5 Youngest Test Captains of International Cricket

There was an era when cricket was synonymous with Test. It was the only format that existed, and many experts call it the Golden Era of international cricket. Since the introduction of the World Test Championship, people do seem to have started noticing Test cricket again. We have seen multiple legends in Tests. From Sir Donald Bradman to Rahul Dravid, we found hidden gems in this format. Legends like Tendulkar and Afridi started off as young test players. Relating to that, here’s a list of the 5 Youngest Test Captains in the history of the game

1) Tatenda Taibu – 20 years 358 days

Tatenda Taibu was a Zimbabwean Wicket-keeper batsman who currently holds the record for being the youngest player to captain his side in a test match. He took over from Heath Streak in 2004, hence breaking Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s record. He captained Zimbabwe in 10 matches, with a dismal record of 9 losses and 1 draw. Taibu left captaincy immediately after.

2) Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi – 21 years 77 days

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi needs no introduction. Often regarded as one of the greatest captains Team India has ever seen, Pataudi held the record for being the Youngest Test Captain for quite a while. Pataudi took charge after incumbent captain Nari Contractor was injured. He led India in 40 matches, having a score of 9 wins and 19 losses. Bollywood’s star actor Saif Ali Khan is the son of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi

3) Waqar Younis – 22 years 15 days

Waqar Younis is added to the list of the youngest test captains as he led the Pakistan side for the first time in 1993 against Zimbabwe, coming as a replacement for injured skipper Wasim Akram. He didn’t get to keep the captaincy though, as the next game in which he captained was in 2001. He ensured Pakistan’s victory in 10 out of 17 games.

4) Graeme Smith

Next up on the list of youngest test captains is Australian great Graeme Smith, who took over the reins of the team after the resignation of Shaun Pollock. Smith had an illustrious career as a captain, having played 109 matches, out of which he won 53 for his side and lost a mere 29.

5) Shakib Al Hasan – 22 years 115 days

Shakib Al Hasan became the skipper of the Bangladesh Test team in 2009 against the West Indies, after taking over from the injured Mashrafe Mortaza. The fifth-youngest test captain, the all-rounder didn’t really have a captaincy career worth remembering, as his team lost 8 out of the 9 matches played under his captaincy.