Nightwatchman
Also known as: nightwatchman, night watchman, nightwatch man, sending in a nightwatchman, nightwatchman in test cricket, why send a nightwatchman
A nightwatchman is a lower-order batter sent in ahead of a specialist batter late in a day's play. The aim is to protect the better batter from getting out in the last few overs. The specialist then starts fresh the next morning. It is a tactic, not a Law.
The tactic belongs to multi-day cricket. When a wicket falls with only a few overs left, the next batter faces a tired session, a hungry attack and often fading light. Losing a top batter then can hurt the team badly. So captains sometimes send a bowler who can bat a little.
The nightwatchman's job is to survive. They block, leave and take singles only when safe. They often try to face most of the remaining balls so the other batter is protected too. If they make it to stumps, the specialist batter comes in the next morning with a fresh start.
Not every team uses it. Some captains feel the specialist batter should simply go in. If the nightwatchman gets out, the specialist must come in anyway, and the team has lost an extra wicket. Some nightwatchmen also bat on well the next day and frustrate the bowlers.
Tips by skill level
If you are sent in as nightwatchman, focus only on blocking and leaving. Survival is the win.
Talk to your partner about strike. Decide who should face the last over before you walk out.
Example
A wicket falls with four overs left on day two. The captain sends in the team's spin bowler. He blocks out the overs and survives to stumps.
Why it matters
The order your team bats in can protect key players. Knowing the nightwatchman's role helps you play it if you are asked.
Common mistakes
- Playing attacking shots instead of surviving
- Taking risky singles that expose the other batter
- Treating the job as unimportant because you are a bowler
Frequently asked questions
What is a nightwatchman in cricket?
It is a lower-order batter sent in late in a day to protect a better batter. Their job is to survive until stumps.
Why do teams use a nightwatchman?
To avoid losing a top batter in the last few overs of a day. The specialist can then start fresh the next morning.
Related terms
- Batting Order and Batting RolesThe batting order is the sequence in which a team's batters come in. Openers face the new ball, the number 3 steadies or attacks, the middle order builds and finishes, and the lower order adds late runs. In limited-overs cricket, teams also name roles such as anchor, finisher and floater.
- Test CricketTest cricket is the oldest, longest, and most prestigious format of the sport — played over up to five days between two national teams, with each side receiving two innings and ten wickets to be dismissed.
- Test Match Batting (Batting for a Long Time)Batting in a Test or multi-day match is about time at the crease as much as runs. Leave well, defend tightly and score off bad balls. Break the day into sessions and short goals, and be ready to get through hard spells against the new ball.
- Leaving the BallLeaving the ball means choosing not to play at a delivery and lifting your bat and hands up out of its path. As a result, it goes through to the keeper. Leave balls you judge will miss the stumps, usually those wide of off stump or bouncing over the top. Move your feet into position first, then lift the bat high and keep watching the ball until it passes you.
- Front-Foot DefenceThe front-foot defence is a defensive batting stroke where the batter strides forward and blocks a good-length ball with a straight, angled bat to keep it down and safe.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.