What Does a 12th Man Do in Test Cricket? Role, Impact, and Examples

In Test cricket, where patience is currency and strategy spans days, the spotlight usually falls on centurions, five-wicket hauls, and match-turning partnerships. But just outside that frame—often unnoticed—are the substitute fielders, the silent game-changers.

They don’t make it to the toss. Their names rarely appear on scorecards. Yet, in the right moment, a substitute fielder can decide a match with one throw, one sprint, or one diving catch. From epic Ashes Tests to gritty subcontinental battles, the 12th and 13th men have quietly shaped outcomes with their alertness, agility, and sheer commitment to being ready—even when they might not play a single ball.

Game-Changers from the Sidelines

One of the most famous examples came during the 2005 Ashes. Gary Pratt — a name etched into England folklore — wasn’t even a squad member. A county cricketer subbing in for an injured Simon Jones, he famously ran out Ricky Ponting with a direct hit at Trent Bridge. That moment turned the tide of the match and series and even led to Ponting’s now-iconic on-field outburst about England’s liberal use of subs.

In recent years, we’ve seen similar impact. In 2019, Mayank Agarwal, who wasn’t in the playing XI, took a crucial catch as a substitute fielder during India’s tour of Australia. In 2021, India’s T. Natarajan—in his first ever overseas tour—came in as a net bowler, ended up making his debut later, but also fielded as 12th man and took two vital boundary catches before even playing a match.

These aren’t anomalies. They reflect the growing athleticism, readiness, and mindset that modern teams demand even from their non-playing members.

The Mental Grind of the 12th Man

Being a substitute in Test cricket is a strange emotional space. You train just as hard, suit up every morning, and follow every tactic, yet there’s no guarantee you’ll step onto the field. And when you do, it’s not for glory but often for the pressure-cooker moments: a tired bowler limps off, and you’re suddenly fielding at short leg or deep mid-wicket with one job—don’t mess it up.

Mentally, it’s exhausting. “You have to be in the match without being in the match,” said Abhimanyu Easwaran, a frequent reserve for India in overseas tests. “You’re visualizing yourself out there, staying sharp, but the adrenaline of actually playing isn’t there. You need to create your own intensity.”

Substitute fielders spend hours doing catching drills, warming up bowlers, and studying match plans—all without the thrill of potentially taking wickets or scoring runs. Yet many of them see this as a badge of honor: a stepping stone to the main squad or simply their way of contributing to a team they deeply care about.

Preparation Without Promise

Unlike white-ball cricket, where substitutes are rare and tactical changes limited, Test cricket offers more breathing room — and more physical toll. Hamstrings tighten, players dive hard, and sunburn kicks in. That’s when the substitute gets his chance.

Modern support staff don’t treat the 12th or 13th man as just an accessory. They receive tailored fitness regimens, are included in strategic huddles, and are assigned contingency roles—like being the emergency fielder for key positions (slip, close-in, boundary patrol). In elite teams, substitutes are expected to be fielding specialists, often more athletic than some of the seniors.

Some players, like Australia’s Michael Bevan and India’s Wriddhiman Saha, were known to be exceptional 12th men—always energetic, reliable under the high ball, and quick on the throw. In a game where one dropped catch can swing the pendulum, that reliability is golden.

Motivation Without Spotlight

So what drives a player to dive full-length in the 89th over of Day 4 when they know they aren’t even playing?

The answer is pride. Pride in the jersey, pride in being trusted, and pride in knowing that even a cameo on the field could make history. Substitute fielders often say they feel more pressure — not less — because they want to live up to the trust their teammates place in them. There’s also a strong team culture in squads like India, Australia, and New Zealand that emphasizes contribution over recognition.

For many players, those substitute outings are their audition. Field well today, and the selectors might remember your name when injuries strike or new squads are picked. It’s also why you often see fringe players throwing themselves around with the hunger of someone who knows: one catch could be my breakthrough.

Conclusion: A Role That Deserves Recognition

Substitute fielders don’t get their names in lights, but they often light up the game in invisible ways — from energizing tired teammates to snatching a breakthrough catch that no one else saw coming.

As Test cricket evolves, teams are beginning to value the 12th and 13th men not as backups, but as assets. In a format where margins are razor-thin, these forgotten figures on the boundary line may just be the unsung heroes who tip the balance.