Cricket, often touted as a gentleman’s game, possesses the extraordinary ability to unfold moments of sheer resilience and unexpected brilliance. The recent spectacle in Wellington between Australia and New Zealand, where Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood stitched together a 116-run partnership for the final wicket, serves as a poignant reminder of the impact these last-wicket stands can have on the course of a Test match.
The demoralizing effect on the bowling unit, as evidenced by the Kiwis’ subsequent collapse to 179 all-out, emphasizes the significance of these partnerships. As we delve into the archives, let’s explore five of the most epic 10th-wicket stands in the history of Test cricket, showcasing the resilience, determination, and sheer brilliance of the players involved.
In a monumental display of resilience, England’s Joe Root and James Anderson etched their names in the annals of Test cricket history. Facing a daunting Indian total in 2014, Root and Anderson orchestrated a colossal 198-run partnership for the 10th wicket. Root’s sparkling 154* and Anderson’s career-best 81 propelled England to 496, setting the stage for a riveting draw in Nottingham.
163 Runs – Phillip Hughes Ashton Agar
The Ashes 2013 Test at Trent Bridge witnessed a spectacular debut from Ashton Agar. Down at 117/9, Agar joined forces with Phillip Hughes, creating history with their 163-run partnership. Agar’s sublime strokeplay, resulting in the highest score by a No. 11 in Test cricket (98), provided a glimmer of hope for Australia. Despite England’s eventual victory, Agar’s debut remains etched in cricketing lore.
151 Runs – Brian Hastings & Richard Collinge
In 1973, New Zealand faced a challenging situation against Pakistan in Auckland. Brian Hastings and Richard Collinge’s heroic 151-run stand helped the Kiwis level their first-innings score, setting the stage for an intriguing Test. Although the match ended in a draw, the partnership showcased the ability of the lower order to alter the course of a game.
151 Runs – Azhar Mahmood & Mushtaq Ahmed
Pakistan faced a tough situation against South Africa in 1997 when Azhar Mahmood and Mushtaq Ahmed joined forces. The pair added 151 runs, defying the odds and steering Pakistan to a competitive total of 456. The match ended in a draw, but Mahmood’s unbeaten 127 and Mushtaq’s crucial contribution highlighted the impact of lower-order partnerships.
143 Runs – Denesh Ramdin Tino Best
In the third Test between West Indies and England in 2012, Denesh Ramdin and Tino Best orchestrated a remarkable 143-run partnership. Coming in with the team struggling at 152/5, Ramdin showcased his batting prowess, eventually reaching a century. Tino Best’s staggering 95 runs at No. 11, a record yet to be surpassed, showcased the duo’s resilience. Despite the match ending in a draw, the partnership left an indelible mark on Test cricket.
These epic last-wicket stands transcend statistics, embodying the essence of Test cricket – unpredictable, dramatic, and filled with tales of redemption. As fans continue to relish these historic moments, the enduring legacy of these partnerships serves as a testament to the captivating nature of the longest format of the game.
Want to stay ahead in the world of cricket? Explore our comprehensive Blog Post, insightful analysis, and the latest updates on all your favorite fixtures and more at JeetBuzz News. Don’t miss out and dive into the action now!
The UP T20 League 2024 is set to be an exciting spectacle, featuring exceptional cricketing talent from Uttar Pradesh. Among the participants, five bowlers are
As England and Sri Lanka prepare to face off in the second Test at Lord’s, the series is finely poised. England secured a convincing win
The West Indies have once again proven their mettle in the T20 format, clinching yet another series victory against South Africa, making it their third