Batting in a Test match requires a lot of skill. Not every player can achieve success with the bat in the longest format of the game. There are different batting positions in a team’s lineup, and depending on the player’s skill, he is allotted a certain position in the lineup.
Generally, the batter with reliable batting skills gets the opener’s role, while the player with the worst batting skills gets the number 11 spot. While it is common to see top-order batters switch positions with middle-order batters, it is very rare to see the same player opening the batting and then batting at number 11 also. However, here’s a list of three such players who batted at number 11 and also opened in a Test, that too in the same match.
1. Jack Leach opened and batted at number 11 in a Test match
England’s popular left-arm spinner Jack Leach has made a name for himself with his impressive bowling skills in the longest format of the game. Leach is a specialist bowler, and he bats at number 11 for England. However, in a Test against Ireland, England sent Leach to open in the second innings as they wanted to shield their regular opener Jason Roy, with just one over left to play.
2. Graeme Smith
Former South African captain Graeme Smith was a specialist opener. He was a legendary player, but in a Test against Australia, Smith got injured badly. Still, like a warrior, he came out to bat for his nation in the second innings at the number 11 position.
3. Danny Morrison
Current cricket commentator Danny Morrison was a specialist bowler for New Zealand in the 1990s. However, in a home Test against India in 1990, New Zealand received only two runs to win the Test. The Kiwis sent out number 11 batter Danny to open the innings, and he ensured the Kiwis won it easily.
