5 bowlers who hold surprising batting records

#1. Jason Gillespie- Highest individual Test score by a night-watchman

Gillespie celebrated his 31st birthday in the best possible manner

Jason Gillespie is one of the finest fast bowlers that Australia has produced. At his prime, he was one of the most feared bowlers in the world. Gillespie was a pretty handy batsman too mainly because of his defensive style which made it really hard for bowlers to dismiss him. Gillespie scored two half-centuries but the one century he scored was a highly historic one.

The year was 2006 and Australia were playing Bangladesh at Chittagong. Three three-wicket spells by Gillespie, Warne and Stuart MacGill restricted Bangladesh to only 197 in their first innings. In reply, Australia were off to a good start with Matthew Hayden and Phil Jacques adding 67 for the first wicket. Following Hayden’s dismissal, Gillespie, who turned 31 that day, joined Jacques at the crease.

Night-watchman Gillespie was a pleasure to watch as he was calmly playing the Bangladesh bowlers. Gillespie was timing his shots beautifully well and found a very reliable partner in Michael Hussey with whom he stitched a partnership of 320 for the fourth wicket. The birthday boy reached his maiden Test century and went on to score 201 before Ricky Ponting declared Australia’s innings at 581/4. Australia went on to win the match.

Gillespie’s 201 is the highest Test score by a night-watchman, bettering Mark Boucher’s 125. He was adjudged the Man of the Match and the Man of the Series as well. However, this was to be Jason Gillespie’s final hurrah for Australia.