Test Cricket is the oldest format of cricket, in which the patience, grit, and resilience of players get tested. There have been many instances where the team has been cornered and almost lost the game, but some players pull off a miracle. So, in this article, we will discuss 'Top 10 Match Saving Knocks in Test Matches'.
1. Andy Flower
Andy Flower was probably the best player from Zimbabwe. Flower would've been the first choice in any team as a wicket-keeper. On the home turf of India, Flower played his best-ever knock of 232 runs. In the 2nd test, India batted first on a road of a pitch and piled up 609 runs, with Sachin smacking a double ton. Zimbabwe had to follow on after getting out on 382. In 3rd inning, Flower batted for almost 540 minutes, saving their team from defeat and a clean sweep.
2. Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir was probably one of the best openers from India. On the home turf of New Zealand, Gambhir played his best-ever knock of 137 runs. In the 2nd test, New Zealand batted first on a road of a pitch and piled up 619 runs, with Jesse Ryder smacking a double ton. India had to follow on after getting out on 305. In 3rd inning, Gambhir batted for almost 643 minutes, saving their team from defeat and helping to win the series.
3. Mike Atherton
Mike Atherton was probably one of the best openers from England. On the home turf of South Africa, Atherton played his best-ever knock of 185 runs. In the 2nd test, South Africa scored 346 runs in 3rd innings and piled a target of 479 runs for England. However, victory was far away from sight as defeat looked certain against hostile African bowling. In the 4th inning, Atherton batted for almost 643 minutes, saving their team from defeat.
4. Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis was probably one of the best players from South Africa. On the home turf of Australia, Plessis played his best-ever knock of 110 runs in his debut game. In the 2nd test, Australia batted first and piled up 550 runs, with Clarke smacking a double ton. Africa was required to chase 430. In the 4th inning, Plessis batted for almost 466 minutes on his debut, saving their team from defeat. Notably, he played 161 dots against Nathan Lyon.
5. Martin Crowe
Martin Crowe was probably one of the best players from New Zealand. On the home turf, Crowe played his best-ever knock of 299 runs. In the 1st test, Sri Lanka piled up 497 runs on a road of a pitch in 2nd innings, with Aravinda de Silva smacking a double ton. In the 3rd innings, Crowe batted for almost 610 minutes, saving their team from defeat.
6. Garry Kirsten
Gary Kirsten was probably one of the best players from South Africa. On the home turf, Kirsten played his best-ever knock of 275 runs. In the 3rd test, England piled up 366 runs on a bowling-friendly pitch, with Nasser Hussain smacking a ton. South Africa had to follow on after getting out on 156. In the 3rd innings, Kirsten batted for almost 878 minutes, saving their team from defeat.
7. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar was probably the best player from India. On the home turf of England, Sachin scored his first-ever century, smacking 119 runs. In the 2nd test, England piled up 519 runs on a road of a pitch, with three players smacking tons. India was required to chase 408. In the 4th inning, Sachin batted for almost 225 minutes, with the team score reading 183-6; he took them to 343-6, scoring his debut ton and saving their team from defeat.
8. Dennis Amiss
Dennis Amiss was probably one of the best openers from England. On the home turf of West Indies, Amiss played his best-ever knock, smacking 262 runs. In the 2nd test, West Indies piled up 583 runs on a road of a pitch, with Lawrence Rowe smacking a ton. Before this, England scored 353 in 1st innings. In the 3rd inning, Amiss batted for almost 570 minutes, saving their team from defeat.
9. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum was probably one of the best captains from New Zealand. On the home turf, McCullum played his best-ever knock, smacking 302 runs. In the 2nd test, India piled up 438 runs on a road of a pitch, with Ajinkya Rahane smacking a ton. Before this, New Zealand scored 192 in 1st innings. In the 3rd inning, McCullum batted for almost 775 minutes, saving their team from defeat.
10. Hanif Mohammad
Hanif Mohammad was probably one of the best players from Pakistan. On the home turf of West Indies, Hanif played his best-ever knock, smacking 337 runs. In the 1st test, West Indies piled up 579 runs on a road of a pitch, with Everton Weekes smacking a ton. Pakistan had to follow on after getting out on 106. In 3rd inning, Hanif batted for almost 970 minutes, saving their team from defeat.
