Top 10 Youngest Test Captains in Cricket History: Powerful Young Leaders

Leading a Test side is a dream for many, but only a few have done it at a young age. The Youngest Test Captains in Cricket have shown bravery, skill, and leadership far beyond their years. They have inspired teams and fans with their performances and confidence on the field.

Let’s count down the top 10 Youngest Test Captains in Cricket, from number 10 to the youngest of all time.

List of Top 10 Youngest Test Captains in Cricket History

10. Mohammad Ashraful

At just 22 years and 353 days, Mohammad Ashraful took over as Bangladesh’s Test captain against Sri Lanka on 25 June 2007. Known for his natural stroke play, Ashraful was seen as a bright star for the future. Becoming one of the Youngest Test Captains in Cricket meant carrying the responsibility of leading a young side against tough opponents.

His appointment was a bold decision by Bangladesh cricket. While his captaincy period had ups and downs, Ashraful’s presence gave the team a sense of self-belief. Facing Sri Lanka’s world-class bowling attack was no easy task, but his positive attitude inspired his teammates to fight harder.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
Mohammad Ashraful	Bangladesh	22 years 353 days	Sri Lanka	Sinhalese Sports Club Ground

9. Murray Bisset

Murray Bisset became South Africa’s Test captain at the age of 22 years and 306 days against England on 14 February 1899. As one of the earliest Youngest Test Captains in Cricket, his leadership came at a time when the sport was still developing in the country.

Bisset was respected for his cricket knowledge and determination, even in the early days of South African cricket. Taking on England during that era was a huge challenge, but Bisset’s calm nature helped his team stay competitive. His leadership role set an example for future generations of captains in South Africa.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
M Bisset	South Africa	22 years 306 days	England	Old Wanderers

8. Javed Miandad

Javed Miandad became captain of Pakistan’s Test team at 22 years and 260 days, leading against Australia on 27 February 1980. Known for his fearless batting and sharp cricket brain, Miandad’s early promotion made him one of the most notable Youngest Test Captains in Cricket.

His leadership style was aggressive yet smart. Miandad was not afraid to make bold decisions on the field, and his experience as a batsman gave him the confidence to guide his team. Playing against a strong Australian side was a true test, but Miandad handled it with great determination.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
Javed Miandad	Pakistan	22 years 260 days	Australia	National Stadium (Karachi)

7. Ian Craig

At just 22 years and 194 days, Ian Craig led Australia in a Test match against South Africa on 23 December 1957. His elegant batting style and maturity made him a respected figure among the Youngest Test Captains in Cricket.

Craig’s captaincy came during a competitive era, and leading Australia was a massive responsibility. Despite his youth, he was able to manage senior players and maintain unity in the dressing room. His brief captaincy stint is still remembered for his grace and composure under pressure.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
I D Craig	Australia	22 years 194 days	South Africa	Wanderers Stadium

6. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan became Bangladesh’s Test captain at 22 years and 115 days, facing the West Indies on 17 July 2009. Widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world, Shakib’s appointment placed him among the Youngest Test Captains in Cricket.

Shakib led by example with both bat and ball. His aggressive style inspired Bangladesh to challenge stronger teams. His leadership in the Caribbean was particularly memorable, as he guided a relatively inexperienced side against seasoned West Indies players.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
Shakib Al Hasan	Bangladesh	22 years 115 days	West Indies	National Cricket Stadium (Grenada)

5. Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith became South Africa’s captain at 22 years and 82 days, debuting as skipper against Bangladesh on 24 April 2003. Known for his resilience and batting strength, Smith would go on to become one of the most successful and respected names among the Youngest Test Captains in Cricket.

Smith’s determination and focus on building a winning culture transformed South African cricket. Even at a young age, he commanded respect from his teammates and led by example. His leadership journey began early but left a lasting impact.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
G C Smith	South Africa	22 years 82 days	Bangladesh	MA Aziz Stadium

4. Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis took charge of Pakistan’s Test team at 22 years and 15 days, facing Zimbabwe on 1 December 1993. Famous for his deadly yorkers, Waqar’s inclusion among the Youngest Test Captains in Cricket proved that skill and leadership can go hand in hand.

His style of captaincy was aggressive and attacking. Waqar believed in putting pressure on the opposition with both bowling and strategic field placements. His leadership brought a fighting edge to Pakistan cricket.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
Waqar Younis	Pakistan	22 years 15 days	Zimbabwe	Defence Housing Authority Stadium

3. Nawab of Pataudi Jr

The Nawab of Pataudi Jr became India’s captain at 21 years and 77 days on 23 March 1962 against the West Indies. His entry into the list of Youngest Test Captains in Cricket is remarkable, especially considering he led with one good eye after a car accident.

Pataudi brought self-belief to Indian cricket. He encouraged aggressive batting and fearless fielding, setting new standards for the team. His leadership is still celebrated as a turning point in India’s Test cricket history.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
Nawab of Pataudi Jr	India	21 years 77 days	West Indies	Kensington Oval

2. Tatenda Taibu

Tatenda Taibu took charge of Zimbabwe’s Test team at 20 years and 358 days on 6 May 2004 against Sri Lanka. This achievement placed him second among the Youngest Test Captains in Cricket.

Despite the political and cricketing challenges in Zimbabwe, Taibu showed exceptional courage. His leadership and wicketkeeping skills earned him admiration around the cricketing world. He inspired his teammates to play with heart and determination.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
T Taibu	Zimbabwe	20 years 358 days	Sri Lanka	Harare Sports Club

1. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan became Afghanistan’s Test captain at just 20 years and 350 days, making him the youngest ever in the history of cricket. His debut as captain came on 5 September 2019 against Bangladesh, earning him the top spot among the Youngest Test Captains in Cricket.

Known for his world-class leg-spin, Rashid’s leadership brought energy and hope to Afghanistan cricket. Despite his young age, he displayed tactical awareness and confidence beyond his years, leading from the front with both skill and passion.

Player	Country	Age at First Match	Opponent	Venue
Rashid Khan	Afghanistan	20 years 350 days	Bangladesh	Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium

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