Hang in there, partner
Jesse Ryder endured a special dose of the nervous nineties in Hamilton on Wednesday, in the company of the No. 11, Chris Martin. A look at 11 other batsmen who had to rely on their last team-mate to get to three figures
Andrew Miller
19-Mar-2009
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Don Bradman in Melbourne, 1932-33
The Don didn't exactly struggle for centuries in his career - 29 in 52 Tests, in fact, at that legendary average of 99.94. But he was made to work for this one, in Melbourne in the second Test of the infamous Bodyline series. He entered the match a marked man from all quarters - he had managed only 103 runs in six innings leading into the series, and then missed the first Test following a row with the board (an episode that was dressed up as an "illness"). By the time he made his appearance, Australia were already 1-0 down, and when he pulled his first delivery, from Bill Bowes, onto his stumps, the pressure was really on. True to form, he responded, anchoring the second innings with 103 not out from 146 balls, of which the final five runs were made in partnership with Bert Ironmonger (Test average: 2.62), who was run out soon afterwards for a second-ball duck. England, set 251 for victory, were dismissed for 139.
The Don didn't exactly struggle for centuries in his career - 29 in 52 Tests, in fact, at that legendary average of 99.94. But he was made to work for this one, in Melbourne in the second Test of the infamous Bodyline series. He entered the match a marked man from all quarters - he had managed only 103 runs in six innings leading into the series, and then missed the first Test following a row with the board (an episode that was dressed up as an "illness"). By the time he made his appearance, Australia were already 1-0 down, and when he pulled his first delivery, from Bill Bowes, onto his stumps, the pressure was really on. True to form, he responded, anchoring the second innings with 103 not out from 146 balls, of which the final five runs were made in partnership with Bert Ironmonger (Test average: 2.62), who was run out soon afterwards for a second-ball duck. England, set 251 for victory, were dismissed for 139.
Steve Waugh in Sharjah, 2002-03
He may have been the man who presided over Australia's golden age, but Waugh still spent an awfully long time fighting to prove his enduring worth to his side. His emotional century in Sydney in the 2002-03 Ashes epitomised his battling qualities, but he might not even have had the opportunity to lead Australia in that series had it not been for another, vastly less celebrated, hundred in the dusty hinterland of Sharjah. Waugh had managed two fifties in 16 innings since his one-legged century at The Oval in 2001, and in the previous week's first Test, in which Pakistan managed twin totals of 59 and 53, his contribution had been a first-ball duck. He had no time to hang around. Having reached 83 not out when Glenn McGrath arrived in the middle, Waugh laid into Danish Kaneria, cracking consecutive fours to march into the nineties, then in the same over, consecutive sixes to reaffirm his status as a leader among worldbeaters.
He may have been the man who presided over Australia's golden age, but Waugh still spent an awfully long time fighting to prove his enduring worth to his side. His emotional century in Sydney in the 2002-03 Ashes epitomised his battling qualities, but he might not even have had the opportunity to lead Australia in that series had it not been for another, vastly less celebrated, hundred in the dusty hinterland of Sharjah. Waugh had managed two fifties in 16 innings since his one-legged century at The Oval in 2001, and in the previous week's first Test, in which Pakistan managed twin totals of 59 and 53, his contribution had been a first-ball duck. He had no time to hang around. Having reached 83 not out when Glenn McGrath arrived in the middle, Waugh laid into Danish Kaneria, cracking consecutive fours to march into the nineties, then in the same over, consecutive sixes to reaffirm his status as a leader among worldbeaters.
Michael Hussey in Melbourne, 2005-06
One of the side effects of Waugh's indefatigability was the log-jam it caused for a generation of Australian batsmen, not least Hussey, who had already turned 30 when he finally earned his Test debut after the Ashes defeat in 2005. Within three Tests he was a veteran, with two centuries against West Indies and an average of 120.33. But his finest hour was still to come. In the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, he was left to prop up his country against South Africa, after the loss of six wickets for 41. Once again, it was McGrath in the sidekick role, as Hussey - 27 not out at the start of the partnership - climbed onto the offensive, slamming 10 more fours and four sixes in his last 109 balls. Between them they hoisted Australia from 248 for 9 to 355 all out, and by the time Hussey fell for a magnificent 122, McGrath at the other end had poked along to 11 not out from 56 balls.
