5 Best ‘Night-Watchman’ Innings in Test Cricket

3. Tony Mann (Australia)

Match: Australia vs India | December 16-21 1977 | Perth, Australia | Scorecard

Score: 105 (165 balls)
Batting Position: Number 3

India, the visiting side, won the toss and decided to bat first against an in-form Australian side. The batting line-up coped up with complete conviction against the Australian pacers in the bouncy WACA pitch.

India notched up 402 in the first innings and Australia had an uphill battle to fight. Captain Simpson rose to the occasion scoring a century and Australia managed to score 394 in their first innings. With a lead of 8 runs, Indian side batted well yet again and declared at 330/9.

Australia needed 339 runs to win the Test match which was always going to be a tough task against the Indian bowling line-up and the wicket of opener John Dyson before the end of fourth day’s play didn’t help either.

Tony Mann came out to bat at number 3 as the night watchman and played out the day comfortably. Requiring 314 runs to win with a day left in the Test match, Tony started the counter-attack contrarily to what he was sent for. He struck 10 boundaries and scored a scintillating century for the hosts.

He got out for 105 off 165 deliveries ensuring a victory for his team. Australia eventually won the match by 2 wickets.