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Best performance making a debut in Test series as skipper?

Harsh Thakor

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I feel Australian former skipper Greg Chappell is at the top of the tree if you evaluate the best performance statistically by a player making his debut as a skipper in a test series.In 1975-76 in his 1st series as a skipper he led his team to a 5-1 triumph in Australia over West Indies.Greg inherited an empire or legacy from brother Ian and fortified his resources to it's optimum strength to inflict a humiliating defeat on the Carribeans.The previous summer West Indies captured the 1st world cup title and the series was billed as the world championship contest.The seeds were sown by brother Ian but one has to give credit to Greg for carrying the throne with such organization.To me it bettered Clive Lloyd's debut series as skipper in India when his side won 3-2 .Greg inherited the ruthlessness of his brother Ian and in a more refined manner would inflict as much a blow on the opposition.Cllive Lloyd's team subsequently emerged as arguably the best team ever to tread on a cricket ground in test cricket history.Defeating a team by a 5-1 margin containing stars like Clive Lloyd,Alvin Kalicharan ,Viv Richards,Roy Fredericks,Andy Roberts,Lance Gibbs and Michael Holding was no mean achievement.Considering strength of opposition and margin of victory Greg Chappel in 1975-76 Frank Worrel trophy was my unanimous choice.It won Australia the unofficial world test championship title.

Other memorial debut series as skipper are Mike Gatting leading England to Ashes win in Australia in 1986-87,Javed Miandad leading Pakistan to beat Australia at home in 1980 and Ajit Wadekar leading India to win a series in West Indies in 1970-71.

In a losing cause I most remember Imran Khan in 1982 in England when his side went down 2-1 and Mark Taylor in Pakistan in 1994 when his side lost 1-0.Both those series could well have been won by the losing side by a 3-0 verdict with some more luck.Both skippers were at their best.
 
I think from modern era, Cook in India series although he couldn't capitalize on that but for a debut series it was right up there.
 
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I think from modern era, Cook in India series although he couldn't capitalize on that but for a debut series it was right up there.


Very good example.Almost makes it.Still India not as good as Clive Lloyd's team and not demolished 5-1.Like my choice?
 
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