In the final innings of a test match, when the pitch is worn out and conditions are the toughest for batting, the cream rises to the top. Sachin Tendulkar 1625 Only 1625 of Sachin Tendulkar's 15921 test runs came in the fourth innings of a test match. As opposed to his overall test average of over 53, Tendulkar averaged 36.93 in the final innings, which is the case with both batsmen.
Tendulkar scored three centuries and seven half centuries from the 60 times he batted in the fourth innings of a test match.
Alastair Cook 1611
Alastair Cook is the second highest scorer of all time in the last innings of a test match. In a career spanning between 2006 and 2018, the former English captain scored 1611 runs from 54 matches at an average of 35.80. Cook struck two centuries in the fourth innings.
Graeme Smith 1611
Former South African captain Graeme Smith also stands equal with Alastair Cook with 1611 runs in the fourth innings. However, he scored those in way less number of matches - from 41 final innings of 42 test matches.
Smith had an exceptional average of 51.96 in the fourth innings and stuck four centuries, with the best of 154 not out. This is the reason why Smith is rated so highly by his peers. Runs in the last innings of a test match are worth almost double of that in the first innings as those are the runs that finally decide the fate of the match.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul 1580
Shivnarine Chanderpaul's test career lasted from 1994 to 2016. During this period, he scored 1580 runs from the 49 4th innings of 63 test matches at an average of 41.7. The West Indian batsman scored at an average of 51.56 in the final innings of a test match with the help of two centuries and 11 half centuries.
Rahul Dravid 1575
India's Rahul Dravid was dependable as ever and in the final innings of a test match as well he played many brilliant knocks. From 57 4th innings, he scored 1575 runs at an average of over 40. He had the best of 103 not out in the final innings of a test match and struck one century and 9 half centuries.
Younis Khan 1465
Younis Khan was prolific for Pakistan and scored 1465 runs in the final innings of a test match at an average of over 50, with the help of five centuries and six half centuries
