5 final day performances to save a Test

#1 England against South Africa at Johannesburg, 1995

A memorable partnership between Atherton and Russell saw England survive

The 2^nd Test of a 5-match series during England’s 1995/96 tour to South Africa saw one of the most iconic efforts by a team to enforce a draw. It was the South Africans who were put in to bat first and they posted a healthy total of 332 on the board, helped by a Gary Kirsten century.

The Proteas bowlers ran through the English batting line-up and ensured that the visitors were dismissed for just 200 runs in their first innings. In their 2^nd innings, the hosts produced another supreme batting performance and left their opponents with 479 runs to score in the 4^th innings for a victory.

England began their chase on Day 4 and finished on 167 for 4 with Mike Atherton still at the crease on 82 not out. It was still going to be a daunting task for them on the final day with just 6 wickets in hand and Donald-Pollock & Co. breathing down their necks.

Atherton’s overnight partner Robin Smith, gave him company for quite some time on Day 5 before getting out for 44. With still a lot of overs left to negotiate in the day, the English were under the threat of losing the match and needed some magic to come out of this situation.

Out walked wicket-keeper Jack Russell to join Mike Atherton in the centre and what followed was a marathon partnership of 119 which helped England pull off an epic draw. Both batsmen were named Man of the Match for their special final day effort.