MEMORABLE FINISHES
Kusal Perera’s unbeaten 153 in pulling off a one-wicket win for Sri Lanka in Durban is the latest talked about knock in Tests. HT takes a look at some of the most nail-biting fourth-innings chases.
MARK WAUGH 116
vs South Africa, Port Elizabeth (March, 1997)
After being skittled for just 108 in their first innings, Australia were left needing 270 to win. The tourists were in early trouble at 2-30 when Mark Waugh arrived at the crease. Across 228 deliveries and for almost six hours, Waugh stood tall in what he later described it as his finest innings. The gifted right-hander’s knock helped Australia seal an unlikely victory.
MARK BUTCHER 173*
vs Australia, Leeds (August, 2001)
The Aussies took a 138-run lead and scored another 176 in quick time, leaving England needing 315 to win. The hosts fell to 2-33 but on a wearing fifth day pitch, against Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne and Brett Lee, No.3 Mark Butcher defied the Australians, finishing unbeaten on 173 off 227 deliveries as England got home by six wickets.
JUSTIN LANGER 127 & ADAM GILCHRIST 149*
vs Pakistan, Hobart (November, 1999)
At 5-126, chasing 369 on a wearing fifth-day track against an attack containing Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and Saqlain Mushtaq, Adam Gilchrist proved that he was a man for all seasons. Playing just his second Test, the keeper-batsman batted in his customary aggressive fashion, teaming up with the irrepressible Langer on the fourth evening, to hand his side the win.
GRAEME SMITH 108 & AB DE VILLIERS 106*
vs Australia, Perth (December, 2012)
Needing 414 to win, Graeme Smith led his side with a brilliant attacking hundred, setting the tone for what would become a historic run chase. He was out for 108 with the score at 172 but AB de Villiers picked up the slack as only he could, making a composed hundred to lead South Africa to their first Test win at the WACA.