fifth oldest player to play a test cricket match in India. James Anderson’s longevity in test cricket has become a benchmark for fast bowlers around the world. James Anderson was part of England’s playing XI in the second test against India in the tour of 2024. In this game, James Anderson made his return to test cricket after a gap of six months for England.

4. Vinoo Mankad (India) 41 Years and 300 Days old in 1959 :

Former Indian all-rounder Vinoo Mankad was 41 years and 300 days old when he played his final test cricket match of his career. Vinoo Mankad played his final test cricket match against West Indies at Feroz Shah Kotla (now Arun Jaitely Cricket Stadium) in Delhi. Vinoo Mankad played 44 test cricket matches for India after making his debut against England at Lord’s in 1946. He was 29 years old when he made his test cricket debut.

3. Harry Elliot (England) 42 Years and 100 Days old in 1934

Harry Elliot had a short international career for England. He played only four test matches in his career and scored just 61 runs in five innings. He made his debut against South Africa in 1928 and played his final test match against India at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai in February 1934. He was 42 years and 100 days old when he played his fourth and last test of his cricketing career.

2. Amir Elahi (Pakistan) 44 Years and 102 Days old in 1952 :

Amir Elahi is one rare cricketer from the sub-continent who represented both India and Pakistan at international level. Former pace bowler Amer Elahi made his international debut for India in 1947 against Australia and then he played his final test match for Pakistan at the age of 44 years and 102 days against India in Kolkata. Amir Elahi shifted to Pakistan after a few years of partition. He played five test matches for Pakistan.

1. John Traicos (Zimbabwe) 45 Years 300 Days in 1993 :

John Traicos also played for two teams at the International level and he is the oldest player to play a test match against India in India. John Traicos played final test match of his career against India at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitely Cricket Stadium) in Delhi. He was 45 years and 300 days old when played for Zimbabwe in a test match against India. He played seven test matches in his career, three for South Africa and four for Zimbabwe.

(All stats and numbers updated till 2nd February, 2024)

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