Case study 4: England versus Pakistan at Old Trafford in 1987

Fairbrother might have expected to be spared the ordeal of beginning his first Test innings under such tricky circumstances. However, captain Mike Gatting stuck with his batting order. Fairbrother was dismissed for a duck and never found his feet at the highest level.

Verdict

This was a baptism of fire for Fairbrother, and many people (especially Lancastrians) feel this was the wrong decision. Having said that, 20 minutes is a long time for a night watchman to bat.


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