Top 10 High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test Matches: Unbelievable Test Heroics

In the world of Test cricket, the role of a nightwatchman is mainly defensive to survive a few overs and protect key batters from getting out late in the day. However, there have been moments in history when these lower-order players have gone beyond expectations and delivered extraordinary performances with the bat. These rare innings reflect not only resilience but also hidden talent and determination. This article highlights the top 10 High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test history, where unsung heroes turned into match-winners through their unforgettable knocks.

List of Top 10 High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test Matches

10. Jack Russell – 94 vs Sri Lanka

Jack Russell, England’s reliable wicketkeeper, showed nerves of steel at Lord’s in 1988. Sent as a nightwatchman, Russell ended up scoring a crucial 94 runs, playing with the technique of a top-order batsman. His knock helped England post a strong first innings total and put Sri Lanka under pressure. The innings was a blend of discipline and temperament, underlining the depth in England’s batting lineup.

High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test cricket records highlight Russell’s contribution as one of the most skillful nightwatchman knocks.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
94	Jack Russell	England	Sri Lanka

9. Eddie Hemmings – 95 vs Australia

Eddie Hemmings, a spinner by trade, was known more for his bowling. However, during the 1983 Ashes Test in Sydney, he shocked Australia by scoring 95 as a nightwatchman. Coming in late on Day 1, Hemmings batted with immense courage and composure. He stitched partnerships with the middle order and nearly reached a century before falling short.

This innings still stands tall in the list of High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test cricket.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
95	Eddie Hemmings	England	Australia

8. Harold Larwood – 98 vs Australia

Known for his aggressive fast bowling in the Bodyline series, Harold Larwood surprised everyone by showing his batting skills in Sydney. He scored 98 runs as a nightwatchman, an exceptional feat for a bowler. His innings frustrated the Australian bowlers and provided England a massive first-innings total.

His performance deserves a top place in the historical list of High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test matches.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
98	Harold Larwood	England	Australia

7. Alex Tudor – 99 vs New Zealand

Alex Tudor came extremely close to becoming one of the rare nightwatchmen to score a century. In Birmingham, 1999, Tudor played a fluent and risk-free knock, ending up unbeaten on 99. The crowd cheered him with every run as he helped England dominate the New Zealand bowling attack.

This innings remains one of the most emotional stories in the archive of High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test history.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
99*	Alex Tudor	England	New Zealand

6. Nasim-ul-Ghani – 101 vs England

In 1962, at the home of cricket, Lord’s, Pakistan’s spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani created history by becoming the first nightwatchman to score a century in Test cricket. His composed 101 against England was filled with traditional strokes and incredible patience. It lifted Pakistan to a commanding position.

It remains a groundbreaking moment among High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test cricket.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
101	Nasim-ul-Ghani	Pakistan	England

5. Syed Kirmani – 101 vs Australia (1979, Mumbai)*

Syed Kirmani, India’s legendary wicketkeeper, showed incredible temperament with an unbeaten 101 against a strong Australian team. Coming in to protect the middle order, Kirmani went on to build a powerful innings that helped India reach a strong total in Mumbai. His calm presence under pressure showed his class.

This century rightly deserves mention in the top High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test cricket feats.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
101*	Syed Kirmani	India	Australia

4. Allan Mann – 105 vs India

Allan Mann might not be a household name, but his 105 against India in Perth stands tall in the list of great nightwatchman efforts. On a fast and bouncy pitch, Mann stood firm against the Indian bowling attack. His century gave Australia the advantage and became one of the key highlights of the match.

This knock is a hidden gem in the list of High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test cricket.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
105	Allan Mann	Australia	India

3. Mark Boucher – 108 vs England

Mark Boucher, usually behind the stumps, showed his batting prowess by scoring 108 against England. Boucher walked in as a nightwatchman but batted like a top-order batsman, showing superb balance and strokeplay. He was solid in defense and bold in his stroke-making.

Among the High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test, this is one of the most fluent innings.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
108	Mark Boucher	South Africa	England

2. Mark Boucher – 125 vs Zimbabwe

Once again, Boucher features in this elite list, this time with a brilliant 125-run knock against Zimbabwe. Boucher took full responsibility as a nightwatchman and capitalized on the weak bowling attack. His aggressive batting put South Africa in full control.

This performance adds more glory to the legend of High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test cricket.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
125	Mark Boucher	South Africa	Zimbabwe

1. Jason Gillespie – 201 vs Bangladesh

The highest ever score by a nightwatchman in the history of Test cricket belongs to Jason Gillespie. In 2006, the fast bowler shocked the cricketing world by scoring an unbeaten 201 against Bangladesh. His concentration, timing, and determination were simply phenomenal.

This record-breaking knock remains the ultimate example in the saga of High Scores by Nightwatchmen in Test history.

Score	Player	Team	Opponent
201*	Jason Gillespie	Australia	Bangladesh

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