Over the years, numerous international cricketers have lived their much-awaited dream of making a roaring debut on an international stage. However, a few of them failed to adapt to the ever-changing arena of international cricket and eventually faded away due to inconsistent and poor form. From prolonged injuries to brutal controversies, numerous prominent cricketers, including Bob Massie, Amol Mazumdar, Aaqib Javed and many others have disappeared from the limelight despite having extremely successful debuts in international cricket.
In this article we will take a look at the top four international cricketers who failed in the international cricket arena despite making successful debuts.
Top 4 Cricketers Who Had Dream Debut But Faded Away
Aaqib Javed – Pakistan
At the first spot in our list of top four international cricketers who failed to leave a mark in international cricket despite making roaring debuts, we have Pakistan’s former international cricketer and current head coach of Pakistan national cricket team, Aaqib Javed.
Throughout his international cricketing career, Aaqib Javed proved to be a nightmare for Pakistan’s arch rival – India. Aaqib Javed picked up a total of 54 wickets in a total of 39 ODIs against India at a brilliant average of 24.64. Although Aaqib Javed started off his international cricketing career as a spearhead bowler, his career unfortunately derailed due to injuries and came to a premature end at the age of 26.
Bob Massie – Australia
Former Australian international cricketer, Bob Massie is at the second spot in our list of the top four international cricketers who failed in the international cricket arena despite making successful debuts. Bob Massie made his star-studded test debut in 1972 at Lord’s and picked up a phenomenal total of eight wickets in each inning.
Well, even after striking a world record as a test debutant and ending up the 1972 Ashes series with record-breaking figures of 16/137 for the match, Bob Massie unfortunately failed to be a mainstay in the Aussies squad. Soon after his return from the 1972 Ashes Series, Bob Massie was diagnosed with severe asthma. As a consequence, he failed to regain his annihilating bowling form in the 1973 West Indies tour.
Owing to his health issues and inconsistent form on the field, Bob Massie announced his retirement from international cricket in 1978 and later became a radio commentator.
Amol Muzumdar – India
At the third spot in our list of top four international cricketers who failed to survive the excruciating pressure of international cricket despite making their roaring debuts, we have former Indian cricketer Amol Muzumdar who is also currently serving as the batting coach for the India Under-19 cricket team and the India Under-23 cricket team.
Often hailed as one of the most promising cricketers in the league of Ranji Trophy, Amol Muzumdar was even labeled as the “new Tendulkar” after his successful 260* runs debut against Haryana during the 1993-94 Ranji Trophy Season. Amol Muzumdar also played for the India Side A during the 1994-95 season alongside legendary former Indian cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.
Despite his heroic innings and successful debuts, Amol Muzumdar never received a call-up from the Indian cricket team, and he ended up announcing his retirement from cricket in 2014.
Simon Jones – England
A Welsh former cricketer who also represented England on the international stage, Simon Philip Jones, is at the fourth spot in our list of the top four international cricketers who failed in the international cricket arena despite making successful debuts.
Simon Jones made his test debut against India at Lord’s in 2002 and stunned India’s batting lineup with his raw pace, steep bouncers and reverse swing. Simon Jones picked up India’s two most crucial wickets – Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly, right in the first innings, making him one of the most promising and dangerous bowlers in the test format.
However, Simon Jones’ highly promising international cricketing career was cut short due to recurring knee injuries. Although Simon Jones went through multiple surgeries and rehabilitation periods, he failed to fully regain his destructive form on the field. As a consequence, Jones ended up officially retiring from international cricket in 2013.