One of the side effects of Waugh's indefatigability was the log-jam it caused for a generation of Australian batsmen, not least Hussey, who had already turned 30 when he finally earned his Test debut after the Ashes defeat in 2005. Within three Tests he was a veteran, with two centuries against West Indies and an average of 120.33. But his finest hour was still to come. In the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, he was left to prop up his country against South Africa, after the loss of six wickets for 41. Once again, it was McGrath in the sidekick role, as Hussey - 27 not out at the start of the partnership - climbed onto the offensive, slamming 10 more fours and four sixes in his last 109 balls. Between them they hoisted Australia from 248 for 9 to 355 all out, and by the time Hussey fell for a magnificent 122, McGrath at the other end had poked along to 11 not out from 56 balls.
Nasser Hussain at Edgbaston, 1996
Though he ended up as a celebrated England captain who fell half a summer short of 100 caps, Hussain's career took an eternity to get up and running. His first seven Tests were against world-beating opponents - West Indies in 1989-90 and Australia in 1993, and he didn't feature again until picked to play India in the opening Test of 1996, by which stage he must have feared his last chance was upon him. So when he was left shoring the England innings up after a collapse to 215 for 8, he knew his time had come. Sure enough, the last two wickets added 98, as he posted his maiden hundred alongside the dubiously talented Allan Mullally, whose 14 not out on debut was impressively misleading. In his entire 19-Test career, Mullally only reached double figures on five occasions.
Though he ended up as a celebrated England captain who fell half a summer short of 100 caps, Hussain's career took an eternity to get up and running. His first seven Tests were against world-beating opponents - West Indies in 1989-90 and Australia in 1993, and he didn't feature again until picked to play India in the opening Test of 1996, by which stage he must have feared his last chance was upon him. So when he was left shoring the England innings up after a collapse to 215 for 8, he knew his time had come. Sure enough, the last two wickets added 98, as he posted his maiden hundred alongside the dubiously talented Allan Mullally, whose 14 not out on debut was impressively misleading. In his entire 19-Test career, Mullally only reached double figures on five occasions.
Graham Thorpe in Barbados, 2003-04
In March 2004, England won their first series in the Caribbean for 36 years, but it was by no means as comfortable as the 3-0 scoreline would suggest. While their pace bowlers, led by Steve Harmison, ultimately proved the difference between the sides, England's batsmen were made to battle for their runs, as the diminutive pairing of Fidel Edwards and Tino Best hustled them in the best traditions of their lankier forebears. In the series decider in Bridgetown, England had slumped to 119 for 6 in reply to 224, with Thorpe, 44 not out, their last realistic hope of a first-innings lead. By the time the No. 11, Harmison, came to the crease, Thorpe had worked his way up to 90, but England still trailed by 37. That deficit was soon wiped away, as Thorpe cracked Edwards down the ground for four to bring up his 14th Test hundred, then laid into the new ball to secure a first-innings lead of two psychologically vital runs. A Matthew Hoggard hat-trick effectively settled the contest the following morning.
In March 2004, England won their first series in the Caribbean for 36 years, but it was by no means as comfortable as the 3-0 scoreline would suggest. While their pace bowlers, led by Steve Harmison, ultimately proved the difference between the sides, England's batsmen were made to battle for their runs, as the diminutive pairing of Fidel Edwards and Tino Best hustled them in the best traditions of their lankier forebears. In the series decider in Bridgetown, England had slumped to 119 for 6 in reply to 224, with Thorpe, 44 not out, their last realistic hope of a first-innings lead. By the time the No. 11, Harmison, came to the crease, Thorpe had worked his way up to 90, but England still trailed by 37. That deficit was soon wiped away, as Thorpe cracked Edwards down the ground for four to bring up his 14th Test hundred, then laid into the new ball to secure a first-innings lead of two psychologically vital runs. A Matthew Hoggard hat-trick effectively settled the contest the following morning.
