In the WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen high-pressure world of the World Test Championship (WTC), every decision—big or small—can change the course of a match. One such underrated tactic is sending in a nightwatchman, often seen as a move just to protect top-order batters from difficult evening conditions. However, in several WTC matches, these lesser-known players have gone beyond their roles. They didn’t just survive the night—they fought hard, absorbed pressure, and built crucial partnerships that turned games around. These nightwatchmen became unexpected heroes, shifting momentum and playing pivotal roles in defining Test victories and influencing the WTC standings in dramatic fashion.
Here Are Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen
5. Jack Leach vs India – Chennai, 2021
Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen, In the first Test of the India vs England series in 2021, England found themselves in a challenging spot at the end of Day 1. The pitch was tricky, and India’s bowlers, especially Ashwin and Bumrah, were on fire. England decided to send Jack Leach as a nightwatchman, hoping he could survive a few overs. What happened next surprised many. Leach batted with great focus the next morning and stayed at the crease for over an hour. He scored just 26 runs, but more importantly, he gave Joe Root enough time to settle. Root made a double century and built a strong innings. England ended up scoring over 550 runs and won the match by a massive margin of 227 runs. Though England didn’t make it to the final of the WTC that year, this win was a big one in their campaign.
Stats Table – Jack Leach
|
|---|
4. Jasprit Bumrah vs Australia – Sydney, 2021
Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen, India’s tour of Australia in 2021 was full of drama and comebacks. One such moment came at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where India lost a late wicket on Day 2. Bumrah, primarily a bowler, was sent in as a nightwatchman. Not only did he survive the tough spells from Hazlewood and Cummins, but he also stayed at the crease for almost an hour and faced 44 deliveries. He scored 17 runs and supported Pujara, helping India avoid more damage. This stability gave confidence to the rest of the lineup. Though the match ended in a draw, it was a critical result that helped India eventually reach the WTC final. Bumrah’s quiet but important stand showed how even tailenders can become game-changers in Test cricket.
Stats Table – Jasprit Bumrah
|
|---|
3. Pat Cummins vs India – Brisbane, 2021
Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen, The fourth and final Test at the Gabba was a historic one. It decided the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was crucial in WTC points. Australia, losing a wicket late in the day, sent in Pat Cummins as a nightwatchman. Cummins, more known for his bowling, surprised everyone with his patience and technique. He batted till stumps and added 28 valuable runs on a difficult pitch the next day. His stay gave confidence to Labuschagne, who went on to build a solid innings. Although India eventually chased down the target in a memorable win, Cummins’ innings helped Australia put up a fight and stay strong in the WTC rankings.
Stats Table – Pat Cummins
|
|---|
2. Kyle Jamieson vs Pakistan – Christchurch, 2021
Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen, New Zealand were in trouble against Pakistan in Christchurch when they lost three wickets before stumps on Day 1. The pitch was green, and the ball was moving sharply. Kyle Jamieson walked in as nightwatchman and played a gem of an innings under pressure. He scored 40 runs off 80 balls, frustrating Pakistan’s attack and building a 66-run partnership with Kane Williamson. This stand allowed New Zealand to recover and eventually post a massive total. They won the match by an innings and booked their place in the WTC final. Jamieson’s solid effort helped take the sting out of the new ball and change the match’s flow.
Stats Table – Kyle Jamieson
|
|---|
1. Alzarri Joseph vs England – Southampton, 2020
Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen, The very first series of the World Test Championship in 2020 featured a surprise hero. West Indies were playing England in Southampton and lost quick wickets on Day 2. Alzarri Joseph came in as nightwatchman and shocked everyone with his determination. He batted with Chase to build a 52-run stand for the seventh wicket. Though Joseph scored only 18 runs, his grit gave the team a needed boost. His resistance allowed the middle and lower order to rally. In the end, West Indies chased the target and won by 4 wickets, starting their WTC journey with confidence. Joseph’s effort remains a classic example of how a nightwatchman can flip the momentum of a Test match.
Stats Table – Alzarri Joseph
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Match | AUS vs IND, Sydney 2021 |
| Nightwatchman | Jasprit Bumrah |
| Runs (Balls) | 17 (44) |
| Key Partnership | 30+ with Pujara |
| Innings Impact | Absorbed early heat |
Conclusion
These five nightwatchmen didn’t hit centuries or take five-wicket hauls, yet their gritty efforts shaped the outcomes of crucial Test matches. In Test cricket, where every session holds weight, their ability to absorb pressure and support top-order batters became match-defining. Especially in the high-stakes World Test Championship era, where points and qualification hang in balance, such contributions matter more than ever. These nightwatchmen turned from placeholders into silent game-changers. Their courage under fire proved that even lesser-celebrated roles can shift momentum and decide victories—reminding us that in Test cricket, heroes often rise quietly from the shadows.
Read More :
