7 Highest Partnerships For The 10th Wicket In Test: Test cricket has long been synonymous with perseverance, resolve, and memorable partnerships that change the course of a match. While the top three and middle-order stands are usually the stories that dominate the headlines, some of the most emotional rescue acts have been provided by the last pair at the crease.
These record 10th-wicket partnerships have provided some of the tensest comebacks, moments of heartbreak, and pure acts of defiance: from Joe Root and James Anderson’s record-breaking stand to Ashton Agar’s fairytale debut.
7 Highest Partnerships For The 10th Wicket In Test Cricket
1. Joe Root & James Anderson – 198 Runs
England vs India, Nottingham, 2014
At Trent Bridge in July 2014, England were in strife at 332/9 when Joe Root was partnered by veteran tailender James Anderson. A masterclass in patience and resolve followed.
Root was not out on 154, and Anderson made a career-high 81 as the pair built an incredible 198-run partnership the record Test 10th wicket stand in history. Their contribution transformed England’s innings and set a record that remains unbeaten.
2. Phil Hughes & Ashton Agar – 163 Runs
England vs Australia, Nottingham, 2013
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Just over a year ago, at the same venue, cricket crowds witnessed another unforgettable last-wicket rescue effort. Phil Hughes and debutant Ashton Agar, batting at number 11, managed a remarkable 163-run partnership.
Sadly for Agar, he fell two runs short of a maiden century on his Test match debut with an impressive 98, but he was excellent in his support of Hughes. The partnership helped guide Australia from a perilous 117/9 to 280 and turned what looked like a potential collapse into a very respectable 65 runs lead. It is perhaps one of the finest 10th wicket partnerships in Test match history.
3. Brian Hastings & Richard Collinge – 151 Runs
New Zealand vs Pakistan, Auckland, 1973
In February 1973, New Zealand’s Brian Hastings and Richard Collinge launched a brilliant fightback against Pakistan in Auckland.
Gathering together with their side in trouble, the two chipped in with 151 for the last wicket. Hastings remained not out on 110, and Collinge labored to 68, leading New Zealand to a total of 402 equal to Pakistan’s first innings aggregate. The game was drawn, but their partnership is among the great acts of defiance in Kiwi cricket.
4. Azhar Mahmood & Mushtaq Ahmed – 151 Runs
Pakistan vs South Africa, Rawalpindi, 1997
Pakistan’s Azhar Mahmood and Mushtaq Ahmed emulated the record in October 1997 with their own 151-run stand against South Africa.
Azhar’s counter-attacking batting, along with Mushtaq’s dogged 59, came to Pakistan’s rescue from a tough spot to get to 456. Although the match was a draw, their partnership is one of the top 10th wicket stands and an example of the fighting spirit of Pakistan.
5. Dinesh Ramdin & Tino Best – 143 Runs
West Indies vs England, Birmingham, 2012
In June 2012 at Edgbaston, a firework was created by West Indies pair Dinesh Ramdin and Tino Best with a 143-run last-wicket partnership.
Ramdin recorded a measured 107 not out, and Best let rip with attacking strokes to make 95 from 112 balls a memorable performance to bring the legendary phrase “Mind the windows, Tino!” The stand took West Indies to 426 in the rain-hit game that ultimately ended in a draw.
6. Wasim Raja & Wasim Bari – 133 Runs
West Indies vs Pakistan, Bridgetown, 1977
Confronted by a dominant West Indies pace attack in 1977, Pakistan’s Wasim Bari and Wasim Raja went down deep to create a never-to-be-forgotten 133-run stand for the 10th wicket.
Against the likes of Andy Roberts and Joel Garner, the two resuscitated Pakistan from 158/9 to 291. Although the game was drawn, their stand almost brought about an historic victory and is one of Pakistan’s greatest lower-order acts of valor.
7. Sachin Tendulkar & Zaheer Khan – 133 Runs
Bangladesh vs India, Dhaka, 2004
Indian great Sachin Tendulkar and tailender Zaheer Khan added a dominant 133-run partnership in Dhaka in December 2004.
Tendulkar’s 248 not out one of his best Test innings and Zaheer’s classy 75 took India to 526. Bangladesh never came back, collapsing for 202 in their second innings as India won by an innings and 140 runs. Their performance is one of the most overwhelming 10th wicket stands in recent Test history.
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