Top 5 highest scores by nightwatchman in Test cricket history

Nightwatchmen have a unique place in cricket history since they frequently defy expectations and have a significant impact on match results. While batting under difficult circumstances, the best five innings from nightwatchmen highlighted in this article have demonstrated exceptional talent, tenacity, and fortitude. Let's honour cricket's unsung heroes who have performed admirably in the nightwatchman role as we commemorate their efforts.

1. Jason Gillespie – 201* vs Bangladesh, 2006

Jason Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler and one of cricket's greatest nightwatchmen, is first on this list. The highest score by a nightwatchman in Test history is held by Jason Gillespie of Australia. In 2006, he helped Australia crush Bangladesh in Chittagong with an undefeated 201-run total. 

The Kangaroos gained a huge advantage and a series whitewash over Bangladesh thanks to an amazing double century from Jason Gillespie. Gillespie arrived late on the first day and batted for over nine hours and more than 400 balls. It was also his only international century and his final Test match.

2. Mark Boucher – 125 vs Zimbabwe, 1999

In 1999, South Africa played Zimbabwe in Harare. The first innings saw the hosts thrashed for a score of 102. In the game, Mark Boucher was put in as a nightwatchman when South Africa was put to bat, and he made the most of the occasion by scoring 125 runs.

The Proteas reached 462/9 after this innings and declared their innings. In the end, South Africa prevailed by 219 runs and an innings. At the time, this was Zimbabwe's largest Test loss. Throughout his innings, he maintained a steady and collected appearance. For South Africa, this innings continues to rank among the best batting performances by a nightwatchman.

3. Mark Boucher – 108 vs England, 1999

In South African cricket history, this was one of the best games ever played. Mark Boucher, South Africa's fearless wicketkeeper batsman, came into bat late on day four of the 1999–2000 season in Durban and struck an incredible 108. After England scored 366/9d in the first innings, South Africa was required to respond. 

After being bowled out for 156, his team was asked to follow on. Gary Kirsten scored an incredible 275 runs, with the Nightwatchman providing him with excellent support. The home team saved the game and maintained their 1-0 lead in the five-match series thanks to Boucher's knock.

4. Tony Mann – 105 vs India, 1977

In 1977, India made a trip to Australia. Australia was handed a goal of 339 to win the Second Test in Perth. With nightwatchman Tony Mann and Craig Serjeant on the ground, Australia went down to 25/1 at the end of Day 4. On the other end, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals on Day 5. 

After a fantastic knock of 105, Tony Mann eventually got out after holding on at one end. Australia won the match by a slim margin of two wickets. Tony was just the second nightwatchman to reach a century in a Test match at that point.

5. Syed Kirmani – 101* vs Australia, 1979

India won the toss and chose to bat in the sixth Test match of the 1979 Australia tour of India. With 101 runs off 206 deliveries while batting at number five, Syed Kirmani stayed undefeated. India scored 458/8d thanks to the tormenting of the Australian bowlers by Kirmani and Karsan Ghavri, their number nine batsman.

Australia was asked to follow on after scoring only 160 runs in the first innings. Australia lost the match by an innings and 100 runs after being bowled out for 198 runs in the second innings. This represents one of India's largest margins of victory over Australia in Test matches.

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