December 26, 2024: Corbin Bosch’s debut performance for South Africa in the first Test against Pakistan in Centurion has been nothing short of sensational. The 25-year-old right-arm quick made a remarkable start to his international career by taking a wicket with the very first ball of his Test match. This feat places him in an elite group of South African bowlers, becoming only the fifth to achieve such a milestone.
Bosch was introduced into the attack in the 15th over, with South Africa looking to break the solid opening partnership between Pakistan’s Saim Ayub and captain Shan Masood. Masood, who had been playing with great resolve, was caught off guard after the drinks break when Bosch delivered his first ball.
Pitching the ball up, Bosch drew Masood into an ill-timed drive—a shot he had previously left alone. The delivery found the edge of Masood’s bat, and the ball flew straight into the hands of Marco Jansen at gully. The wicket, a combination of perfect timing and luck, sent Masood packing and marked Bosch’s entry into Test cricket with a bang.
By claiming this wicket, Bosch joined an exclusive club of South African bowlers who have taken a wicket on their very first ball in Test cricket.
Bosch’s achievement is even more notable in the context of 2024, a year that has seen three such instances, the most in a single calendar year. Alongside Bosch, West Indies’ Shamar Joseph and South Africa’s own Tshepo Moreki have also claimed wickets off their first deliveries in 2024.
After his dream start, Bosch wasn’t done yet. He followed up his first-ball wicket with another crucial scalp later in the day, dismissing Pakistan’s vice-captain, Saud Shakeel. Shakeel, eager to score, made the mistake of shuffling across his stumps in an attempt to find the right angle for a shot. But the ball reared up after bouncing off the pitch, catching Shakeel off guard and deflecting off his glove to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
Bosch’s two wickets on debut not only highlighted his potential but also played a crucial role in putting South Africa on top in the series opener. His ability to maintain composure and deliver under pressure, particularly in the key moments, has made him an exciting prospect for the Proteas.
2024 seems to be the year of bowlers making an immediate impact with the first ball of their careers. With Bosch’s impressive debut, Moreki’s earlier success, and Shamar Joseph’s memorable delivery to dismiss Steven Smith, the cricket world is witnessing a rare phenomenon of debutants making their mark right from the outset.
After a dream debut, the expectations for Bosch are likely to grow. Having already shown his knack for breaking key partnerships, he will be eager to build on this success and cement his place in the South African Test side for the future. With his combination of pace, control, and the ability to make breakthroughs, Bosch could become a key figure in the Proteas’ bowling attack in the years to come.
For now, Corbin Bosch can bask in the glory of his exceptional debut—one that will surely be remembered for years to come as one of the standout moments of his career.