Ajit Agarkar at Lord's, 2002
Of all the names on the Lord's Honours Boards, that of Agarkar is perhaps the most improbable. Though his talent was never in question, Agarkar's temperament often let him down, as he struggled to live up to lofty expectations that, as a tall, penetrative seamer and counter-attacking batsman, he would turn into India's Kapil Dev for the 21st century. Still, even Kapil never managed a hundred at the home of cricket. That was what Agarkar achieved on an improbable final day of the 2002 Lord's Test. England already had the match sewn up - India were chasing a massive 568 for victory - but there was time for an entertaining cameo, as Agarkar and the No. 11, Ashish Nehra (19), added 63 final runs in 18 overs. By the time he was left unbeaten on 109, Agarkar had outperformed his Test average of 7.81 almost 14 times over.
Of all the names on the Lord's Honours Boards, that of Agarkar is perhaps the most improbable. Though his talent was never in question, Agarkar's temperament often let him down, as he struggled to live up to lofty expectations that, as a tall, penetrative seamer and counter-attacking batsman, he would turn into India's Kapil Dev for the 21st century. Still, even Kapil never managed a hundred at the home of cricket. That was what Agarkar achieved on an improbable final day of the 2002 Lord's Test. England already had the match sewn up - India were chasing a massive 568 for victory - but there was time for an entertaining cameo, as Agarkar and the No. 11, Ashish Nehra (19), added 63 final runs in 18 overs. By the time he was left unbeaten on 109, Agarkar had outperformed his Test average of 7.81 almost 14 times over.
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Peter Willey at The Oval, 1980
With a chest-on stance that screamed almost psychotic belligerence, Willey was renowned as a hard nut to crack - so hard, in fact, that he scared his own team-mates and was only called upon for the most unpalatable of contests. Fifteen of his 26 Tests and 13 of his 26 one-dayers came against West Indies in their prime, as well as both of his Test centuries. The first, at The Oval in 1980, epitomised his never-say-die attitude. In a rain-affected contest, England did their best to lose from a position of strength, as they slid to 92 for 9 in their second innings on the final day. Willey, however, found the unlikeliest of allies in Bob Willis, and together the pair repelled the four-pronged attack of Holding, Croft, Marshall and Garner to the close in an unbeaten 10th-wicket stand of 117.
With a chest-on stance that screamed almost psychotic belligerence, Willey was renowned as a hard nut to crack - so hard, in fact, that he scared his own team-mates and was only called upon for the most unpalatable of contests. Fifteen of his 26 Tests and 13 of his 26 one-dayers came against West Indies in their prime, as well as both of his Test centuries. The first, at The Oval in 1980, epitomised his never-say-die attitude. In a rain-affected contest, England did their best to lose from a position of strength, as they slid to 92 for 9 in their second innings on the final day. Willey, however, found the unlikeliest of allies in Bob Willis, and together the pair repelled the four-pronged attack of Holding, Croft, Marshall and Garner to the close in an unbeaten 10th-wicket stand of 117.
Nathan Astle in Auckland, 1996-97
A full five years before Astle clobbered England's bowlers for the fastest double-century in Test history, he was involved in arguably an even more incredible performance, in partnership with Danny Morrison, in Auckland in 1996-97. With two sessions of the game remaining, England had their sights set on a comfortable innings victory after New Zealand, trailing by 131 on first innings, slipped to 105 for 8. Simon Doull helped Astle avoid that particular ignominy with a ninth-wicket stand of 37, but Morrison - who had a Test-record 24 ducks to his name - wasn't exactly a menace to England's prospects. Or so they thought. Following Astle's lead, he blocked his way through the final two-and-three-quarter hours of the Test. As his desperation gave way to resignation, Mike Atherton threw in the towel immediately after Astle had reached three figures. New Zealand's 10th-wicket stand had been worth 106 runs, and both men had faced 133 balls.
A full five years before Astle clobbered England's bowlers for the fastest double-century in Test history, he was involved in arguably an even more incredible performance, in partnership with Danny Morrison, in Auckland in 1996-97. With two sessions of the game remaining, England had their sights set on a comfortable innings victory after New Zealand, trailing by 131 on first innings, slipped to 105 for 8. Simon Doull helped Astle avoid that particular ignominy with a ninth-wicket stand of 37, but Morrison - who had a Test-record 24 ducks to his name - wasn't exactly a menace to England's prospects. Or so they thought. Following Astle's lead, he blocked his way through the final two-and-three-quarter hours of the Test. As his desperation gave way to resignation, Mike Atherton threw in the towel immediately after Astle had reached three figures. New Zealand's 10th-wicket stand had been worth 106 runs, and both men had faced 133 balls.
