Flashback: Only three men to bat in every position from 1 to 11 in Tests
The longest and purest format of the game, the Test format was introduced way back in the year 1877 and since then, there have been only three players who have batted at every position right from top to bottom.
Let’s take a look at the three players who have managed to bat at all positions in Test cricket:
Wilfred Rhodes
Former England cricketer Wilfred Rhodes is one of the three names to feature in this list. Having made his debut against Australia in Nottingham in 1899, Rhodes’ runs from position first to 11th read as 284, 1185, 66, 42, 5, 39, 293, 96, 63, 119, and 133. Overall, the right-handed batter amassed 2325 runs in 58 Tests at an average of 30.19. In 98 innings, he struck two centuries and 11 half-centuries. His last appearance came against West Indies in 1930.
Vinoo Mankad
Former India player Vinoo Mankad made his debut against England at Lord’s in 1946. Mankad’s runs from the first to the 11th position read as 1315, 233, 42, 22, 34, 56, 112, 244, 51, zero and zero. The right-handed batter mustered 2109 runs in 44 matches at an average of 31.47. In 72 innings, Mankad smashed five centuries and six half-centuries. His last appearance in Tests came against West Indies in 1959.
Syd Gregory
Former Australian player Syd Gregory made his maiden Test appearance against rivals England at Lord’s in 1890. His scores from the first to the last position were 193, 131, 61, 425, 835, 530, 21, 78, two, two, and four. Overall, the right-handed batter racked up 2282 runs in 58 games at an average of 24.53. In 100 innings, he hit four hundred and eight fifties. He played his last Test against the English side in 1912.
