Top 10 centuries by tail-enders in international cricket

#7 Harbhajan Singh – 115 vs. New Zealand, Ahmedabad (2010)

Harbhajan Singh roars after reaching his maiden test hundred on the fifth day at the Motera

The first test between India and New Zealand at Motera in 2010 was almost certainly headed for a draw until a ferocious spell of fast bowling from Chris Martin absolutely stunned India in the final session of day four. With a slender lead of 28 runs, India’s second innings was torn apart even before it began at 15/5 as the ‘Phantom’ Chris Martin wrecked havoc.

On 65-6 at stumps on day four, New Zealand had tightened their grip on the match, leaving Harbhajan Singh and VVS Laxman to bat out almost the entire fifth day for India to save the game. But the second innings master is not known by that name for nothing. Laxman composed Harbhajan after a few nerve-wracking moments where the spinner almost committed hara-kiri in the second over on the fifth day. Despite Laxman having been unlucky to be adjudged out on 91, Harbhajan continued on his merry way, stroking a gritty 115 to help salvage the draw.

Harbhajan’s batting reputation only improved from thereon as he collected yet another test hundred in the next test at Hyderabad; the only player to score consecutive tons batting at number eight and beyond.