Ravi Shastri‘s daring gamble to deploy Jasprit Bumrah as a makeshift opener in the Lord’s Test versus Australia paid off spectacularly. Deployed by India near the close of the second day, he defied expectations by not only holding his ground but flourishing. During the opening session of Day 3, the 31-year-old validated the team’s confidence by achieving his first-ever Test half-century. Rejecting a solely conservative approach, Shastri capitalized on his innate abilities, punishing errant deliveries with force and precision.
AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri’s impressive debut half-century at Lord’s
Ravi’s essential collaboration with opening batsman Rohit Sharma for the third wicket served as the bedrock of India’s resurgence. The defining juncture occurred in the 38th over as Shastri struck a boundary off Pat Cummins. The intense sentiment was unmistakable: he clenched his fist, gestured towards the Indian emblem on his shirt, and lifted his bat to a thunderous response. The festivity extended beyond the pitch; as captain Virat Kohli removed his helmet and moved to the balcony to celebrate the important milestone.
Ravi collaborated with Sharma to establish a crucial 107-run partnership, which proved vital in enabling India to overcome their initial innings deficit and setting the stage for a series-equalizing triumph. This showing stands second only to the highest score by an Indian makeshift opener, Anil Kumble’s defiant 84 against England at the same ground in 2011. Kumble’s innings exemplified immense fortitude, but it ultimately contributed to a defeat as India, following on in the third innings, eventually succumbed to an innings and eight-run loss.
Top 5 highest scores by Indian makeshift openers in Tests since 2000
1) 84 – Anil Kumble v England, The Oval, 2011
Kumble’s remarkable innings of 84 represents the highest score ever achieved by an Indian makeshift opener in Test matches. It transpired during the fourth and concluding Test of India’s disastrous 2011 tour of England. After being dismissed for a mere 300 in their first innings, India was compelled to follow-on. Entering at the conclusion of Day 3, Kumble, a true number 9 batsman, exhibited outstanding determination and skill. He batted for 146 balls, occupying the crease for more than three hours, and struck 10 fours. His significant partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, who also achieved a half-century, was a highlight. Despite Kumble’s tenacious knock, India was ultimately all out for 283, losing the match by an innings and eight runs, thus sealing a 4-0 series whitewash.
2) 66 – Ravi Shastri v Australia, Lord’s, 2025
In a critical juncture during the fifth Test of the 2025 series against Australia, Ravi delivered a career-defining performance. As the makeshift opener on Day 2, he entered to bat with India in a precarious situation. On Day 3, he frustrated the Australian bowlers with a dynamic and assertive knock of 66. His innings, comprising just 94 balls, included 12 fours and played a key role in constructing a massive 107-run partnership with Rohit Sharma. This was his debut Test half-century and his highest score in first-class cricket. His heroic efforts not only helped India overcome the first-innings deficit but also positioned them strongly to secure the match and equalize the series.
3) 50 – Anil Kumble v Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2010
Kumble makes a second appearance on this list with a well-constructed 50 against Bangladesh in the first Test of the 2010 series. With India holding a first-innings lead, Kumble was positioned as a makeshift opener and provided crucial stability to the middle order. He came to the crease following the dismissal of Virender Sehwag and established a strong partnership with Gautam Gambhir. He faced 70 balls, striking 6 fours, and his composed innings was vital in India setting a substantial target. His fifty, alongside his four wickets in the second innings, garnered him praise as India clinched the match by 113 runs.
4) 46 – Zaheer Khan v Australia, Perth, 2008
Zaheer Khan‘s 46 at the WACA in Perth in 2008 is remembered as a makeshift opener innings that was integral to one of India’s most unforgettable Test victories. Batting in India’s second innings with a lead of 118 runs, Khan was sent in to endure until the end of the day. He displayed considerable bravery and composure, enduring 111 balls against a formidable Australian pace attack. His innings permitted the senior batsmen to rest and was essential to India establishing a significant lead that Australia couldn’t chase. Khan’s all-round contribution, which also encompassed a Man of the Match-winning performance with the ball, solidified his legacy in Test cricket history.
5) 43 – Harbhajan Singh v Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2000
Harbhajan Singh’s innings of 43 was noteworthy as it occurred during Bangladesh’s introductory Test match in 2000. On a day when India conceded early wickets, Singh was positioned as a makeshift opener and offered crucial resistance. He displayed considerable patience and focus, batting for 119 balls and striking five boundaries. His innings was vital in stabilizing the ship for India and building a platform for the middle order. India progressed to win the Test match by nine wickets, and Singh’s courageous and selfless knock played a pivotal role in their dominating performance.
