4 times the last batting pair doubled the team score
Contributions from part-time bowlers who chip in with useful medium pace or occasional turners, and tailenders who accumulate crucial runs have often defined the state of a match. On most occasions, such moments go a long way in influencing results, or at times, even saving sides from embarrassment.
Sportskeeda looks back at instances when the latter happened, with the tenth wicket adding more runs than all previous nine combined, though the team that did manage to do so ended on the losing side thrice.
#4 Tom Curran and James Anderson: New Zealand vs England, Auckland 2018
Brief Scores: New Zealand 427/8 dec (Nicholls 145*, Williamson 102; Broad 3/78) beat England 58 (Overton 33*; Boult 6/32, Southee 4/25) and 320 (Stokes 66; Astle 3/39, Boult 3/67) by an innings and 49 runs
England were bowled out for 58 in the first session of the maiden day-night Test hosted by New Zealand at Auckland, Trent Boult and Tim Southee having fun with the new ball like a toddler playing with his new toys. At 27/9, the visiting side stared at their lowest Test score - 45 - made against Australia more than a century ago in 1887. Number nine Craig Overton then decided to counter-attack and take England beyond their lowest total.
He whacked 5 fours and a six in a knock of 33*, and added 31 for the final wicket with James Anderson. Finally, Boult, who got a career-best 6/32, removed the latter to finish the England innings for 58 with Southee taking 4/25. New Zealand then hit 427 following centuries from Henry Nicholls and captain Kane Williamson, which proved enough to not bat again. England made 320 in the second essay and lost by an innings and 49 runs.