Top 5 Test centuries in a losing cause
A test century is the dream of every batsman. And whenever century is instrumental in securing victory for the team, then the satisfaction is doubled altogether. But then there also have been instances where people came up with exceptional efforts with the bat, but the opponents came out victorious because they were able to produce better performances. This can be very frustrating for the ones who got the runs but still ended up losing, because test tons don’t come easy.
Here are some splendid performances with the bat which entertained everyone but could not ensure victory for their sides.
5. Paul Collingwood 206 vs Australia (Ashes, Adelaide, 2006)
Paul Collingwood
This was a superb effort by Collingwood in the 2nd test of the series. England won the toss and opted to bat on a wicket that favoured batsmen here at the Adelaide Oval. The openers, Strauss and Cook, however, were dismissed cheaply leaving Bell and Collingwood at the crease. They rose to the occasion, and while Bell got out after scoring a 60, Collingwood went on to score a double ton (16 fours) and built a 4th-wicket stand of 310 with Kevin Pietersen who scored 158. This was a relatively quiet double ton, involving more of resolute defensive shots than boundaries, his innings having lasted 392 balls. He did most of the scoring running between the wickets. Even his first hundred runs were competed on the second day, while the 200 mark was crossed before tea.
There wasn’t much life left in the test match with England playing their 2nd innings after a lead of 38 in the first innings, and only a day of play left with the score standing at 59/1. But it proved to be time enough for Australia as they dismissed England for a cheap 129 just before tea on the 5th day (Warne took 4 wickets) and scored the required 168 runs in the final session of play. Centuries by Collingwood and Pietersen went in vain as Ricky Ponting lifted man of the match award for his 124 in the first innings and his 49 not out in the second that saw his team home.