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In the sweltering heat of Durban, South Africa, during the Boxing Day Test against England in 1999, a remarkable event unfolded. The Test, which spanned over five days, ended in a draw, but it was Gary Kirsten's epic 14-hour innings that captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
The third Test match played in Durban during the series, the 1999 Boxing Day Test was a riveting yet tedious affair. In their second innings, England scored 238 runs, while South Africa managed 156 in their first innings. However, it was in their second innings that South Africa truly shone, scoring an impressive 429 runs, with Gary Kirsten contributing a monumental 275 runs.
Gary Kirsten's innings was nothing short of extraordinary. He faced 642 balls and batted for 14 hours, setting a new South African Test record. His performance was the second-longest individual innings in Test cricket history, surpassed only by Hanif Mohammad's 16-hour, 15-minute marathon innings in 1958, where he scored 337 runs against the West Indies.
Hanif Mohammad's epic innings is widely recognised as the longest by time spent at the crease in Test cricket history. It demonstrates exceptional endurance and concentration, making it an unmatched feat in the annals of cricket. In comparison, Gary Kirsten's 275 took about 14 hours, a remarkable accomplishment but still shorter than Hanif's record.
Gary Kirsten's heroics helped secure a draw for South Africa, and his 275 runs remain a significant milestone in South African Test cricket. Herschelle Gibbs also had a stellar performance, scoring 133 runs, making it the second-highest score for South Africa in the match.
The total score for the match was 1231 runs. England, after scoring 366/9 and declaring, enforced the follow-on after South Africa scored 156 in their first innings. The 1999 Boxing Day Test against England in Durban will always be remembered for Gary Kirsten's epic performance and the thrilling cricket that unfolded over the five days.
The 1999 Boxing Day Test was a series of thrilling cricket matches, with each team showcasing their skills in a captivating display. Gary Kirsten's epic 14-hour innings during the Test was a shining moment in sports history, setting a new South African Test record for the longest individual innings.
