Top 5 batting performances of Mark Burgess in Tests

Former New Zealand skipper and batter Mark Burgess turns 80 on Wednesday. The gritty batter played 50 Test matches for his side over 12 years. When he retired from the sport, Mark Burgess was one of the most respected players for his unwavering grit and determination.

During his long career, Mark Burgess hit five tons for his side and scored close to 2700 runs. At a time when world cricket was known to have great fast bowlers, Mark Burgess was the bedrock of the Kiwi batting unit.

Ever since his retirement many of the next-generation batters from New Zealand have shown the same grit and determination that Mark Burgess had shown. While the game has moved the tales of Burgess batting in difficult conditions still live on in the vintage cricket fans’ memory.

Here are the top 5 batting performances of Mark Burgess in test cricket

5- 101 vs West Indies – Jamaica -1972

West Indies batted first and scored 508 runs with Roy Fredricks scoring 163 and Lawrence Rowe scoring 214. In reply, New Zealand scored 366 with Glenn Turner scoring 223. Chasing 341 to win, Burgess scored 101 and helped the Kiwis earn a draw on a difficult and quick wicket in Jamaica.

4- 104 vs England – Auckland -1971

In the only test that Mark Burgess played in 1971, the batter scored 104 versus England in Auckland. The knock came off 176 balls with 12 fours and a six and helped his side play well against the visiting side as the game ended in a draw.

3- 105 vs England – Lord’s-1973

Yet another century by Mark Burgess which saw the game end in a draw. The century at Lord’s also allowed Mark Burgess to see his name head into the honours board. Mark Burgess scored 105 runs from 174 balls with 12 fours before Jon Snow dismissed him.

2- 111 vs Pakistan – Lahore -1976

New Zealand were touring Pakistan and saw the home team score 417 with Javed Miandad and Asif Iqbal scoring centuries. In reply, the Kiwis were all out for 157 in the 1st innings. Asked to follow, the Kiwis scored 360 with Mark Burgess scoring 111 runs, but Pakistan won by 6 wickets.

1- 119 vs Pakistan – Dhaka -1969

The first-ever century for Mark Burgess came during the 1969 tour of Pakistan in the Test at Dhaka (Now in Bangladesh). Mark Burgess scored his career best of 119 not out in the 2nd innings as the match ended in a draw. 

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