Most hype before a test debut?

[Line and Length]

There were huge wraps for Peter May prior to his test debut. As a 13 year old his talents were recognised at Carterhouse but he had to wait until the following year before being considered for the 1st XI. In 1950, in his first year at Cambridge, May was highly regarded and the following year he made his test debut.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

There were huge wraps for Peter May prior to his test debut. As a 13 year old his talents were recognised at Carterhouse but he had to wait until the following year before being considered for the 1st XI. In 1950, in his first year at Cambridge, May was highly regarded and the following year he made his test debut.

Likewise Colin Cowdrey was also a child prodigy.

 

[Immenso]

For NZ, I'd actually say Jesse Ryder. As he'd had enough time performing but not getting picked for people to wonder why.

But only kinda, domestic cricket in nz doesn't really generate hype even in local media , probably since demise of public radio domestic coverage in late 90s.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

Although it was more a personal opinion than general hype, Gordon Greenidge said 21 year old Robin Smith was the best white batsman he’d ever seen at that age.

 

[Line and Length]

Although it was more a personal opinion than general hype, Gordon Greenidge said 21 year old Robin Smith was the best white batsman he’d ever seen at that age.

I umpired a 50 over one day final in which Robin Smith played. His brother, Chris, was in the same team. I guess he would have been close to 50 but his batting was great to watch. Good bloke too.

 

[sledger]

Chris Schofield

 

[GIMH]

Haven't read the whole thread but from an England perspective the answer is surely Kevin Pietersen

 

[Jayro]

I umpired a 50 over one day final in which Robin Smith played. His brother, Chris, was in the same team. I guess he would have been close to 50 but his batting was great to watch. Good bloke too.

Robin was among the best players of fast bowling in his time and on form based premier batsman in the world for sometime when he peaked had seen an abrupt decline when an Indian tour and rising Kumble dented his batting massively.

 

[Gob]

What about current young crop who haven't made their debuts yet? I hear good things about Rachin. Shaun Marsh looks a decent prospect as is Arjun Tendulkar

 

[Bijed]

I don't know about 'hype' but there was a fair bit of interest when Haseeb Hameed was called up iirc.

 

[BoyBrumby]

I don't know about most hype, but the Wisden site were pumping up the tyres of Sonny Baker yesterday. 18 YO quick on Somerset's books.

Took 3/22 in a red ball hit and giggle against Worcestershire.

Looks to be getting some decent hoop, but then it is early spring here.

Watch: 18-Year-Old Somerset Quick Sonny Baker Tears Up County Warm-Up Game

Before the 2021 season has even properly got begun, Somerset's 18-year-old quick Sonny Baker has already created quite the buzz.

wisden.com

 

[Daemon]

Shaheen ffs

 

[StephenZA]

Van Tonder... but that could just be me talking about him all the time.

Also Rabada got quite a bit of hype after his U19 WC exploits and debuted relatively soon thereafter.

 

[Dendarii]

Also Rabada got quite a bit of hype after his U19 WC exploits and debuted relatively soon thereafter.

Not just his World Cup exploits. He picked up the best ever first-class figures in South African cricket and took 6 wickets in his first ODI. He's the only South African I can think of who had a huge amount of hype, although Markram may have had some too but not to the same extent.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Haven't read the whole thread but from an England perspective the answer is surely Kevin Pietersen

Remember when he dropped his first 6 catches in Tests before taking one

 

[GIMH]

Yes

 

[Burgey]

Although it was more a personal opinion than general hype, Gordon Greenidge said 21 year old Robin Smith was the best white batsman he’d ever seen at that age.

I umpired a 50 over one day final in which Robin Smith played. His brother, Chris, was in the same team. I guess he would have been close to 50 but his batting was great to watch. Good bloke too.

Had a very good record vs the West Indies didn't he, from memory? Also played one of the best knocks in a losing side I've ever seen in an ODI vs Aus on the 93 Ashes tour.

Also, quite an interesting comment from Gordon, when you think about it.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

How many young batsmen over the years have been touted as the next Bradman?

 

[Bolo.]

Not just his World Cup exploits. He picked up the best ever first-class figures in South African cricket and took 6 wickets in his first ODI. He's the only South African I can think of who had a huge amount of hype, although Markram may have had some too but not to the same extent.

De Kock had a ton of hype.

 

[Kirkut]

Mohammed Irfan was considered to be the second coming of Joel Garner.