Five Best 99s in Ashes History

A Test century holds significant importance for a cricketer, as it is considered one of the most significant milestones in the sport. Scoring a century in Test cricket is a remarkable achievement that reflects a player’s skill, concentration, and ability to perform under pressure. 

Scoring a century in Test cricket often involves dealing with pressure situations, such as when the team is in a challenging position or facing a potent bowling attack. The ability to cope with pressure and thrive in such cases is highly valued.

However, sometimes, a batsman is unable to score a century and misses out on the milestone by just one run. Here is a collection of 5 players who have contributed to the team’s success by scoring 99 runs in the history of Ashes.

1) Jonny Bairstow (99 vs Australia – Ashes 2023)

Jonny Bairstow is known for his dominating batting in the middle order for England. His ability to play aggressive and counterattacking innings has often provided momentum to the team. He has registered several Test centuries during his career, showcasing his ability to convert good starts into big scores. However, in the fourth Test of the Ashes 2023, while playing a solid inning, Bairstow failed to score a century by one run. 

Overall, Bairstow scored 99 off 81 balls at a strike rate of 122.22 and his innings included 10 fours and 4 maximums. His aggression was visible on the field and that even helped England to reach the score of 592.

2) Steve Waugh (99 vs England – Ashes 1995)

Steve Waugh’s innings of 99 against England in the Ashes series of 1994-95 was a memorable and notable knock in his illustrious Test career. Steve Waugh showcased his characteristic grit and determination. He was playing with immense focus and was inching closer to what would have been a well-deserved century. 

However, just one run away from his hundred, he was dismissed for 99, which was a heartbreaking moment for the batsman. The most disappointing thing was Steve Waugh getting run out because of a miscommunication with his sibling.

3) Michael Atherton (99 vs Australia – Ashes 1993)

Michael Atherton’s innings of 99 against Australia in the Ashes series of 1993 was another memorable and significant knock in Test cricket history. The innings took place during the fourth Test of the 1993 Ashes series, held at the Lord’s in England. 

England was forced a follow on and the skipper was in great form. However, while he was at 97, Atherton glazed an offspring from Alan Border and completed two successful runs but couldn’t complete the third run and was run out by the opposition.

4) Mark Waugh (99 vs England – Ashes 1993)

Mark Waugh also suffered a similar fate to Michael Atherton. Mark Waugh was playing with composure and was on the verge of reaching a century. However, unfortunately, he fell just one run short of the milestone when he was dismissed on 99. 

Australia’s ferocious batting lineup, Mark Taylor, Michael Slater, and David Boon, all three scored a century and Mark Waugh was about to become the fourth batsmen to do so. However, he was bowled by Phil Tuffnell at 99 off 162 bowls.

5) Sir Geoffrey Boycott (99 vs Australia – 1979 Ashes)

Sir Geoffrey Boycott became the first batsman to get dismissed at 99 in Test cricket during the 1979 Ashes series. In the same match, Geoffrey Boycott was dismissed for a duck in the first inning and was motivated to play a solid 2nd inning. 

He did what he planned to do but failed to score a century by a single run. Boycott was not getting any help from the other end and hence his team was all out and he remained not out at 99.