Anil Kumble broke a world record when he led India out against Pakistan in the first Test in Delhi on Thursday.
The ace spinner appeared in 118 Tests before making his captaincy debut, thus making him the most experienced Test player to lead a side.
He bettered the record of Steve Waugh, who led Australia for the first time after playing 111 Tests.
The following is the list those who have played at least 75 Tests before captaining their respective countries for the first time:
|
Tests |
Player |
Opp |
Venue |
Season |
|
118 |
A Kumble (Ind) |
v Pak |
Delhi |
2007-08 |
|
111 |
SR Waugh (Aus) |
v WI |
Port-of-Spain |
1998-99 |
|
97* |
JH Kallis (SA) |
v Aus |
Johannesburg |
2005-06 |
|
95 |
DB Vengsarkar (Ind) |
v WI |
Delhi |
1987-88 |
|
86 |
DL Haynes (WI) |
v Eng |
Port-of-Spain |
1989-90 |
|
80 |
CG Greenidge (WI) |
v Pak |
Georgetown |
1987-88 |
|
80 |
CL Hooper (WI) |
v SA |
Georgetown |
2000-01 |
|
80 |
S Chanderpaul (WI) |
v SA |
Georgetown |
2004-05 |
|
75 |
RT Ponting (Aus) |
v SL |
Galle |
2003-04 |
(*Kallis's tally excludes one match in which he represented a World XI against Australia)
Note: Australian Shane Warne has appeared in most Tests (145) without ever leading his side.
