Highest Test scores by a visiting batsman in each country
Most cricket experts would agree that batsmen always love to bat at home. There is something about batting on your own backyard with the home supporters cheering you and the feel of the ball coming on to the bat on familiar surfaces that batsmen always yarn to feel.Despite them enjoying the challenge of playing away, nothing really compares to playing at home. Several batsmen over decades have made their home a fortress, and have played many defining innings. The fact that players have a big psychological boost while playing at home is what makes the home advantage that much more special.But not all players prefer home to away. The best of them enjoy playing anywhere around the world. It is a mark of a good player that he maintains an exemplary record anywhere he plays, and is not just partial to familiar conditions.Players like Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Viv Richards and Sachin Tendulkar come to mind. But they are but examples in a long line of cricketers who have shown their worth in Tests away from home as well.Let’s take a look at the highest individual scores by a visiting batsman in each test-playing country over the years:
#10 Stephen Fleming - 262 in South Africa
On a rare day where New Zealand outclassed South Africa at their own backyard, Stephen Fleming’s classy 262 became the highest individual score in South Africa by a visiting batsman. Fleming went past the 243 posted by Eddie Paynter in 1939 en route to his historic innings.
Put into bat, New Zealand started sedately, with the openers putting up a 50-run stand in 17 overs. But after three quick wickets, New Zealand needed someone to steady the ship, and it was their captain who offered the helping hand.
Fleming batted with ease and grace as he caressed the ball to the boundary, never hitting it more than he needed to. Ntini and Steyn were rendered effectiveless as no amount of swing or pace could be garnered from the unresponsive wicket.
Fleming reached his hundred on the final session of Day 1, but with New Zealand already 6 down, it seemed the innings would prematurely cease. But James Franklin batted superbly at 7-down, and scored a century of his own.
Without Franklin’s effort, Fleming could not have passed his first ever double century. The bowlers tired after every over, and the pitch only got easier to bat on. Fleming made full use of the vacant third man as he edged, steered and even uppercut boundaries to that part of the field.
Fleming was all set to become New Zealand’s first ever triple centurion, but he dragged on a harmless delivery from Ashwell Prince to end a magnificent innings.