Nightwatchman (cricket)

The name comes due to the goal of remaining in overnight after the end of the day, a play on words on the watchmen of public safety and law enforcement.

In doing so they protect more capable batters from being out cheaply in what may be a period of tiredness or poor light at the end of the day and again the following morning when the early-morning conditions may favour the bowlers who will be refreshed from their night rest.

The role of nightwatchman is generally given to players who emphasise defensive technique over quick run-scoring, most often a bowler who would normally bat in the 8th or 9th position.

In 2014 against India, the Australian side protected wicket-keeper Brad Haddin by sending out Nathan Lyon with half an hour to play.

In 2024 the Pakistan team in a match against Australia sent Sajid Khan as a nightwatchman after Saud Shakeel was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood with two overs left.

Salman then had to come out to bat anyway, and he only lasted two more balls before Hazlewood found an easily caught edge, finishing the over with a three wicket maiden.

In 2024 against New Zealand, India protected Virat Kohli by sending out Mohammed Siraj after Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Ajaz Patel with two overs left.

[4][5] In 2024 against India, Australian opening batsman Nathan McSweeney was dismissed leg before wicket for a duck by Jasprit Bumrah in the first over of the final session of the day.

Don Bradman once scored 270 not out as the #7 batsman after such a reversal, with Bill O'Reilly and Chuck Fleetwood-Smith opening the batting and being dismissed for 0 runs each.