Test cricket is often called a game of patience — but sometimes, the most unforgettable moments come when the last pair refuses to give up. The 10th wicket partnership, usually between a specialist batter and a tailender, has produced some of the most thrilling and heroic stands in cricket history.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 highest 10th wicket partnerships in Test matches, where determination and grit turned the game on its head.
Highest 10th Wicket Partnerships in Test Matches
| Rank | Batters | Runs | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Root & James Anderson (ENG) | 198 | India | Nottingham | 2014 |
| 2 | Ashton Agar & Phil Hughes (AUS) | 163 | England | Nottingham | 2013 |
| 3 | Brian Hastings & Richard Collinge (NZ) | 151 | Pakistan | Auckland | 1973 |
| 4 | Azhar Mahmood & Mushtaq Ahmed (PAK) | 151 | South Africa | Rawalpindi | 1997 |
| 5 | Tino Best & Denesh Ramdin (WI) | 143 | England | Birmingham | 2012 |
| 6 | Wasim Bari & Wasim Raja (PAK) | 133 | West Indies | Bridgetown | 1977 |
| 7 | Zaheer Khan & Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 133 | Bangladesh | Dhaka | 2004 |
| 8 | Reggie Foster & Wilfred Rhodes (ENG) | 130 | Australia | Sydney | 1903 |
| 9 | Kenneth Higgs & John Snow (ENG) | 128 | West Indies | The Oval | 1966 |
| 10 | Arthur Mailey & Johnny Taylor (AUS) | 127 | England | Sydney | 1924 |
1. Joe Root & James Anderson (England) – 198 runs vs India, 2014 (Nottingham)
The 2014 Nottingham Test witnessed an extraordinary partnership between Joe Root and James Anderson. Coming together with England 298/9, the duo added 198 runs, taking the total to 496.
Anderson, known more for his bowling, batted over 230 balls for his career-best 81, while Root smashed an unbeaten 154. This record-breaking stand remains the highest 10th wicket partnership in Test history.
2. Ashton Agar & Phil Hughes (Australia) – 163 runs vs England, 2013 (Nottingham)
On debut, Ashton Agar shocked the world. Coming in at No. 11, the young spinner played fearlessly alongside Phil Hughes. Together they added 163 runs, turning a collapse into a strong total. Agar’s 98 — just two short of a dream hundred — remains one of the most remarkable debut innings ever.
3. Brian Hastings & Richard Collinge (New Zealand) – 151 runs vs Pakistan, 1973 (Auckland)
In 1973, New Zealand’s Brian Hastings and Richard Collinge stitched a 151-run stand that changed the game’s course. Hastings’ solid technique and Collinge’s surprising resilience helped New Zealand post a competitive total against Pakistan.
4. Azhar Mahmood & Mushtaq Ahmed (Pakistan) – 151 runs vs South Africa, 1997 (Rawalpindi)
Facing a strong South African attack, Azhar Mahmood and Mushtaq Ahmed frustrated the bowlers with a fighting 151-run partnership. Their stand not only lifted Pakistan’s total but also highlighted how lower-order players can rescue a team from collapse.
5. Tino Best & Denesh Ramdin (West Indies) – 143 runs vs England, 2012 (Birmingham)
Known for his pace bowling, Tino Best became an unlikely batting hero in 2012. Alongside Denesh Ramdin, he smashed 143 runs for the 10th wicket, with Best scoring a thrilling 95. Their partnership injected life into a struggling West Indies innings.
6. Wasim Bari & Wasim Raja (Pakistan) – 133 runs vs West Indies, 1977 (Bridgetown)
In Barbados, wicketkeeper Wasim Bari and all-rounder Wasim Raja built a gritty 133-run stand. Their resilience against a fierce Caribbean pace attack remains one of Pakistan’s finest lower-order fightbacks.
7. Zaheer Khan & Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 133 runs vs Bangladesh, 2004 (Dhaka)
Sachin Tendulkar was chasing his first double century when Zaheer Khan stood by him like a rock. The pair added 133 runs for the last wicket, helping Tendulkar reach 248* — his highest Test score. This partnership showcased Zaheer’s underrated batting grit and Sachin’s class.
8. Reggie Foster & Wilfred Rhodes (England) – 130 runs vs Australia, 1903 (Sydney)
Over a century ago, Reggie Foster and Wilfred Rhodes scripted one of England’s earliest lower-order epics. Their 130-run partnership against Australia in 1903 set a record that stood for years — proving even early Test eras had fearless tailenders.
9. Kenneth Higgs & John Snow (England) – 128 runs vs West Indies, 1966 (The Oval)
Two fast bowlers, Higgs and Snow, came together at The Oval to produce an unexpected 128-run partnership. Their patience and determination against a lethal West Indies attack earned England valuable runs and massive applause.
10. Arthur Mailey & Johnny Taylor (Australia) – 127 runs vs England, 1924 (Sydney)
Australia’s Arthur Mailey and Johnny Taylor turned despair into delight with a 127-run partnership. Against a dominant English side, their stand added crucial runs and became part of early Australian cricket folklore.
These partnerships prove one thing — cricket is never over until the last wicket falls. From Anderson’s stubborn defense to Agar’s near-century, every one of these stands tells a story of courage, belief, and teamwork.
