Test cricket has seen many exciting finishes over the years. In this article, we will explore the top 10 Test matches with thrilling last-day finishes. These matches have provided fans with unforgettable moments of drama and skill. From comebacks to close run chases, these matches showcase the essence of Test cricket.
1. Australia Vs. England, Headingley 1981
Known as "Botham's Ashes," this Test match showcased an astonishing comeback by England's Ian Botham and Bob Willis. England was struggling at 135/7 while chasing 130 runs, but Botham's unbeaten 149 and Willis' 8-wicket haul secured an 18-run victory. The match initially seemed dull and rainy but defied expectations. England's victory was the result of a collective effort against all odds. This historic Test redefined cricket's unpredictability and spirit.
2. Australia Vs. West Indies, Adelaide 1993
West Indies played against Australia in a Test series for the Frank Worrell Trophy. West Indies won 2–1 with two draws. In the historic Test match in Adelaide, Australia set West Indies a target of 186 runs. Despite a shaky start at 74-7, Justin Langer and Tim May made efforts with their remarkable performance. Needing one more run to tie, McDermott was caught, and West Indies won by just one run. This thrilling victory of West Indies marked the last time they won a test series in Australia.
3. South Africa Vs. Australia, Johannesburg 1999
South Africa clinched victory in the match against Australia in 1999. Batting first, Australia managed to score 205 runs in 49.5 overs, with Steve Waugh leading the team's effort with 51 runs off 86 balls. South Africa achieved the target with 13 balls remaining, scoring 209 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 47.5 overs. Mark Boucher starred with the bat, and Lance Klusener's quick 52 off 50 balls aided the victory. Brett Lee and Shane Warne’s wicket taking performances aided the victory. It was a thrilling contest that ended with South Africa winning by 4 wickets.
4. England Vs. Australia, Edgbaston 2005
The 2005 Ashes series between England and Australia is considered one of the greatest Test matches ever. England won the series 2–1, ending Australia's dominance. The fifth Test at The Oval was equally gripping. Needing 282 runs to win, Australia were eight wickets down with 62 runs needed in 2005. The Edgbaston match symbolized the renewal of the historic rivalry. The series marked a shift from Australia's earlier dominance and rekindled the excitement of the Ashes.
5. India Vs. Australia, Kolkata 2001
India orchestrated an iconic victory over Australia in the Second Test of the 2001 series. Forced to follow-on, India's VVS Laxman's and Rahul Dravid's extraordinary performances, set the stage for an incredible comeback. Australia, considered the best team, crumbled against India's pressure, and India won by 171 runs. This historic Test, held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, saw India’s Laxman and Dravid's partnership of 376 runs marked a pivotal moment.
6. England Vs. Australia, Trent Bridge 2005
In a thrilling Ashes match, England set Australia a target of 129 runs. Shane Warne's exceptional performance almost led to an Australian victory, but England's Matthew Hoggard took the final wicket, securing a tense 3-run win. During the Fourth Test at Trent Bridge, England posted 477 in their first innings, and Australia replied with 218. Despite Warne's efforts, England's batsmen held on, with Flintoff and Pietersen stabilizing the innings. Giles and Hoggard guided England to a crucial 2-1 series lead in the Ashes encounter.
7. South Africa Vs. Australia, Cape Town 2011
South Africa set Australia a target of 236 runs in the 1st Test of November 2011 that took place at Newlands, Cape Town. Shane Watson's 5-wicket haul restricted South Africa to just 96 runs in their second innings. However, Australia's batting collapsed in their second innings, managing only 47 runs, one of their lowest Test scores. Debutant Vernon Philander took 5 wickets for South Africa. Despite a strong effort from the last pair of James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon, South Africa secured a draw, missing victory by only two runs.
8. England Vs. New Zealand, Auckland 2013
In an intense match, New Zealand set a target of 443 runs for England during their tour in 2013. England's captain Stuart Broad played a valiant innings. The tour included three Twenty20 International matches, three One Day Internationals, and three Test matches. In the 3rd Test, Broad set a record for the longest time spent at the crease without scoring a run. Despite England's efforts, the match ended in a draw. New Zealand won the Test series and the teams competed for the Astle–Atherton Trophy.
9. West Indies Vs. England, Bridgetown 2019
West Indies set England a target of 628 runs. England's Ben Stokes played a heroic innings, leading his team to a remarkable 4-wicket victory, the highest successful run chase in Test cricket outside of Asia. The match took place in January 2019, and it saw West Indies scoring its best, while England was bowled. Jason Holder's double century and Roston Chase's bowling figures were notable performances. West Indies won by 381 runs, marking their greatest home victory in terms of runs.
10. Sri Lanka Vs. South Africa, Durban 2019
In 2019, Kusal Perera played an amazing cricket inning. He scored 153 runs which helped Sri Lanka win against South Africa in a very exciting match. Sri Lanka had to chase a tough score of 304 runs. When there were only eight runs left to win and just one wicket remaining, Kusal Perera did something incredible. This led his team to win the match by just one wicket. It was a historic moment in Test cricket, and Kusal Perera became a hero for his team.
