New Zealand Batters Who Transformed Their Maiden Test Century into a Double

In the serene kingdom of Test cricket, where patience and skill reign supreme, the pilgrimage from a maiden century to a double is like leveling up in the cricketing video game. New Zealand, the land of cricketing wizards, has seen some epic performances where its batters transformed their maiden Test centuries into cricketing double-decker buses – talk about upgrading from a scenic route to an expressway.

Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra, a name that echoed across cricketing circles after an outstanding 2023 ODI World Cup, recently etched his name in the annals of New Zealand Test cricket. Despite a slow start to his Test career, Ravindra showcased resilience in the ongoing first Test against South Africa.

Walking in with New Zealand in a precarious situation at 39/2, the left-handed Ravindra crafted a game-changing 232-run partnership with Kane Williamson. His maiden Test century, achieved in 189 deliveries, was just the beginning. Unyielding, he continued his assault, reaching a double century in a mere 151 balls. Ravindra’s innings of 240 runs from 366 deliveries solidified his place among the highest scores by a Kiwi batter in a Test innings, climbing to 12th position.

Devon Conway

Devon Conway (Photo Source: Twitter)

Devon Conway’s journey to transforming a maiden Test century into a double was scripted on his debut during New Zealand’s tour of England at Lord’s in 2021. Under challenging circumstances, facing a formidable England attack, Conway displayed composure beyond his years. His remarkable knock of 200 off 347 balls, including 22 boundaries, became the highlight of his debut Test.

Despite being run out on exactly 200, Conway’s stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade. Since then, he has become a vital asset in New Zealand’s Test lineup, boasting an impressive average of almost 44 in 19 games with four centuries.

Matthew Sinclair

Matthew Sinclair (Photo Source: Twitter)

Joining the elite club of Kiwi batters who transformed their maiden Test centuries into doubles is Matthew Sinclair. In a two-Test home series against the West Indies, Sinclair made a spectacular debut, scoring a monumental 214 off 437 deliveries in Wellington. His innings propelled New Zealand to a massive total of 518/9 in the first innings.

While Sinclair’s Test career comprised only 33 games, marked by inconsistencies, he left an indelible mark by converting all three of his centuries to at least 150, including two double centuries.

Martin Donnelly

Martin Donnelly (Photo Source: Twitter)

Rewinding to 1949, Martin Donnelly became the first New Zealand batter to achieve the feat of converting a maiden Test century into a double. In the second Test against England at Lord’s, Donnelly’s innings of 206 not only solidified his position but also played a crucial role in a drawn match.

Although Donnelly’s Test career was brief, spanning only seven matches, his stellar average of almost 53 with a lone century and four half-centuries attested to his batting prowess.

These New Zealand batters – Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Matthew Sinclair, and Martin Donnelly – have etched their names in the cricketing history of the nation by transforming their maiden Test centuries into memorable double centuries.