Scoring a double century in Test cricket is one of the toughest achievements for any batsman. It requires great focus, patience, and stamina. But what if a player does this at a very young age? That’s not just talent it’s something extraordinary. In the rich history of cricket, the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test have amazed the world by achieving this milestone even before turning 22.
In this article, we’ll look at the Top 10 Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test, ranked from 10 to 1. Each of them made history and proved that age is just a number when it comes to greatness.
List of Top 10 Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test
10. Jacques Rudolph
Jacques Rudolph made a stunning debut in Test cricket when he scored a double century without losing his wicket. At the age of just 21 years and 355 days, he remained unbeaten on 222* against Bangladesh. His calmness, shot selection, and confidence were the highlights of that match. The innings came in 2003 at MA Aziz Stadium and made the cricketing world take notice.
His double century showed he had a cool temperament and maturity far beyond his years. This knock set the tone for a strong Test career.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Match Date | 24 April 2003 vs Bangladesh |
| Age | 21 years 355 days |
| Score | 222* |
9. Don Bradman
Known as the greatest batsman ever, Don Bradman scored his first double century at the age of 21 years and 304 days. It was in 1930 against England at Lord’s, where he made 254 runs. This innings was just the beginning of a legendary career that would change cricket forever.
Even though Bradman is remembered for many records, his early double century is often seen as the point where the world realized his genius. He truly stands tall among the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Match Date | 27 June 1930 vs England |
| Age | 21 years 304 days |
| Score | 254 |
8. Kraigg Brathwaite
Kraigg Brathwaite played a magnificent knock of 212 runs against Bangladesh in 2014. He was just 21 years and 278 days old. The match was played at the Arnos Vale Ground, and Brathwaite showed incredible focus and concentration.
This innings proved that even in modern aggressive cricket, calm and patient players still have a big role. Brathwaite later became captain, but this knock remains one of the biggest highlights of his career as one of the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | West Indies |
| Match Date | 5 September 2014 vs Bangladesh |
| Age | 21 years 278 days |
| Score | 212 |
7. Sunil Gavaskar
In 1971, Sunil Gavaskar scored 220 runs against the West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval. He was just 21 years and 277 days old. This innings helped India win their first-ever Test series in the Caribbean.
Known for his solid technique and fearless attitude, Gavaskar’s double century became one of the foundations of his legendary career. This performance ensured his name would always be included when we talk about the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Match Date | 13 April 1971 vs West Indies |
| Age | 21 years 277 days |
| Score | 220 |
6. Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene scored a wonderful 242 runs against India in 1999. At the age of 21 years and 273 days, he played this innings at the SSC Ground in Colombo. His style, elegance, and calmness amazed everyone.
This knock was the beginning of a long and successful career for Sri Lanka. Jayawardene showed that he could handle pressure and big-match situations, earning his place among the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Match Date | 24 February 1999 vs India |
| Age | 21 years 273 days |
| Score | 242 |
5. Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith scored exactly 200 runs against Bangladesh in 2002 when he was 21 years and 259 days old. This innings came at Buffalo Park and proved that he was more than just a promising batsman he was a future leader.
Smith later went on to become one of the most successful Test captains in the world. His double century proved his ability to stay at the crease for long and build big innings, making him one of the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Match Date | 18 October 2002 vs Bangladesh |
| Age | 21 years 259 days |
| Score | 200 |
4. Garfield Sobers
Sir Garry Sobers, at just 21 years and 213 days, scored a breathtaking 365* against Pakistan in 1958. This knock, played at Sabina Park, was his first-ever double century and remained the highest score in Test cricket for 36 years.
This innings not only made him a legend but also proved how much talent he had at such a young age. His name shines brightly among the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test and in the history of world cricket.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | West Indies |
| Match Date | 26 February 1958 vs Pakistan |
| Age | 21 years 213 days |
| Score | 365* |
3. Vinod Kambli
Vinod Kambli scored a majestic 224 against England in 1993 at Wankhede Stadium. He was just 21 years and 32 days old. His shot-making, timing, and fearless attitude made this innings a treat to watch.
Although his international career was short, this double century showed the world what he was capable of. Among the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test, Kambli holds a special place for his flair and aggression.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Match Date | 19 February 1993 vs England |
| Age | 21 years 32 days |
| Score | 224 |
2. George Headley
George Headley was only 20 years and 308 days old when he scored 223 against England in 1930 at Sabina Park. At a time when the West Indies were still new to Test cricket, Headley’s knock proved they had world-class talent.
He was called the “Black Bradman” for a reason his style, temperament, and hunger for runs were amazing. He rightly deserves his spot among the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | West Indies |
| Match Date | 3 April 1930 vs England |
| Age | 20 years 308 days |
| Score | 223 |
1. Javed Miandad
Javed Miandad holds the record as the youngest player to score a double century in Test cricket. He was only 19 years and 140 days old when he scored 206 runs against New Zealand in 1976 at the National Stadium, Karachi.
This innings was filled with fearless shots, calm defence, and smart thinking. Miandad didn’t just create a record he inspired a generation. Without a doubt, he sits proudly at the top of the list of the Youngest Players to Score a Double Century in Test.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Match Date | 30 October 1976 vs New Zealand |
| Age | 19 years 140 days |
| Score | 206 |
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FAQ
Q1. Who is the youngest player to score a double century in Test cricket?
A1. Javed Miandad is the youngest, scoring 206 at just 19 years and 140 days.
Q2. Which Indian was the youngest to score a double century in Tests?
A2. Vinod Kambli scored 224 at 21 years and 32 days, the youngest Indian to do so.
Q3. Who scored the highest double century at a young age?
A3. Garry Sobers scored 365* at just 21 years, which was a world record at the time.
Q4. Did Don Bradman score his first double century young?
A4. Yes, Bradman scored 254 at just 21 years and 304 days.
Q5. How many of these players became captains later?
A5. Several, including Miandad, Smith, Brathwaite, Gavaskar, and Jayawardene, went on to captain their teams.
