The longest format of the game has lost its popularity in recent times but even now it is the most challenging format of the game. It tests the patience and skill of each and every player in the team and the format of the game makes sure that only the better team wins.
Though it is a normal game of cricket, the format of the game provides opportunities for the teams to try things and innovate to get the best out of the team and this is another part of the game the longest format demands from a cricketer.
From enforcing follow-on to using bowling with an old ball even after 80 overs, there are plenty of innovations used in the game over the years for the sole purpose of getting a positive result.
Sending in a ‘night-watchman’ is one such trick that helps the batting side frustrate the opponents and shield their batsmen. A bowler who sent up the order to play the last few overs in a day so as to stick around without trying to even score runs for the only purpose of shielding the batsman at the other end and not allowing wicket to fall is called a night watchman.
He is hardly expected to score runs and is only a player who is there to get the team through the day without further damage. But there are times when such batsman ended up as the highest scorer in the innings. Here are 5 instances when it has happened: