5 Times the number 11 top-scored in a Test match innings

The very nature of Test cricket allows batsmen at all positions to score runs since overs are not restricted and even a number 11 batsman does not have to go for big hits like he might have to in limited overs cricket.

Hence, they have the opportunity to score runs but on the other hand, it is a telling indictment on the rest of the batting line up if the last man ends up getting the highest score in the innings. There have been very few instances (10, actually) in which the last man ended up being the highest scorer in a Test match innings.

Here is a look at 5 of the highest scores made by such players.

#5 Steve Harmison vs South Africa at Cape Town, 2005

The former England fast bowler reigned as one of the world’s best for a brief period in the early to mid-noughties but back in 2005, Steve Harmison shone with the bat in a losing cause. In the 3rd Test of the 5-match series at Cape Town, England crashed to 163 all out in response to South Africa’s 441 and were then set a target of 501. The English batsmen did better in the second innings but despite getting starts, none of them went on to make the big score that could have saved the game and eventually they found themselves at 9 down for 253.

That is when Harmison walked in and decided to throw his bat at everything. It was nothing more than a bit of entertainment for everyone after a wretched batting display by England. The big fast bowler hit 7 fours and one six to top score for England with a knock of 42. Considering the fact that he ended with a career average of 11.79 in Tests, the English batsmen involved in that Test must feel a bit embarrassed to this day.