Milan Rathnayake shatters 41-year-old record on Test debut against England

Sri Lankan debutant Milan Rathnayake has etched his name in Test cricket history by setting a new record during the ongoing first Test against England at Emirates Old Trafford.

Rathnayake, playing at number nine, achieved the highest score ever by a debutant in this position in men's Test cricket. His impressive innings of 72 runs off 135 balls, including six fours and two sixes, broke a 41-year-old record previously held by Balwinder Sandhu, who scored 71 runs against Pakistan in Hyderabad in 1983.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lankan Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva faced an early collapse, losing three wickets for just six runs within seven overs. The team struggled throughout the innings, slipping to 113/7.

Rathnayake, entering at a critical juncture, played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. He partnered with de Silva to add 63 runs for the eighth wicket, with de Silva contributing 74 runs off 84 balls, including eight boundaries.

Rathnayake further supported the lower order with a vital 50-run stand with Vishwa Fernando for the ninth wicket. His solid performance was eventually curtailed by young spinner Shoaib Bashir.

With Sri Lanka being bowled out for 236 on the first day, Rathnayake's innings not only provided a crucial boost to his team but also established him as the first Sri Lankan to score a half-century at No. 9 or lower on Test debut. 

His performance surpasses the previous record set by Suresh Perera, who scored 43* against England in 1998.