Scoring a century in Test cricket is a significant achievement, but converting it into a double century requires extraordinary concentration, patience and determination. However, for some batsmen the dream of reaching 200 has ended in the most disappointing way. Being out on 199 is one of cricket's most brutal near-failures, as one run separates a unique innings from a career-defining milestone.
Over the years, many famous batsmen have experienced this disappointment, falling tragically short despite dominating the opposition bowling attack. Let's take a look at some famous cricketers who were out on 199 in Test cricket.
5 iconic players who were out on 199 in test cricket
1. Santh Jayasuriya (199 vs India, 1997)
sri lankan legend Slow Jayasuriya He was at the peak of his powers in 1997, combining aggressive stroke play with unparalleled consistency. India The left-handed opener continued his excellent form with another impressive innings during the second Test in Colombo against India.
Jayasuriya, who had already scored a historic 340 in the first Test, showed the potential to play another huge innings. However, his attempt to reach his second consecutive double century fell short by one run when Indian fast bowler Abhey Kuruvilla bowled him out on 199. It was a heart-breaking finish that once again demonstrated their ability to take down bowling attacks.
2. Steve Waugh (199 vs West Indies, 1999)
australian captain steve waugh Built its identity on patience, composure and exceptional ability to perform under pressure. These qualities were discovered in Bridgetown in 1999. west indies He appeared during the Third Test against Australia, where he put in a determined batting performance against a challenging bowling attack.
Waugh looked to be heading towards a double century, but his innings ended on 199. West Indies off spinner nehemiah perry trapped him leg-before the wicket, denying the Australian great a place among Test cricket's double centurions. This dismissal was particularly notable as Waugh became the first batsman to be dismissed on 199 via an lbw decision in Test cricket.
3. Steve Smith (199 vs West Indies, 2015)
steve smith Has made his mark as one of Australia's best modern Test batsmen due to his unusual technique and exceptional ability to score huge scores. However, his impressive run-scoring abilities could not prevent a painful near failure against West Indies in Kingston in 2015.
Smith batted with great discipline, building his innings carefully and finding ways to counter the home team's bowling attack. As he approached his maiden Test double century, the prospect of reaching the milestone became more real.
This opportunity ended when the fast bowler jerome taylor Had him lbw on 199. Smith fell just one run short of 200, making this dismissal a particularly disappointing moment in an otherwise excellent innings.
4. KL Rahul (199 vs England, 2016)
KL Rahul in Chennai in December 2016 England Performed one of the best innings of his Test career against. The Indian opener combined brilliant stroke play with excellent timing to put constant pressure on the visiting bowlers during his memorable innings.
Rahul looked certain to reach his maiden Test double century, but his innings ended in dramatic fashion when he adil rashid Tried to play a ball and jos buttler Gave a catch near. With his score standing at 199, the Indian batsman missed the milestone by the narrowest possible margin.
This dismissal turned a historic personal milestone into a painful memory, although Rahul had an excellent contribution with the bat.
5. Faf du Plessis (199 vs Sri Lanka, 2020)
former south african captain Faf du Plessis in Centurion in December 2020 Sri Lanka Came close to scoring his first test double century against. He played an impressive innings, displaying a blend of controlled aggression and strong technique.
Du Plessis scored consistently and looked more comfortable as his score approached 200. However, when he Wanindu Hasaranga He missed the milestone when he attempted to play an aggressive shot against India and was caught out, leaving him at 199.
It was a disappointing end to an extraordinary innings, especially as Du Plessis had done most of the hard work required to reach a double century.
Other batsmen who were out on 199 in Test cricket
Many other notable players have also experienced the disappointment of being out on 199. Pakistan's in this list sad look And younis khanof India Mohammad Azharuddinaustralian Matthew Eliotof England ian bellSouth African dean elgarand Sri Lankan angelo matthews Are included.
These innings highlight the nuances that distinguish individual milestones in Test cricket. Although reaching 199 is an extraordinary achievement in itself, the prospect of missing a double century by just one run makes the achievement particularly bitter-sweet. For these batsmen, this score was a reminder of how unpredictable the longest format can be, even when a player appears to be in complete control.