• Rachin Ravindra made a memorable debut scoring a career-best 178.
• He became the first overseas player since Tom Latham to score a century on debut.
• He improved on his previous career high of 144.

Rachin Ravindra made a memorable debut for Durham, scoring a career-best 178 not out as the home side piled on the runs on day one of their Support can be provided Insurance County Championship Division Two clash with Worcestershire.

He became the first overseas player since Tom Latham to score a century on debut for Durham, sharing a mammoth 230-run stand with Scott Borthwick (96). At the close, Ravindra was there alongside Jonathan Bushnell, who was unbeaten on debut on 61, with the hosts on 375 for 3 after the first day at Seat Unique Riverside.

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avindra said. “I thought it would be a perfect opportunity, it has always been a dream of mine to play in the County Championship. It’s been good to play with a great bunch of lads. As soon as the opportunity came up I was raring to go.”

Durham won the toss and chose to bat first, which Michael Jones and Ravindra did with caution against the new ball. Jones hit four boundaries to begin his 21-ball innings, but he was shaken by Charlie Morris’ fifth over before edging behind to Gareth Roderick.

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CENTURY ON DEBUT! 🙌🙌

Incredible innings Rachin Ravindra #ForTheNorth @BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/b3SOBgcvMF

— Durham Cricket (@DurhamCricket) June 12, 2022

Durham accelerated thanks to Ravindra, who continued to play with freedom against both pace and spin. The left-hander became the first Durham overseas player to score a century on debut since his compatriot Latham in 2017.

Read More: Ravindra helps New Zealand pull off dramatic draw in first India Test

Ravindra improved on his previous career high of 144 by scoring 150 in 222 balls while remaining faultless in the middle. Bushnell’s maiden fifty completed a successful day for the home team.