Scoring a century in Test cricket is a significant achievement, but converting it into a double hundred requires exceptional concentration, patience, and determination. For some batters, however, the dream of reaching 200 has ended in the most frustrating fashion possible. Being dismissed for 199 is one of cricket’s cruellest near-misses, as a single run separates a remarkable innings from a career-defining milestone.
Over the years, several renowned batters have experienced this disappointment, falling agonisingly short despite dominating opposition bowling attacks. Let’s have a look at some well-known cricketers who were dismissed for 199 in Test cricket.
5 iconic players who were dismissed for 199 in Test cricket
1. Sanath Jayasuriya (199 vs India in 1997)
Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya was at the peak of his powers in 1997, combining aggressive stroke play with remarkable consistency. During the second Test against India in Colombo, the left-handed opener continued his outstanding run of form with another commanding innings.
Having already scored a historic 340 in the previous Test, Jayasuriya looked capable of producing another monumental knock. However, his attempt to reach a second consecutive double century ended just one run short when Indian pacer Abey Kuruvilla bowled him for 199. It was a heartbreaking conclusion to an innings that had once again demonstrated his ability to overwhelm bowling attacks.
2. Steve Waugh (199 vs West Indies in 1999)
Australian captain Steve Waugh built his reputation on resilience, composure, and an extraordinary ability to perform under pressure. Those qualities were on display during the third Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown in 1999, where he produced a determined batting performance against a challenging bowling attack.
Waugh appeared well on course for a double century before his innings ended at 199. West Indies off-spinner Nehemiah Perry trapped him leg-before-wicket, denying the Australian great a place among Test cricket’s double centurions. The dismissal was particularly notable because Waugh became the first batter to be dismissed for 199 through an lbw decision in Test cricket.
3. Steve Smith (199 vs West Indies in 2015)
Steve Smith has established himself as one of Australia’s finest modern-day Test batters, thanks to his unusual technique and exceptional ability to score heavily. However, his impressive run-making skills could not prevent a painful near-miss against the West Indies in Kingston in 2015.
Smith batted with tremendous discipline, carefully building his innings while finding ways to counter the home side’s bowling attack. As he moved closer to his maiden Test double century, the possibility of reaching the milestone appeared increasingly realistic.
That opportunity disappeared when pacer Jerome Taylor trapped him lbw on 199. Smith was left just one run short of 200, making the dismissal an especially disappointing moment in an otherwise outstanding innings.
Also READ: 5 iconic cricketers who never scored a century in ODI cricket
4. KL Rahul (199 vs England in 2016)
KL Rahul produced one of the finest innings of his Test career against England in Chennai in December 2016. The Indian opener combined elegant stroke play with excellent timing, putting the visiting bowlers under sustained pressure during his memorable knock.
Rahul appeared destined to reach his maiden Test double century, but his innings ended in dramatic fashion when he attempted to play a delivery from Adil Rashid and sent a catch towards Jos Buttler at point. With his score standing at 199, the Indian batter missed the landmark by the narrowest possible margin.
The dismissal turned what could have been a historic personal milestone into a painful memory, despite Rahul’s outstanding contribution with the bat.
5. Faf du Plessis (199 vs Sri Lanka in 2020)
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis came agonisingly close to registering his maiden Test double century against Sri Lanka at Centurion in December 2020. He produced an impressive innings, displaying a blend of controlled aggression and sound technique against the visitors.
Du Plessis steadily accumulated runs and looked increasingly comfortable as his score approached 200. However, his pursuit of the milestone ended when he attempted an attacking shot against Wanindu Hasaranga and was caught, leaving him stranded on 199.
It was a frustrating end to an exceptional knock, particularly because du Plessis had done much of the hard work required to reach the double century.
Other batters who fell for 199 in Test cricket
Several other notable players have also suffered the disappointment of being dismissed for 199. The list includes Pakistan’s Mudassar Nazar and Younis Khan, India’s Mohammad Azharuddin, Australia’s Matthew Elliott, England’s Ian Bell, South Africa’s Dean Elgar, and Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews.
These innings highlight the fine margins that can separate individual milestones in Test cricket. Although reaching 199 is itself an extraordinary accomplishment, the prospect of missing a double century by just one run makes the achievement particularly bittersweet. For these batters, the score remains a reminder of how unpredictable the longest format can be, even when a player appears to be in complete control.
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