Sting in the tail – Highest scores by number 11 in Test cricket

Every team member included in the playing XI does not have to bowl but everyone in the team has to bat at some point or the other. And yet, it is fairly a modern phenomenon to see teams parading an incredible batting depth. The tails wag and they often end up scoring the most decisive runs. We are yet to see a number 11 score a century in any format of the game, but here are the highest scores by a number 11 in Test cricket.

Zaheer Khan – 75 vs Bangaldesh (2014)

Bangladesh had collapsed to 184 all out in the first innings at Dhaka. When they reduced India to 326/9, they thought the punishment was all but over. In walked Zaheer Khan, who joined the centurion, Sachin Tendulkar. Batting out 115 balls, Zaheer scored 75 runs with the help of 10 fours and two sixes. He was the last man out as Tendulkar finished on 248 not out. India won the Test comfortably.

James Anderson – 81 vs India (2014)

India posted 457 in the first innings at Nottingham with their number 11 Mohammed Shami smashing 51 not out. James Anderson replied in a befitting manner. Resurrecting England from 298/9, the swing bowler added 81 runs on his own in the 198-run stand with captain Joe Root. England not only caught up with India’s total but also captured a 39-run lead.

Tino Best – 95 vs England (2012)

This Test match at saw only two days being played as rain washed off three days out of the game. The only highlight from this short encounter was Tino Best’s sparkling knock of 95. Joining Denesh Ramdin, who was eyeing his Test ton, Best gave the much-needed company and then some. Of the 143 runs that they added for the 10th wicket, Best struck 95. His entertaining knock included 14 fours and a six. Graham Onions then got rid of him with a slower ball.

Ashton Agar – 98 vs England (2013)

When Australia handed the debut Test cap to Ashton Agar, little did anyone know about his batting capabilities. This was the first Test of Ashes 2013 and the debutant must’ve been under tremendous pressure. At Nottingham, England subsided in the first innings for 215 all out. They were still set to take a massive lead with Australia crumbling to 117/9. Agar accompanied Phil Hughes as the pair added 163 runs. The number 11 fell just two runs short of scoring the first-ever Test century from that batting position. Graeme Swann took an excellent catch to dismiss Agar on the bowling of Stuart Broad.