Anantha Narayanan
Ever wonder which are the top bowling performances in conditions that were the most difficult for bowlers?
A look at the most difficult Test runs made in an innings, taking into account the pitch and the support (or lack of it) at the other end
Athers, Faf, McCabe, and even Mark Waugh? Which batsmen have hunkered down the best?
"Barnes: The finest innings I have seen."
"Cardus: Think again, you have seen Trumper."
"Barnes: I can only repeat it is the greatest I ever saw."
"Cardus: I'd have liked to see you out there bowling to McCabe."
"Barnes (after a moment's thought): I don't think I would have kept him quiet."
Background
A match-saving innings is an effort of great fortitude and endurance. It is difficult to pinpoint performances in the first innings of Test matches as match-saving, as there are at least two more innings to be played in the game. Hence, match-saving innings are normally played in the third or fourth innings, when there is no comeback possible. The only exception is one of the greatest innings ever - the one by McCabe referenced above.
Finding the best ODI bowlers in history using a combination of strike rate, bowling average and runs conceded per over
A look at bowlers with the highest-rated four- and five-wicket hauls, bowlers with the best frequency of top performances, and more
A look at the winning chances for the teams in the fascinating five-Test series just past
The follow-up to the top 25 batting performances of all time looks at, among other things, the best performances in a match, and batsmen with the top average rating
A definitive list based on an exhaustive and thorough ratings system
The parameters and methodology explained
In part one of my Top Bowling Performances Analysis, I presented a complete historic perspective. Let me move on to the batting performance analysis, which I am revisiting after over 17 years.
A definitive list based on an exhaustive and thorough ratings system