10 best drawn Test matches of the last decade

#7 Australia v South Africa, Adelaide, 2012

Faf du Plessis

The two teams arrived in Adelaide for the 2nd Test of the three-match series, deadlocked at 0-0. Australia piled up 550 in a mere 107 overs, gaining the ascendancy immediately. South Africa were dismissed for 388 and Australia set the visitors a target of 430 runs with around a day to spare.

The match looked done and dusted for South Africa when they were reduced to 45-4 on the 4th evening in the 21st over, Nathan Lyon causing havoc on a dry pitch. However, Australia had no idea that they were about to witness a Faf du Plessis-AB de Villiers 'Blockathon'.

The pair came together in the 21st over on the 4th day and saw their side to stumps, before going on to bat for another 39 overs on the fifth day. The partnership that spanned 68 overs yielded only 89 runs but South Africa now had an opportunity to eke out a draw. Du Plessis remained not out on 110 off 376 deliveries and eschewed all his attacking instincts, even though wickets fell around him. Eventually, South Africa lost eight wickets to make for an exciting finish but managed to escape with a totally unexpected draw.