When the last man stood tall—celebrating unforgettable moments by Test cricket's No. 11s. Via puneripages.in
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
There’s something beautiful about watching a No. 11 batsman walk out to the crease. The crowd doesn’t expect fireworks. The fielding team is already celebrating in their heads. But once in a while, against all odds, the last man standing does something unforgettable—and that’s what makes cricket magical.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdog. Especially when the game is hanging by a thread and out walks someone who’s “not supposed to bat.” Yet, some of these so-called tail-enders have etched their names into the game’s folklore. Let’s take a walk through the stories of some of Test cricket’s most unexpected heroes at No. 11.
Table of Contents
The Iconic Stand: Ashton Agar – 98 vs England, 2013
This one sticks with me like it was yesterday. Agar, just 19 at the time, making his debut in an Ashes Test. Australia were 117 for 9 when he walked in. You’re thinking the innings is about to wrap up, right? Wrong. Agar, with Philip Hughes, stitched a 163-run partnership. He didn’t just survive—he played glorious cover drives, fearless pulls, and came agonisingly close to a century, scoring 98. Even the English crowd applauded.
What made it even better? The raw joy on his face. A debut, at No. 11, almost hitting a hundred in the Ashes? You couldn’t write a better script.
India’s Heartbeat Moment: Zaheer Khan – 75 vs Bangladesh, 2004
Zaheer’s 75 might not come up in most top batting lists, but to me, it was peak drama. He batted like a proper top-order guy. Pull shots, square drives—you name it. That knock helped India add crucial runs and frustrate the Bangladeshi bowlers. Watching Zaheer made you think: maybe he should’ve batted higher up more often.
Tino Best – 95 vs England, 2012: “Mind the windows, Tino!”
This one’s legendary for all the right reasons. Tino Best came out swinging—literally. England had teased him with “mind the windows” from the dressing room, and he responded with an explosive 95. It was chaos, fun, and skill all rolled into one. I remember grinning the entire time watching that innings.
Glenn McGrath – 61 vs New Zealand, 2004: From rabbit to surprise star
Glenn McGrath was never known for his batting—let’s be honest. But one fine day at the Gabba, he decided to rewrite the script. His 61 against New Zealand was as surprising as it was entertaining. The man who had a batting average under 10 played some hilarious-yet-effective shots, and the crowd absolutely lapped it up.
B.S. Chandrasekhar – 22 vs England, 1971: Every run mattered
In a series that would define Indian cricket history, every single run counted. Chandra, a wizard with the ball, wasn’t supposed to bat. But his 22-run stand in the second innings of the Oval Test gave India just enough breathing room. We ended up winning that match—and the series. His bat may have looked like a twig in his hands, but those runs? Gold.
Why I Love These Stories
These aren’t just statistics or fun trivia—they’re moments of pure heart. Every time a No. 11 steps up and does the unthinkable, it reminds me why I fell in love with cricket. It’s not just about skill; it’s about courage, surprise, and joy. These guys weren’t supposed to steal the spotlight—but for a brief time, they did.
And honestly, isn’t that what makes sport so damn beautiful?
Your Turn: Who’s Your Favourite No. 11 Hero?
I’d love to know who your favourite underdog is. Drop a comment or tag me if you remember a knock that gave you chills. Because in the end, it’s these unexpected moments that stay with us the longest.
Written with all the cricketing love in the world, by someone who still believes the last man in can sometimes be the biggest hero.
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