The number 11 position in the batting order is often underrated because it is a general perception that the weakest batsman of the team bats at that position. However, the likes of Ashton Agar have defied the odds as the Australian all-rounder once played a knock of 98 runs against England after coming out to bat last. The tailenders have struggled to bat well over the years, but that does not mean that they are just present to make up the numbers.
In this article, we will look at the top five batsmen with the most Test runs at No.11.
James Anderson – 532 runs
The most dangerous fast bowler of the previous decade, James Anderson, has given nightmares to the opposition batsmen with his fantastic swing and pace. Fewer fans would know that Anderson once played a knock of 81 runs after coming out to bat at no.11. In 137 innings at this number, Anderson has scored 523 runs, which includes 18 ducks.
Trent Boult – 539 runs
Despite debuting much later than James Anderson, New Zealand’s speedster Trent Boult has found a place above him on this list. Boult has batted 69 innings at this number, scoring 539 runs at an average of 15.40. Like Anderson, even he has scored a fifty at this position.
Courtney Walsh – 553 runs
Another legendary name to make his presence felt on this unique list is the West Indian bowler Courtney Walsh. The veteran player had scored 553 runs in 122 innings that he played at the last number. His highest score was 30, while he recorded 27 ducks.
Glenn McGrath – 603 runs
Glenn McGrath played 128 Test innings at number 11 during his 14-year long cricket career. The Aussie pace bowler is one of the only two tailenders with over 600 Test runs at this position. McGrath’s highest score was 61.
Muttiah Muralitharan – 623 runs
Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for taking the most Test wickets, and he is also the man with the highest Test runs at #11. In the 98 Test innings that he played for ICC XI and Sri Lanka, the off-spinner aggregated 623 runs at an average of 11.32.
