South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch made a dream start to his Test career on Thursday, claiming a wicket with his very first delivery in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Bosch etched his name in cricket history by dismissing Shan Masood off his first delivery in the debut match.
Coming into the attack in the 15th over after Pakistan openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub provided a steady start, Bosch delivered a ball pitched up and angled across outside off. Masood, seemingly loose in his approach immediately after the drinks break, chased the delivery and edged it straight to Marco Jansen at gully. The Pakistan skipper departed for 17 runs off 58 balls, which included two boundaries.
With this wicket, Bosch became the 25th bowler in Test cricket history to claim a wicket with his first ball and only the fifth South African to achieve this rare feat.
Remarkably, 2024 has witnessed this milestone three times, the most in a calendar year. Earlier in January, Shamar Joseph dismissed Steven Smith on his first ball at the Adelaide Oval, followed by Tshepo Moreki removing Devon Conway in February at Mount Maunganui.
Wicket off the first ball of Test career for South Africa
Bert Vogler vs ENG, Johannesburg, 1906Dane Piedt vs ZIM, Harare, 2014Hardus Viljoen vs ENG, Johannesburg, 2016Tshepo Moreki vs NZ, Mount Maunganui, 2024Corbin Bosch vs PAK, Centurion, 2024
Bosch’s debut performance turned the tide in South Africa’s favour. His dismissal of Masood initiated a top-order collapse for Pakistan, who slumped from 36/0 to 56/4 in just 4.3 overs. Bosch further contributed by dismissing Saud Shakeel for 14 in the 19th over, while Dane Peterson removed both Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, compounding Pakistan’s struggles.
South Africa’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a masterstroke on a pitch offering assistance to the bowlers. Bosch’s spectacular start has already added to the rich legacy of South African pacers and set the tone for an enthralling Test match.
