Overnight debacles: Five batsmen who struggle the most in Test resumptions
Test cricket is indeed a tough nut to crack as an individual has to tackle several challenges to thrive in this format. A Test match lasts for a maximum of five days. Hence, the track also deteriorates with time. Owing to all these factors, piling up runs in Test matches takes some beating.
Meanwhile, batters are also required to pause their innings at the end of the day’s play and resume their outing the next morning. The break is not always fruitful for batters as bowlers restore their energy overnight. Also, the track also tends to behave a bit differently early on. While some batters have embraced this challenge, many have endured a tough time in resuming their innings.
Meanwhile, let’s look at 5 batsmen who are the worst resumers in Test cricket:-
5) Ashwell Prince
The left-handed batter had a pretty decent Test career as he scored runs in several conditions. Ashwell Prince possessed a solid defence and his ability to stay at the crease for long made him an even greater asset. He even slammed 11 centuries in his career spanning of 66 Tests. However, Ashwell wasn’t among the best when it came to resuming innings. He averaged 31.72 in Tests after being not out overnight.
4) Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane has been an integral part of India’s Test team ever since making his debut in the format in 2013. The right-handed batter is known for his précised technique through which he did well in foreign conditions as well. However, he hasn’t been doing too well while resuming at his overnight score. He averages just 29.73 in those matches.
3) Arjuna Ranatunga
Next on this not-so elite list is former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga. The ex-batter is credited to take Sri Lankan cricket to great heights. In fact, he also led the Lankan Lions to the 1996 World Cup triumph. Ranatunga did well in the Test arena too but wasn’t brilliant in resuming innings. The 58-year-old averaged 28.63 in those games.
2) Mark Butcher
Former England batter Mark Butcher showed a lot of promise early in his career. Although he did play some magnificent knocks in the Test arena, scoring consistently was an issue for him. He, however, managed to play 71 Tests as he received constant backing. Coming to his numbers, Butcher averaged 26.91 after being not out overnight.
1) Nasser Hussain
Butcher’s former teammate Nasser Hussain finds himself atop this list. The ex-England batter was known for his great temperament through which he gave tough time to many bowlers. However, he didn’t really enjoy resuming innings in the morning after ending the preceding day unbeaten. Hussain averaged only 26.47 in 42 attempts after being unbeaten overnight.
