At 29 years and 329 days, New Zealand opener Devon Conway became the oldest batsman to hit a double century on test debut. Devon Conway pleasantly surprised one and all when he struck a brilliant double century in his debut test innings against England, that too at Lord's in the first test of the two-match series between England and New Zealand in June 2021.
To begin with, Conway was not expected to play the match. New Zealand had tried Will Young and Tom Blundell as openers to partner Tom Latham at the top of the order and both of them had done quite a decent job.
It was a big call then to pick Devon Conway, who was yet to play a test match, ahead of both the players. But, New Zealand coach Gary Stead and captain Kane Williamson took the bold move of handing Devon Conway his first test cap.
The batsman did not disappoint and went on to show brilliant control. As somebody known for playing his shots in white ball cricket, it was heartening to see the discipline which Devon Conway showed in his debut innings.
It certainly wasn't easy to face the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad at Lord's with the dukes ball moving around. However, Conway showed great composure for his 200 runs off 347 balls while striking 22 boundaries and one six - which was a top edge off a pull which took him to the magical number.
Conway batted at a strike rate of 57.64 and would have carried his bat had he not been run out on the last ball of the innings. Nevertheless, he had the honour of striking a double century on test debut and becoming the oldest batsman to do so.
Before Conway, the record was held by West Indies' Kyle Mayers who scored an unbeaten 210 against Bangladesh at Chattogram in February 2021 at 28 years 140 days. Mayers took just 231 balls for his knock and spent 415 minutes at the crease.
The double ton became even more special as it came in the final innings and took West Indies to a historic test victory against Bangladesh in a sensational run chase.
Before that, England's Tip Foster had brought up a double century on debut at 25 years and 239 days of age, way back in December 1903.
