Top 5 highest scores by number 9 batsmen in Test cricket
Test cricket is all about resistance and temperament where players battle it out to either make a mark for them or to save the match for their team in difficult situations. The format provides players with the liberty to express themselves more freely and play more quality and gritty cricket.
After Jayant Yadav became the first Indian to score a century batting at number 9 in Test cricket, it brought back memories of some classic and blistering batting performances played at number 9 which not only helped the players earn recognition and praise but also were crucial in changing the course of the match.
Here are top 5 highest scores by batsmen batting at number 9:
#1 Ian Smith (New Zealand) – 173 vs India (February 1990)
India and New Zealand were playing aggressive and competitive cricket when they battled it out in a 3 match Test series in 1990. India went into the third match aiming to level the series after losing the first match and drawing the second. However, Ian Smith had different plans this time.
While New Zealand were struggling at 131 for 7 in the first innings, it was Richard Hadlee and Smith who changed the course of the match after they were involved in a partnership of 103 runs for the 8th wicket. Smith also went on to hit a majestic century, scoring 173 runs from 136 balls at a strike rate of 127.20 that included 23 boundaries and 3 sky-rocketing sixes and helped his team put up a respectable total of 391 on the board.
His innings was a delight to watch as he showed no mercy on the Indian bowlers and thrashed them all over the park. He played aggressive cricket throughout and never allowed bowlers to dominate him eventually ending the match in a draw.
Smith currently holds the record for the highest score batting at number 9 in Test Cricket.