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The Calm Before the Storm
When a cricket scoreboard shows fireworks, we often cheer for the big hitters. But behind many match-winning totals, there’s a quieter hero — the unsung anchor. These are the players who stay firm while others collapse, who rotate strike while partners attack, and who build the innings brick by brick without the spotlight.
While finishers and power-hitters grab headlines, unsung anchors are the soul of stability. They might not score at a strike rate of 150, but their contributions are what give the innings shape, depth, and resilience.
In this article, we salute the top 10 unsung anchors — batters who silently delivered some of the most legendary performances in cricket history.
1. Cheteshwar Pujara (India) – 2021 Gabba Test
No fours. No fuss. Just pure resistance. Pujara took body blows from Australian pacers and wore them like armor as he blocked, left, and defied. His 56 (211) may not look flashy, but it laid the foundation for India’s epic win at the Gabba.
Why he’s an unsung anchor: Played the role of a wall while others built around him in a historic chase.
2. Faf du Plessis (South Africa) – 110 vs Australia, Adelaide 2012*
On debut, Faf scored a gritty hundred across 7+ hours to save a Test. No flair, just fight. Against a rampaging Australian attack, he became the immovable object.
Unsung anchor moment: Faced 376 balls — the definition of grind and guts.
3. Rahul Dravid (India) – 180 vs Australia, Kolkata 2001
VVS Laxman’s 281 stole the show, but it was Dravid’s partnership with him that stitched the miracle together. Coming in under pressure, Dravid’s 180 was the perfect support act.
Why he’s the ultimate unsung anchor: Let others shine while he did the heavy lifting.
4. Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 56 vs India, T20 WC 2007*
Yes, he’s remembered for the final shot that didn’t clear the rope. But before that, Misbah had brought Pakistan back from the brink with a composed and intelligent knock.
Unsung anchor truth: Held the chase together almost single-handedly.
5. Tom Latham (New Zealand) – 264 vs Sri Lanka, 2018
He batted the entire day. Literally. A marathon knock that stabilized New Zealand when early wickets fell. Quiet, classy, and tireless.
Unsung anchor stat: 373 balls, 21 fours, zero ego.
6. Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 311 vs England, The Oval 2012*
No slogging. Just sheer class. While Kallis and de Villiers played their roles, Amla’s triple hundred was the glue that held the innings together.
Unsung anchor beauty: Longest innings ever by a South African — and barely talked about!
7. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 196 vs Australia, Karachi 2022
A modern classic. Under pressure, Babar batted for over 10 hours to save the Test. Graceful strokes, but more importantly, unwavering patience.
Unsung anchor edge: It was not just about runs—it was about staying.
8. Jonathan Trott (England) – 184 vs Pakistan, Lord’s 2010
In the chaos of the infamous Test, Trott quietly put his head down and delivered a marathon knock under pressure. He kept England afloat while others fell.
Anchor power: He faced 383 balls in complete isolation.
9. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 116 vs England, 2009*
Nobody celebrated like Chanderpaul—because he rarely did. In this Test, his unbeaten hundred was the only reason West Indies escaped defeat.
Unsung anchor level: Always there when others collapsed.
10. Marnus Labuschagne (Australia) – Multiple Innings (2019–2023)
A modern-day anchor. While Warner and Smith attack, Labuschagne absorbs pressure. His centuries are often silent yet absolutely essential to Australia’s dominance.
Unsung anchor trait: Doesn’t look flashy, but always scores big.
Celebrating the Shadows of Greatness
In a sport obsessed with strike rates and sixes, unsung anchors are the heartbeat of balance. They are the ones who take the shine off the ball, play out the tough overs, and make it possible for others to shine.
They might not trend on social media or win Player of the Match awards, but ask any captain or coach — it’s the unsung anchors who make victories possible.
Next time you see a batter grinding away at 35 off 100, think twice before complaining. You just might be watching the hero of the match—in disguise.
Unsung Anchors Legendary Innings FAQ
❓ Who are unsung anchors in cricket?
Unsung anchors are batters who build innings slowly and steadily, often without the spotlight, helping the team survive pressure and set up a winning position.
❓ Why are anchors important in cricket?
Anchors hold the innings together, absorb pressure, and provide stability—especially when wickets are falling or the pitch is tough to bat on.
❓ What’s the difference between a power-hitter and an unsung anchor?
Power-hitters score quickly with boundaries, while unsung anchors rotate strike, defend skillfully, and focus on survival and team strategy.