In the world of cricket, we often expect the top order to deliver the fireworks. But sometimes, the drama unfolds at the very end. Over the years, several tailenders have defied expectations, stood tall under pressure, and turned defeat into unforgettable victories.

This article highlights the top 10 tailenders who became game changers when their teams needed it the most.

1. Ashton Agar – 98 on Debut as No. 11

No one expected much when 19-year-old Ashton Agar walked in at No. 11 against England in the 2013 Ashes. What followed was a record-breaking innings.

His Knock:

• Scored 98 runs off 101 balls
• Built a 163-run stand with Phil Hughes
• Highest score ever by a No. 11 in Test cricket

Game-changing Moment: Though Australia lost, Agar’s fearless hitting changed the tone of the series.

2. Kemar Roach – Steady Head in a Nail-Biter

In 2019, West Indies were 9 down chasing 200+ vs Pakistan. Roach, known more for his bowling, showed ice in his veins.

His Knock:

• Unbeaten 5* under extreme pressure
• Helped WI win a thriller by 1 wicket
• Played out key overs alongside wicketkeeper

Game-changing Moment: Roach’s composure helped secure a legendary win for West Indies.

3. James Anderson – The Fighter Who Refuses to Fall

While not known for his batting, Anderson has played key roles in multiple draws and close chases.

Memorable Moment:

• Blocked out 55 balls with Monty Panesar to draw vs Australia in 2009
• Known for stonewalling in dying minutes

Game-changing Moment: Proved tailenders can rescue games with grit, not just runs.

4. Ishant Sharma – The Nightwatchman Who Stunned England

Ishant, mostly known for his bowling, delivered an incredible Test knock in 2021 vs England.

His Knock:

• Scored a match-saving 50 at Lord’s
• Frustrated England bowlers for hours
• Helped set up a famous Indian win

Game-changing Moment: Shifted momentum in India’s favor with unexpected resistance.

5. Pat Cummins – Calmness Under Fire

In the Ashes and World Cups, Pat Cummins has shown that he’s not just a bowler but also a cool head at the death.

His Knock:

• 44* vs Pakistan, World Cup 2023
• Held his nerve in Ashes 2023 to guide Australia home

Game-changing Moment: Led Australia to miraculous victories with bat in hand, against the odds.

6. Trent Boult – Fun, Fire, and Fight

Boult is known for his bowling, but his batting antics have given fans some unforgettable moments.

His Impact:

• Multiple 20–30-run cameos in tight ODI games
• Can hit massive sixes when needed
• Lifted run rates with late-overs blitzes

Game-changing Moment: Helped New Zealand cross the line in pressure chases multiple times with clutch hitting.

7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – The All-Rounder No One Saw Coming

Bhuvi has time and again stepped up when India’s batting has collapsed.

His Knock:

• Scored 63 vs England at Lord’s (2014)
• Built vital lower-order partnerships
• Averaged over 25 with the bat in Tests at one point

Game-changing Moment: Turned what looked like lost causes into recoveries with smart, patient batting.

8. Shannon Gabriel – The Braveheart at the End

Not known for his batting at all, Shannon Gabriel once found himself in a legendary partnership that almost led West Indies to a win against Pakistan in 2016.

His Moment:

• Partnered with Jason Holder in a tense run chase
• Blocked and defended for over 20 balls
• Sadly got out in the final minutes trying to slog

Game-changing Role: Though the match was lost, Gabriel’s unexpected resistance created one of the most gripping finishes in Test history.

9. Mohammad Shami – India’s Late Order Weapon in Tailenders

Shami may not look elegant at the crease, but his fearless approach has delivered many valuable runs.

Notable Knocks:

• Scored a crucial 56* vs England in 2021 at Lord’s
• Took India from danger to dominance with tail partnerships
• Known for quick-fire 20s and 30s under pressure

Game-changing Moment: His Lord’s heroics helped India snatch a dramatic win after being on the back foot.

10. Jack Leach – The Survivor with the Specs

Leach may not be a power-hitter, but his technique and composure under fire have made him a cult hero.

His Story:

• Famously stood at the non-striker’s end while Ben Stokes won the Headingley Test in Ashes 2019
• Scored 1 run in a 76-run stand — but stayed till the end
• Also held off Australia with 34 off 220 balls in 2023 for a draw

Game-changing Moment: Leach’s defense helped write one of England’s greatest comeback victories — all while calmly cleaning his glasses.

Why Tailenders Are Unsung Game Changers

• They break partnerships… then build them
• Teams that bat deep have a competitive edge
• Tailenders who survive add mental pressure on opponents

In today’s cricket, tailenders aren’t just fillers — they can be match winners in disguise.

The Last Line Can Be the Lifeline

From defending draws to chasing wins, tailenders have quietly built some of the most thrilling chapters in cricket. They’ve shown that the game’s final moments often belong to the least expected — the ones who weren’t meant to bat, but rose when it mattered most.