In the high-stakes, tactically intense world of the World Test Championship (WTC), every choice matters. While deploying a nightwatchman might often appear as a routine sacrifice to shield key batsmen during fading light, history shows these players can do much more. Nightwatchmen have repeatedly defied expectations—stifling bowling attacks, frustrating opponents, and sometimes completely changing the course of a match. In the WTC era, these unexpected heroes have evolved from mere fillers to game-changers. Here, we present the Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped thanks to nightwatchmen who didn’t just survive—they redefined the contest.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen:
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 a nightwatchman on a challenging Day 1 pitch. He bravely endured a fierce bowling attack from Bumrah and Ashwin, then batted for nearly an hour the following morning, giving Joe Root the freedom to settle and take control. Root’s commanding double century was anchored by the confidence that Leach’s resilient innings provided. England posted over 550 runs and secured a vital 227-run victory—an important milestone in their WTC campaign, even though they ultimately missed out on reaching the final. This match stands among the Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped, where a nightwatchman played a pivotal role in turning the tide.
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 the SCG, India was facing immense pressure. Rather than just surviving, he stood firm like an experienced No. 5, frustrating Hazlewood and Cummins for more than 50 minutes. His gritty 17-run stand provided Cheteshwar Pujara the crucial time to settle in, and together they wore down the Australian bowling attack. The draw India secured in that match—later bolstered by resilient innings from Vihari and Ashwin—was made possible thanks to early, stabilizing efforts like Bumrah’s. This game ranks among the Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped, where a nightwatchman’s resistance reshaped the contest.
3. Pat Cummins vs India – Brisbane, 2021
Nightwatchman: Pat Cummins
Impact: Anchored till stumps and scored 28 in hostile conditions
In the iconic 4th Test at the Gabba—the Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider and a crucial clash for WTC points—Australia sent in Pat Cummins as a nightwatchman following a late wicket. Better known for his bowling, Cummins showed remarkable grit, adding 28 vital runs the next day. His composed innings gave Marnus Labuschagne the platform to take control, helping Australia post a competitive total. Although India famously chased it down, Cummins’ crucial contribution kept Australia firmly in the hunt for a top-two WTC finish for some time. This match is one of the Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped, where a nightwatchman’s role was key in shifting momentum.
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, challenging pitch where Pakistan had New Zealand struggling at 71/3, Kyle Jamieson was sent in as a nightwatchman late on Day 1. What followed was a determined 40-run innings marked by solid defense and well-timed boundaries. Jamieson’s resilient effort gave Kane Williamson the chance to settle, and their crucial partnership helped New Zealand build a commanding total. The Kiwis went on to win the match and clinched the top spot on the WTC table, securing their place in the final. This game is part of the Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped, where a nightwatchman’s innings proved pivotal in turning the tide.
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. Defying expectations, he played a crucial role by building a vital 52-run seventh-wicket partnership with Roston Chase on Day 3. Though Joseph scored just 18 runs, his determined time at the crease exhausted the English bowlers and gave Chase and the lower order the momentum to fight back. This resilient effort helped set a target that the West Indies successfully chased down, winning by 4 wickets and earning valuable WTC points. This match features among the Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped, where a nightwatchman’s grit turned the game around.
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 |
Conclusion
The role of the nightwatchman in Test cricket has often been underestimated—a tactical move seen as mere damage control. Yet, as these Top 5 WTC Matches That Flipped Because of Nightwatchmen show, these unlikely heroes have frequently rewritten the script. By steadfastly holding the crease under pressure, frustrating bowlers, and providing crucial platforms for their teams’ key players, nightwatchmen have become game-changers in the highest stakes of the World Test Championship. Their grit and resilience remind us that in Test cricket, sometimes it’s the unsung moments and players who make all the difference between defeat and victory.
Read More: Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats
FAQ`s
Q1: What is a nightwatchman in Test cricket?
A: A nightwatchman is a lower-order batsman sent in near the end of a day’s play to protect more skilled batsmen from having to bat in difficult conditions, usually fading light. Their primary role is to survive rather than score big runs.
Q2: Why are nightwatchmen important in the World Test Championship?
A: In the WTC’s high-pressure environment, every run and every wicket matters. Nightwatchmen can frustrate the bowling attack, help key batsmen settle, and sometimes even contribute crucial runs that shift the momentum in their team’s favor.
Q3: How have nightwatchmen influenced matches in the WTC era?
A: Nightwatchmen in the WTC era have gone beyond just survival. Many have played innings that stabilized their teams, frustrated opponents, and laid the foundation for match-winning partnerships, often changing the course of the game.