5 knocks that saved a player's Test career

Nowhere is the microscope better focused than Test cricket. Its a format that lends itself to scrutiny, criticism and commendation often all within one match perfectly. While welcome, fortune rarely bails out teams,or even players,in a five-day war.It is the Test that determines whether a cricketer is remembered as a great, a capable servant to his country or assomeone who is known justvaguely for earning a cap once or twice.Therefore, for those who do succeed it speaks volumes about them. Sir Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Larastand tallest on the batting front, tales of their supremity will last forever. But something nomember of the trio had to come was true adversity. They were acquainted with neither thedo-or-die situation northe last chance saloon scenario.Not all have been so lucky enough to avoid aposition of such peril; but even then, a glimmer of hope still remains for a playerto resurrect their Test lives. Here are five names who saved their careers in the longest format with one memorable innings.

#1 Alastair Cook 110 vs Pakistan at The Oval, 2010

Were it not for the spot-fixing scandal, the revitalisation of Alastair Cook may have been the lasting mark of England’s home series against Pakistan in 2010. The left-hander, who had grappled for form all summer – his highest score just 23 – and another failure could well have signalled the end, with both media and fans baying for blood.

A single-figure return in the first innings didn’t bode well and if one of the early edges off Mohammad Asif’s bowling in the second had gone to hand it could all have gone very differently. But they didn’t. Steadily growing in confidence, Cook began to find the boundary with regularity, cutting and driving with increasing assurance. Bizarrely, he reached his century courtesy of a forward defence – Asif in haste gathered the ball only to fire it high and handsome over the wicket-keeper for four overthrows.

Finally dismissed for 110, the opener had shown grit in spades, enough to convince selectors of his place, although England went on to lose the match. The backing soon paid off as Cook plundered 766 in the 2010-11 Ashes series, spearheading England’s successful assault as they captured the urn for the first time on Australian soil for 24 years. Perhaps he should draw inspiration from these events as he searches for the remedy to overturn his current struggles.