Anil Kumble at The Oval 2007
Kumble made his Test debut on India's tour of England in 1990. Seventeen years later, he said farewell to the country with his maiden Test century, in his 118th Test. The manner in which he reached three figures was inglorious to say the least - an anxious charge-and-swipe at Kevin Pietersen and a bottom-edge past the stumps - but the ecstasy of the moment left no one in any doubt as to what it meant. At the other end, swinging lustily from the hip, was Sreesanth, whose unbeaten 35 from 32 balls served to show his older partner what riches were still on offer on a blameless wicket. Having come together with Kumble on 76, India's last pair added 73 in 13 overs, in a gargantuan and series-settling total of 664.
Kumble made his Test debut on India's tour of England in 1990. Seventeen years later, he said farewell to the country with his maiden Test century, in his 118th Test. The manner in which he reached three figures was inglorious to say the least - an anxious charge-and-swipe at Kevin Pietersen and a bottom-edge past the stumps - but the ecstasy of the moment left no one in any doubt as to what it meant. At the other end, swinging lustily from the hip, was Sreesanth, whose unbeaten 35 from 32 balls served to show his older partner what riches were still on offer on a blameless wicket. Having come together with Kumble on 76, India's last pair added 73 in 13 overs, in a gargantuan and series-settling total of 664.
Azhar Mahmood in Rawalpindi, 1997-98
Mahmood could have been a contender. A genuine allrounder, he was still good enough to merit selection for Pakistan's ill-fated World Cup squad in 2007, a full decade after he burst onto the international scene with three centuries in quick succession against South Africa, including 178 runs without dismissal on debut in Rawalpindi. Coming in at 206 for 6 in his maiden Test innings, Azhar soon lost Moin Khan and Saqlain Mushtaq, but found uncompromising support from numbers 10 and Jack. Waqar Younis made 45 and Mushtaq Ahmed 59, both career bests. Azhar topped out at 128 not out, and then followed up with an unbeaten fifty in the second innings. In Durban four months later he produced a solo performance on a spiteful track that ought to have marked his ascendance in the big-time. But instead he played just 21 Tests in an absurdly unfulfilled career.
Mahmood could have been a contender. A genuine allrounder, he was still good enough to merit selection for Pakistan's ill-fated World Cup squad in 2007, a full decade after he burst onto the international scene with three centuries in quick succession against South Africa, including 178 runs without dismissal on debut in Rawalpindi. Coming in at 206 for 6 in his maiden Test innings, Azhar soon lost Moin Khan and Saqlain Mushtaq, but found uncompromising support from numbers 10 and Jack. Waqar Younis made 45 and Mushtaq Ahmed 59, both career bests. Azhar topped out at 128 not out, and then followed up with an unbeaten fifty in the second innings. In Durban four months later he produced a solo performance on a spiteful track that ought to have marked his ascendance in the big-time. But instead he played just 21 Tests in an absurdly unfulfilled career.
Dilip Vengsarkar at Lord's and Headingley, 1986
Among his other accomplishments, Vengsarkar will forever be remembered as the scorer of three centuries in consecutive visits to Lord's, but he would not have achieved the feat without the durability of his No. 11, Maninder Singh. In 1986, replying to England's 294, India had a slender lead at 303 for 9, with Vengsarkar unbeaten on 95. Between them, they turned that into a match-changing advantage of 47; then, a fortnight later, at Headingley, the pair repeated the trick on the way to a series-sealing 279-run win. Vengsarkar's eventual 102 not out exactly equalled England's first-innings total.
Among his other accomplishments, Vengsarkar will forever be remembered as the scorer of three centuries in consecutive visits to Lord's, but he would not have achieved the feat without the durability of his No. 11, Maninder Singh. In 1986, replying to England's 294, India had a slender lead at 303 for 9, with Vengsarkar unbeaten on 95. Between them, they turned that into a match-changing advantage of 47; then, a fortnight later, at Headingley, the pair repeated the trick on the way to a series-sealing 279-run win. Vengsarkar's eventual 102 not out exactly equalled England's first-innings total.
Andrew Miller is UK editor of Cricinfo