Top 6 underrated classics

#1 Australia’s 2nd innings versus Sri Lanka, SSC, 1992

Shane Warne

Before you start wondering why I haven’t picked a single batsman but have instead mentioned a full team innings, let me clarify that there is perhaps no better illustration of the statement “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” than the Australian second innings.

Australia struggled against the hosts’ bowling attack and ended with a modest 256. Sri Lanka responded brilliantly. Three of their batsmen including the debutant, Romesh Kaluwitharana, scored centuries and helped Sri Lanka amass a huge total of 547, a lead of 291 runs.

In their second innings, Australia needed at least two batsmen to score centuries to stand any chance. That did not happen. However, six of their batsmen scored 40 or more with four of them making half-centuries. Australia finished with 471 and set the home side a target of 181. At 127/2, there was going to be only one winner. However, Greg Matthews, the off spinner who had scored 64 earlier, picked up four wickets and left Sri Lanka in a tight spot at 137/6.

Shane Warne, who had made virtually no impact in the first innings (0/107), picked up 3 wickets without conceding a single run and pulled off a scarcely believable 16-run win for Australia. Australia have often been praised for their teamwork. Has there ever been a better example of the entire team standing up when needed? I can’t think of many better instances.