Drawing from the jaws of defeat!

Sri Lanka’s remarkable rearguard in the recently concluded first Test at Lord’s was only the tenth instance of a side scoring 500 or more runs after following on. The total of 537 for 9 is also the joint-fifth highest innings score by a side in such scenario. Just for record, only two of the ten Tests had decisive results while the remaining ended in draws.

Pakistan’s total of 657/8 against West Indies in 1957-58 still remains unsurpassed as the highest follow-on score. Though, India made a similar effort five years ago against Australia at Kolkata. For reader’s interest the accompanying table has the complete details.



Results are from the perspective of the sides listed first.