Corbin Bosch’s debut performance in the Boxing Day Test was nothing short of spectacular. With his all-round skills on display, Bosch made history and played a pivotal role in South Africa’s efforts. Here’s a breakdown of his remarkable contributions.
Bosch Becomes First South African with a Four-Wicket Haul and Fifty-Plus on Test Debut
In a historic debut performance, Corbin Bosch claimed 4 wickets for 63 runs and followed it up with an unbeaten 81. Bosch became the first player from South Africa to achieve the rare feat of taking a four-wicket haul and scoring more than fifty runs in their Test debut. He is only the 16th player in history to accomplish this impressive double.
South Africa’s Pace Duo: Paterson and Bosch Make History
In another historic feat, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch became the first pair of South African pacers to record four-plus wicket hauls in a Test innings after coming in as first change or later. This marks only the seventh instance in Test cricket history of two bowlers doing so in the same match.
Bosch and Paterson: A Dynamic Duo with Nine Wickets Between Them
Paterson and Bosch combined forces to take nine wickets in South Africa’s first innings, playing a major role in restricting the opposition. Bosch’s performance was especially crucial, while Marco Jansen claimed the final wicket of the innings. This left Kagiso Rabada wicketless, marking only the third time in 69 Test innings at home that Rabada went without a wicket.
Bosch Sets Record for Highest Score by No. 9 Batting on Test Debut
In a feat that solidified his debut as one for the history books, Bosch scored an 81 not out in South Africa’s first innings. This is now the highest score ever by a player batting at No. 9 on Test debut. Previously, the record was held by Milan Rathnayake, who scored 72 against England earlier this year.
Bosch Sets Second-Fastest Fifty by South African on Test Debut
Bosch’s aggressive batting also saw him reach his fifty in just 46 balls, the second-fastest fifty by a South African on Test debut. The record for the fastest debut fifty still belongs to Dave Nourse, who reached his fifty in 40 balls against Australia in 1902.
Babar Azam’s Drought Continues: 18 Innings Without a Fifty
In other cricket news, Babar Azam has now gone 18 innings without a fifty-plus score, marking a significant dry spell for the Pakistan captain. Babar is the only specialist batter on the list who has played more than 15 innings during this stretch, highlighting his struggles at the crease since January 2023.
Corbin Bosch’s remarkable debut in the Boxing Day Test will certainly be remembered as one of the standout performances in South African cricket history. His all-round contribution has earned him a place in the record books, and fans will be eager to see what’s next for this promising young talent.
