Cricket is a game of many rule and regulations and it has many names to it. Various field position also has some unique name to it. one such terminology is use for lower order batter who come to bat up in the order. What exactly the name is? What exactly the role of that particular batter? Let’s look into it
In cricket , Nightwatchman is the term use to refer to the batter who is generally a lower order batsman and come in the top or middle order of the playing 11 to play most of the balls and save the team from further losing of wickets. It also help to avoid those batter from getting out who’s not in form and also to avoid losing top order batsman if the condition suit the bowlers in the beginning of the days play or end of the days play . So here we will look into such night watchman who not only played a role of a defender but also ended up scoring runs and help team to capitalise.
4) Syed Kirmani (101*)
Syed Kirmani has been an quick and best gloves man played for india in late 70s & in 80s. He played most of his test cricket in lower down the order and has an fine contribution for team. In one such match against Australia in Mumbai , Syed kirmani was promoted up in the order and he scored 101* and that helped india to take 1st innings lead and eventually helped India to win the match. it’s his also one of the two centuries he scored in his test career.
3) Tony Mann (105)
Former Australian spinner Tony Mann is among the most runs scored by an night watchman in an innings. Chasing a target of 342 against india in Perth, Tony Mann was sent in No.3 position and he scored 105 runs that led Australia to victory. Though his played only 4 matches for his side, But this record he hold is certainly a thing to cherish for him forever.
2) Mark Boucher ( 108 & 125*)
World is aware of how successful Mark Boucher is as a wicket keeper in international cricket. one of the safest player with gloves . For many years He’s been a rescuer for Proteias with his batting as well. In some instances, He got many opportunities up in the order and he scored hundreds in such situations. He scored 108 & 125* vs Zimbabwe & England respectively and he proved again not only he’s a good Wicketkeeper but also a quality batter.
1) Jason Gillespie (201*)
World knows Jason Gillespie for his quick bowling and ability to bowl long spells for austraila not only in doemstic circuit but also for natonal side. Having 259 wickets in 71 test matches for Australia , He set a name for himself as a premium fast bowler for his side. But he also hold a unique record against his name pf being the highest score by an night watchman in test cricket. In his last game in his test career, Jason Gillespie scored 201* runs batting up in the order against Bangladesh in 2006 in his 31st birthday as well. Though he played many crucial knocks for his side ans stiched important partnership, This double century will always remain the best double century ever played by an batter as an night watchman.
