In the intense, strategy-driven landscape of the World Test Championship (WTC), every decision carries weight. Among them, the use of a nightwatchman may seem mundane, merely a sacrifice to protect star batters under dimming light. But Test cricket has a rich history of nightwatchmen flipping narratives, frustrating oppositions, and sometimes even turning the tide of the match. In the WTC era, these unsung warriors have risen from mere placeholders to pivotal match influencers. Here, we spotlight five WTC matches where nightwatchmen didn’t just survive, they transformed the game.
5. Jack Leach vs India – Chennai, 2021
Nightwatchman: Jack Leach
Impact: Absorbed pressure and helped England set up a massive win
In the first Test of the 2021 India-England series, Jack Leach was sent in as nightwatchman on a tricky Day 1 pitch. Surviving a vicious spell from Bumrah and Ashwin, Leach batted for nearly an hour the next morning, allowing Root to focus and dominate. Root’s double century was built on the confidence that the lower order held one end early. England posted over 550 and went on to win the match by 227 runs, a crucial win in their WTC journey, though they later fell short of the final.
4. Jasprit Bumrah vs Australia – Sydney, 2021
Nightwatchman: Jasprit Bumrah
Impact: Faced over 40 balls, frustrated bowlers, shifted momentum
When Bumrah walked in as a nightwatchman at SCG, India was under the pump. Instead of being a sitting duck, Bumrah defended like a seasoned No. 5, frustrating Hazlewood and Cummins for over 50 minutes. His stoic 17-run vigil gave Cheteshwar Pujara the platform to settle, and together they tired out the Aussie attack. The draw India secured in that match, powered by later resistance from Vihari and Ashwin, was only possible because of early stabilising efforts, such as Bumrah’s.
3. Pat Cummins vs India – Brisbane, 2021
Nightwatchman: Pat Cummins
Impact: Anchored till stumps and scored 28 in hostile conditions
In the famous 4th Test at the Gabba, the decider of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and critical to WTC standings, Australia deployed Pat Cummins as nightwatchman after a late wicket. Cummins, known for his bowling, batted courageously and added 28 crucial runs the next day. His calm presence allowed Marnus Labuschagne to dominate and helped Australia set a decent total. While India chased it down in historic fashion, Cummins’ innings helped Australia stay in the WTC top 2 race for a while.
2. Kyle Jamieson vs Pakistan – Christchurch, 2021
Nightwatchman: Kyle Jamieson
Impact: Took the sting out of the new ball and scored 30+
On a green wicket where Pakistan had New Zealand reeling at 71/3, Kyle Jamieson was sent as a nightwatchman late on Day 1. What followed was a frustrating 40-run innings filled with solid defence and timely boundaries. His contribution allowed Kane Williamson to settle, and the pair’s stand helped New Zealand pile on a huge score. The Kiwis eventually won the match and secured the top spot on the WTC table, marching into the final.
1. Alzarri Joseph vs England – Southampton, 2020
Nightwatchman: Alzarri Joseph
Impact: Gritty resistance and a vital 8th wicket stand
In the first Test of the inaugural WTC series between England and the West Indies, Alzarri Joseph was sent in as a nightwatchman. Instead of falling early as expected, he stitched a crucial 7th-wicket stand of 52 runs with Roston Chase on Day 3. While Joseph only made 18, his gritty time at the crease drained the English bowlers and allowed Chase and the lower order to rally. That resistance helped set up a target which the West Indies successfully chased, winning by 4 wickets and gaining vital WTC points.
Stats Table
| Match | Nightwatchman | Runs (Balls) | Key Partnership | Innings Impact | Final Result | Impact Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG vs WI, Southampton 2020 | Alzarri Joseph | 18 (33) | 52 with Roston Chase | Helped WI gain the lead and absorb pressure | WI won by 4 wickets | Stabilised innings after top-order collapse |
| NZ vs PAK, Christchurch 2021 | Kyle Jamieson | 40 (80) | 66 with Williamson | NZ won by an innings | Frustrated bowlers gave stability | Set up a platform for a massive score |
| AUS vs IND, Brisbane 2021 | Pat Cummins | 28 (95) | 61 with Labuschagne | Protected the middle order on a tough pitch | IND won by 3 wickets | Held one end in hostile conditions |
| AUS vs IND, Sydney 2021 | Jasprit Bumrah | 17 (44) | 30+ with Pujara | Absorbed early heat, helped secure draw | Match Drawn | Frustrated bowlers and gave stability |
| IND vs ENG, Chennai 2021 | Jack Leach | 26 (75) | 55 with Root | Extended innings into Day 2 | ENG won by 227 runs | Absorbed early heat, helped secure the draw |
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