5 times a No. 11 batsman top scored in an innings
Tail-enders are easily the most unpopular batsmen in cricket as they generally don't contribute too much to the scorecard. The No. 11 batsmen, in particular, are expected to be of zero value and any contribution from them is considered to be a surplus.But a startling fact that may not be known to many is that there are instances in cricket history where a batsman coming in to bat last has ended up being the top scorer in the innings.Finding it hard to believe? Take a look as these five No. 11s who scored the most runs in a completed innings:
#5 Nathan Lyon (Australia)
Opponent Team - South Africa
Individual Score - 14 (24)
Team Total - 47 all out
Offie Nathan Lyon once became the highest scorer in an Australian innings during one of the weirdest Test matches ever played. It was the 1st Test of the 2011 series between the Aussies and the Proteas and the men from Down Under put 284 on the board batting first while South Africa were skittled out for 96.
The South African bowlers, in turn, blew away Australia for 47, out of which No. 11 Lyon top scored with 14 and was the last man to be dismissed. The importance of his brief knock was that Nathan Lyon saved his team from the embarrassment of being bowled out for the lowest score ever in a Test innings as they were 21 for 9 at one stage.