Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi He made his Test debut in October 2025, becoming the oldest bowler in October 2025. At 38 years and 299 days, Afridi broke a record that had stood for more than nine decades. His remarkable achievement came during the second Test against South Africa Rawalpindi, he weaves a web around a web, with deft left-arm spin. This milestone places Afridi among the rare veteran cricketers who have made a surprising impact on test cricket.
Asif Afridi’s historic Test debut
Afridi’s debut was an inspiring testament to grit and skill. The left-arm spinner took 5 wickets for 46 runs in an innings, a performance that not only helped Pakistan gain a decisive lead in the match but also made his name in the record books. Afridi’s bowling was characterized by disciplined accuracy, variation and subtle spin in the delivery that left the South African batsmen struggling to find answers on the front. It came when Simon Harmer smashed Legs-before-Wicket in the morning session on Day 3, before a moment that enlivened the home session with the Day 3 crowd.
His debut effort restarts history as the top Englishto Charles MarriottFormerly the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut at 37 years and 332 days. Marriott’s record since 1933, when he challenged the feat In the West in the oval. Afridi’s performance marks a special moment in Pakistan cricket and highlights the value of experience and determination regardless of age in international Test cricket.
In five tests for the oldest debutants
The elite group of debutant bowlers, the oldest to take a five-wicket haul in Test matches, spans over a century and includes some notable cricketers whose debuts came late in their careers but left an indelible mark:
| Player | Age | They will oppose | Year |
| Asif Afridi (Pak) | 38 years and 299 days | South Africa | 2025 |
| Charles Marriott (Eng) | 37 years and 332 days | In the West | 1933 |
| Hines Johnson (Wi) | 37 years and 258 days | English | 1948 |
| Douglas Carr (Eng) | 37 years and 145 days | Australia | 1909 |
- Charles Marriott
Charles “Dad” Marriott‘s debut remains unique not only for his age but also for taking two five-wicket hauls in the same match. Despite this outstanding performance, Marriott never played another test match. He was a crafty leg-spinner with clever ball-fighting and perfect length, mixing perfect lengths, setting a rare record for a Test prodigy.
- Hines Johnson
Hines Johnson He was the oldest West Indies fast bowler to achieve the feat at 37 years and 258 days. He made his memorable debut against England in Kingston in 1948, taking five wickets in each innings to lead his team to victory. Johnson was noted for his economical batting and his ability to take wickets consistently.
- Douglas Carr
Douglas CarrAn English bowler who batted around an Ashes in 1909 aged 37 years and 145 days Australiait was another remarkable event. Carr had limited first-class experience but was singled out for his unique skill in booking the googly, then a relatively new and deceptive style of delivery. Despite limited experience at the highest level, he made a remarkable debut, taking five wickets in only Test innings.
- Asif Afridi
Afridi’s success adds to this distinguished list, highlighting the timeless nature of cricket when age is often secondary to skill and determination. His success is encouraging as it comes after years of perseverance in domestic cricket in Pakistan and patiently waiting for an ailing challenge. His feat is a reminder that talent combined with nutrition can create historic cricketing moments regardless of age.
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