To captain a team in Test cricket is a huge responsibility. Out in the middle for days, positioning, motivating, scheming, and executing a master plan — it takes a special kind of person to lead a team at the highest level.
Generally, the person appointed to lead a side is a gnarled veteran with years of experience under the belt. It is not always the case though, as sometimes born leaders are thrust into the position early.
But just how early is the question? Let’s take a moment to uncover the youngest ever Test captains…
12. Sachin Tendulkar (India): 23 years, 169 days
One of the greatest batters to ever grace the game, Sachin Tendulkar’s elevation to the captaincy at a young age was met with great hope in India. He took the reins in 1996 in a home series against Australia.
Unfortunately, his time as skipper did not mirror his incredible batting career. Tendulkar’s tenure was short and tough, highlighting that greatness with the bat doesn’t always translate to leadership success. He stepped down after just 25 Tests as captain.
11. Monty Bowden (England): 23 years, 144 days
If he is an unfamiliar name to you, don’t worry, Monty Bowden played a long time ago. Nevertheless, Bowden holds the distinction of being England’s youngest-ever Test captain, taking charge during their 1889 tour of South Africa.
The circumstances were rather unusual – England’s original captain went home ill, and Bowden, a promising young wicketkeeper, was asked to step in.
Tragically, his life was cut short just a few years later at the age of 26 due to illness while working in Rhodesia. His record still stands more than 130 years later.
10. Mohammad Ashraful (Bangladesh): 22 years, 353 days
Mohammad Ashraful became Bangladesh’s youngest Test captain in 2007 when he was tasked with leading a fledgling team struggling to assert itself on the world stage.
Though immensely talented with the bat, Ashraful’s career was plagued by inconsistency and later marred by off-field controversies.
His captaincy lasted only a year, reflecting both the challenge of youth leadership and the instability that haunted Bangladesh cricket during that period.
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9. Murray Bisset (South Africa): 22 years, 306 days
Murray Bisset was handed the captaincy of South Africa in 1898. A wicketkeeper-batter by trade, Bisset led his nation against England when Test cricket was still in its infancy.
Though his international career was brief, at just two Tests – his appointment set an early benchmark for youth leadership in the South Africa setup. He later had a successful career in law and served as a judge.
8. Javed Miandad (Pakistan): 22 years, 260 days
A batting genius and one of Pakistan’s finest, Javed Miandad became Test captain in 1980 after already making waves with the bat. While talented, his first stint as skipper was turbulent, fraught with internal politics and senior player opposition.
He would go on to have multiple stints as captain, and his battles with leadership responsibilities were as intense as his on-field duels with rival teams.
7. Ian Craig (Australia): 22 years, 194 days
Australia made Ian Craig their captain for the 1957–58 tour of South Africa. A stylish batter and seen as a future great, Craig was elevated over more experienced players in a bold move by selectors.
Despite some early success, illness and inconsistency curtailed his career, and he stepped away from the game before fulfilling his promise. His case is a reminder that early elevation doesn’t always lead to long-term greatness.
6. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): 22 years, 115 days
Shakib’s rise to the top was no fluke. By the time he captained Bangladesh in 2009, he was already their best all-rounder. His first Test as captain resulted in a stunning win over the West Indies — Bangladesh’s first overseas series victory.
Although his leadership career had interruptions, he was a mainstay of the side for over a decade and returned to the role on multiple occasions.
Shakib is also one of the most successful Test all-rounders of the modern era, a former number one on the ICC all-rounder rankings.
5. Graeme Smith (South Africa): 22 years, 82 days
When Graeme Smith was appointed captain following the 2003 World Cup, many questioned the wisdom of placing such a huge responsibility on a 22-year-old. But the decision proved inspired.
Smith, a natural leader, led South Africa in a record 109 Tests, guiding them to the number one ranking in the world.
Under his leadership, the Proteas won series in England, Australia, and Pakistan — longstanding goals that had eluded past South African sides. A true colossus of modern captaincy, Smith is now the League Commissioner of SA20.
4. Waqar Younis (Pakistan): 22 years, 15 days
One of the most fearsome fast bowlers in the game’s history, Waqar Younis was appointed Test captain in 1993 during a turbulent period for Pakistan cricket.
With Wasim Akram unavailable due to injury, Waqar stepped in and led the team against Zimbabwe. While his time as captain was often controversial – marked by internal disputes and inconsistent results – his performances with the ball rarely faltered.
He remains the youngest ever fast bowler to captain a Test side.
3. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (India): 21 years, 77 days
Known affectionately as “Tiger,” Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was thrust into the captaincy in 1962 after an injury to Nari Contractor. Despite being just 21 and having lost vision in one eye from a car accident a year earlier, Pataudi took to leadership naturally.
He brought flair and fearlessness to India cricket, and his faith in spinners would lay the groundwork for India’s future home dominance. He captained India in 40 Tests and left an indelible mark on the team’s identity.
2. Tatenda Taibu (Zimbabwe): 20 years, 358 days
In 2004, with Zimbabwe cricket in disarray due to internal politics and player disputes, Tatenda Taibu became the youngest Test captain in history at the time. Just 20 years old, Taibu had to lead an inexperienced side in one of cricket’s most challenging environments.
Despite the pressure, he maintained his composure and batted with class throughout his career. Taibu’s leadership came at great personal cost, and he retired early before later making a short-lived return to the game.
1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): 20 years, 350 days
Rashid Khan rewrote the record books in 2019 when he led Afghanistan against Bangladesh in just their third-ever Test match. At 20 years and 350 days old, he became the youngest Test captain of all time – and he did it in style, leading his team to a historic win.
Already a T20 superstar, Rashid’s calm demeanour, tactical awareness, and extraordinary talent made him the ideal choice to guide Afghanistan’s fledgling Test side.
In his first game as skipper Rashid Khan led from the front, as he posted scores of 51 and 24 with the bat while claiming 11 for 104 with the ball.
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