5 final day performances to save a Test

#2 New Zealand against Australia at Perth, 1989

Mark Greatbatch was the hero for New Zealand in the match

In November 1989, New Zealand faced off against Australia in a one-off Test match at Perth and it turned out to be one of the most hard-fought draws of all time. The hosts were asked to bat first and put themselves in a commanding position thanks to David Boon, whose 200 saw them get to a score of 521 for 9 in their first innings.

When the Kiwis came in to bat in their 1^st innings, they were skittled out for 231 as Australian paceman Merv Hughes picked up four wickets. The follow-on was enforced and New Zealand were once again in early trouble at 11 for 2.

Left-hander Mark Greatbatch, meanwhile, held fort at one end, even as the visitors lost more wickets and were in a precarious position at 168 for 4 when day 4 ended. On Day 5, Greatbatch carried on with his business in a similar vein as the previous day, but the New Zealanders were jolted by the dismissals of Jeff Crowe and Ian Smith in quick succession.

Chris Cairns joined the set batsman out in the middle and the duo added crucial 45 runs for the 7^th wicket. After Cairns got out, Martin Snedden came in and batted with grit to stitch an unbeaten 88-run partnership with Mark Greatbatch which ensured that the match ended in a draw.

Greatbatch picked up the Man of the Match award for his resolute 146 off 485 balls.