Top 5 Highest Scores by a Nightwatchman in Test Cricket History
Here is the list of top 5 highest scores by nightwatchmen in Test cricket history.
In Test cricket, the role of a nightwatchman is simple, to survive the final overs of the day and protect the main batters.
But sometimes, these lower-order batters do much more than expected. A few of them have not just survived the tough time but also gone on to make history with the bat.
Here are the top 5 highest scores ever made by a nightwatchman in Test cricket.
1. Jason Gillespie – 201* vs Bangladesh, 2006
Australia’s Jason Gillespie holds the record for the highest score by a nightwatchman in Test history. He scored an unbeaten 201 runs against Bangladesh in Chittagong in 2006.
Coming in late on Day 1, Gillespie stayed for more than 400 balls and batted for over 9 hours. This was also his last Test match and his only international century.
2. Mark Boucher – 125 vs Zimbabwe, 1999
Mark Boucher was sent in as a nightwatchman against Zimbabwe in Harare in 1999. He turned that opportunity into a big one, scoring 125 runs.
He looked solid and composed throughout his innings. This knock remains one of the finest batting efforts by a nightwatchman for South Africa.
3. Mark Boucher – 108 vs England, 1999
Just a few months after his century against Zimbabwe, Boucher again showed his skill with the bat. This time, it was against England in Durban.
The Proteas batter made 108 runs after coming in as a nightwatchman. It proved he could perform with the bat under pressure, more than once in a year.
4. Tony Mann – 105 vs India, 1977
Australia’s Tony Mann became only the second nightwatchman to score a century when he made 105 runs against India in Perth in 1977.
This was a game-changing knock, as it helped Australia win the match. His attacking shots surprised everyone, including the Indian bowlers.
5. Syed Kirmani – 101* vs Australia, 1979
India’s Syed Kirmani also makes this list with an unbeaten 101 runs against Australia in Mumbai in 1979. Coming in late in the day, Kirmani not only protected the top-order batters but also guided India to a strong position. His patient and gritty innings is still remembered by Indian cricket fans.
