Australia played the first-ever official Test match in March 1877 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) against England, marking the beginning of a rich and celebrated Test cricket history. Over the years, Australia has produced some of the greatest cricketers in the format, with more than 450 players earning the coveted ‘Baggy Green.’
Out of these, 20 players achieved the remarkable feat of scoring a century on their Test debut. However, only five of them managed to do so as openers. Scoring a century on debut as an opener is an extraordinary achievement, especially in Australian conditions. The added pressure of playing a maiden Test match, combined with the challenging pitches and conditions for openers in Australia, makes this feat even more exceptional.
1. Charles Bannerman – 165* vs England, Melbourne, 1877
Charles Bannerman etched his name in history as the first-ever batter to score a century in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone while opening for Australia in his debut match—the inaugural Test between Australia and England at the MCG. Bannerman scored an unbeaten 165 in the first innings, laying the foundation for Australia’s 45-run victory over England. Despite playing only three Tests, Bannerman amassed 239 runs and remains a significant figure in cricket’s early history.
2. Herbie Collins – 104 vs England, Sydney, 1920
Herbie Collins became the fifth Australian and second opener from his country to score a century on Test debut. Facing England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in December 1920, Collins scored 70 in the first innings and followed it with a brilliant 104 in the second. His efforts powered Australia to a resounding 377-run victory. Over a career spanning 19 Tests between 1920 and 1926, Collins accumulated 1352 runs at an impressive average of 45.06, including four centuries.
3. Archie Jackson – 164 vs England, Adelaide, 1929
Archie Jackson made a sensational debut as the third Australian opener to notch a century in his first Test. Facing England at the Adelaide Oval in February 1929, Jackson’s elegant innings of 164 included 15 boundaries, guiding Australia to a total of 369. Despite his heroics, Australia lost the match by 12 runs. Jackson’s promising career was cut short, as he played just eight Tests, scoring 474 runs at an average of 47.40.
4. Kepler Wessels – 162 vs England, Brisbane, 1982
Kepler Wessels, one of the rare players to represent two nations in Test cricket, began his career with Australia. In his debut match against England in Brisbane in December 1982, Wessels scored a magnificent 162, followed by a steady 46 in the second innings, leading Australia to a seven-wicket win. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Wessels went on to play 24 Tests for Australia, scoring 1761 runs with four centuries before continuing his career with South Africa.
5. Wayne Phillips – 159 vs Pakistan, Perth, 1983
Wayne Phillips became the fifth Australian opener to register a century on Test debut. In November 1983, against Pakistan in Perth, Phillips played a commanding knock of 159 off 246 balls, featuring 20 boundaries. His innings propelled Australia to 436/9 declared, setting up an innings-and-nine-runs victory. Phillips played 27 Tests between 1982 and 1986, scoring 1485 runs at an average of 32.28, with his debut innings remaining a career highlight.