Watch: No.11 Monty Panesar clings on, helps Matt Prior save Auckland thriller
Watch: In 2012/13, Matt Prior’s fourth innings hundred ensured England saved a draw in the third test against New Zealand in Auckland.
The wicketkeeper’s unbeaten 182-ball 110 on the final day frustrated the hosts, who fell just a wicket short of winning the game and the series. The series ended 0-0 after three games.
New Zealand piled on 443 in the first thanks to a century by Peter Fulton and 91 from Kane Williamson, all this despite a six-fer for Steven Finn.
In response, England mustered just 204 as they were ripped apart by Trent Boult who also took six wickets. Prior was an almost lone resistance with 73, his first outstanding innings of the Test match.
Fulton then made it two centuries in the match with 110 in the second innings, while New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum Bazballed his way to 67 off 53 to set up the declaration.
Needing 481, England sought to bat out the rest of the match. When the first four wickets fell with under a hundred on the board, this looked increasingly unlikely.
On the final day, ten years ago today, Ian Bell (75 in 271 balls) and Joe Root (29 in 79) began the day well before being removed by Neil Wagner and Boult respectively.
Part-time spinner Williamson took his fourth wicket to dismiss James Anderson, leaving Monty Panesar and centurion Prior to navigate the last 3.1 overs.
Panesar made two runs, but more importantly, he survived the five balls he had to face. His effort helped saved the match – though he almost ran himself out by falling short of his crease as he dived trying to sneak a single.
But Prior and Panesar did enough to save the Test and the series. The series provided more entertainment than the scoreline suggests. This thrilling draw was a testament to that fact.
