“That late”: How spinner learned of whirlwind Test debut

Australian spinner Bryce McGain had one of the most unique debuts in Test cricket history.

McGain toiled away in Shield cricket for eight years before earning his call-up aged 36 for the third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town in 2009.

The leggie wasn’t expecting to play even up to game day, with only a Marcus North withdrawal due to illness on the morning of Day 1 opening the door for McGain to receive a baggy green.

Looking back now, the Victorian confirmed he learned of the news less than two hours before play.

By chance, McGain revealed his now-wife and a group of friends were already in the stands at Newlands to witness the memorable moment.

“Absolutely, yeah, that late. It was an hour and 15 minutes before the start of play,” McGain said on This is Your Journey – thanks to Tobin Brothers.

“I didn't know that Marcus North was crook, and in a changeroom you sort of nod across at everyone, and he wasn't at the ground and was recovering back at the hotel back at the hotel.

“It was incredibly exciting, obviously, and I look back at it really fondly.

“Ricky Ponting pointed out that it's been a journey and (said), ‘You haven't got here without deserving it, and you know there's a long line of spinners for Australia and they wish me well’.

“I was really fortunate; Mum had come over for the first Test and she went back (after), but for the third Test I had some cricket mates and my now wife came over just by chance.

“They just happened to be in the crowd on a whim, knowing I may not even play, but they said, ‘Let's just go anyway, we'll go and watch some Test cricket’.

“I was really grateful that they were there… it was pretty special.”

Unfortunately for McGain, his debut didn’t go fully to plan with the ball as he failed to take a wicket, finishing with figures of 0/149 in his only Test innings.