Top 5 youngest players to make debut for South Africa in test cricket

South Africa played their first ever test cricket match in 1889.

Representing their country in test cricket remains one of the most remarkable milestone for any cricketer. Widely regarded as the most important format of the game, test cricket is still used as the primary parameter to judge a player’s talent.

South Africa have always been one of the powerhouses in world cricket. Despite not winning any major ICC trophy, the South African dressing room has been filled with superstars. The Proteas have always tried to strike a balance between experienced players and young talents.

In this article, we will take a look at the top five youngest players to make debut for South Africa in test cricket.

Top five youngest players to make debut for South Africa in test cricket

5. William Shalders – 19y 48d vs England, 1899

Top order batter William Shalders made his test debut for South Africa at the age of 19 years and 48 days, against England in 1899 at Cape Town.

Opening the innings, Shalders struggled against the potent English attack. The youngster managed only eight runs in the first innings before being bowled for just four in the second.

He finished his international career in 1899 having made 355 runs at an average of 16.13 in 12 games.

4. Dante Parkin – 19y 28d vs England, 1892

Right-arm pacer Dante Parkin made his test debut for South Africa in 1892 against England at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground, at the age of 19 years and 28 days.

One of the first fiery fast bowlers of South Africa in the early era, Parkin played only one test, in which he took three wickets for 82 runs. His First-Class (FC) career includes 48 wickets at an impressive average of 20.29.

3. Arthur Ochse – 19y 1d vs England, 1889

Middle-order batter Arthur Ochse made his test debut for South Africa at the age of 19 years and 1 day old, against England in 1889 at Gqeberha. This match was also South Africa’s first-ever test in the history.

His debut ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for just two and six runs in the two innings.

Arthur finished his international career in 1889 having made just 16 runs at an average of 4 in two games.

2. Paul Adams – 18y 340d vs England, 1995

Known for his weird bowling action, left-arm wrist spinner Paul Adams made his test debut for South Africa at the age of 18 years and 340 days. Playing his first game against England in 1995 at Gqeberha, Adams took three wickets in the first innings followed by another wicket in the second innings.

Adams ended his test career with 134 wickets in 45 matches at an average of 32.87. His final appearance came against New Zealand in Hamilton in 2004.

1. Kwena Maphaka – 18y 270d vs Pakistan, 2025

Kwena Maphaka holds the record for being the youngest player to represent South Africa in test cricket. He began his test career at the age of 18 years and 270 days, making his debut against Pakistan in the second test of the series at Cape Town in 2025.

He came through the Under-19 ranks and was part of South Africa’s U-19 team in 2022 and 2024 U19 World Cups, where he took seven and 21 wickets respectively.

(All stats updated till 3rd January 2025)

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