In cricket, we only focus on the highest record set by players. And leave the mess, i.e., the mistakes people make that lead them to score the least runs. Well, when it comes to the lowest score, it was set by New Zealand against England, which was just 26 runs in test cricket history! In this blog, we'll delve into the list of teams that have scored the lowest score in test cricket history. So, if you want to know more, read the blog till the end!
Lowest Score in Test Cricket
Well, when we talk about the lowest score in test cricket, it was made by New Zealand against England, where their score was just 26 runs at Auckland on 25 March 1995. The second least was made by South Africa, which was only 30 runs against England at Gqebera on 13-Feb-1896.
India undertook the third-lowest test score on 17 October 2024 against New Zealand. The score is the most recent entry in the top 20 list. However, India could score only 46 runs in their first innings after the first day was washed out due to the rain which was later calculated by the DLS method in cricket.
During that period, Rishab Pant was the player of the match, scoring the highest of 20 runs. In contrast, players like Virat Kohli, one of the legends of cricket, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin were out of duck. Even New Zealand's bowlers Matt Henry took five wickets and William O'Rourke took four wickets simultaneously.
However, let's look at the list of other lowest scores in test cricket.
New Zealand vs England (1995)
The game score between New Zealand and England remains the lowest with just 26 scores. During this match, New Zealand struggled to find its footing in test cricket, where it had been playing the test for only 25 years. However, this move showed the dominance of the English bowlers, which made the pitch difficult. The innings lasted up to 27, making it one of the most heartbreaking for New Zealand.
South Africa vs England (1896)
The first entry made by South Africa in this game was in Port Elizabeth. England's George Lohmann's entry wrecked chaos when he took eight wickets for just seven runs, considered one of the best types of bowling in the entire test history. Meanwhile, South Africa was still a newbie and was utterly outclassed. During this period, South Africa managed to score only 30 runs.
However, the entire innings lasted only 8.4 five-ball overs, where the top scorer was only six runs. However, the match highlighted the gulf in class between the established English team and the developing South African side.
South Africa vs England (1924)
The second time, South Africa's luck wasn't with it. They were just bowled out in 12.3 overs, the shortest completed innings in cricket. However Maurice Tate and Arthur Gilligan shared the wickets between Tate taking 4 for 12 and Gilligan 6 for 7. The highest individual score was again extras at 11. South Africa's visit to Birmingham was still unfortunate. South Africa managed to score only 30 runs.
South Africa vs England (1899)
South Africa's condition in the test was indeed pitiful, but this time, the luck stuck in the cape town. Schofield Haigh was, however, the chief destroyer, taking six wickets for 11 runs. However, the collapse arrived only after South Africa had taken a first-innings lead, which was even more shocking. Albert Trott, though, supported Haigh with four wickets for 19 runs.
The entire South African innings lasted 22.4 overs where only batsmen reached double figures. Yet, this match showcased how quickly luck can change in test cricket, with South Africa going from a position of strength to a defeat. South Africa's overall score was only 35 runs.
South Africa vs Australia (1932)
This is the fourth time South Africa was struck by thunder, but it was in Melbourne this time. South Africa has faced a rampant Australian team; Bert Ironmonger took five wickets for six runs during this. Additionally, Clarrie Grimmett was also supported by four wickets for 21 runs. However, the innings lasted 23.2 overs, where Jock Cameron reached only 11 runs. Ironmonger was the player of the match, even in his 50s! South Africa's overall score was only 36 runs.
Australia vs England (1902)
This time, Australia was in the trap of England, where it managed to make only 36 runs, and that too with utmost difficulty. Australia's luck in Birmingham was not that good. Wilfred Rhodes was the player of the match, where he took seven wickets for 17 runs. However, the entire innings lasted 23 overs, with the extra score at 8. The famous 1902 Ashes Series, which Australia wanted to win despite this setback, showcased the team's resilience. In this match, Australia was stuck only with 36 runs.
India vs Australia (2020)
India's performance also comes in the list of the lowest scores in test cricket, where India shocked the entire cricket world in Adelaide. Josh Hazlewood (5/8) and Pat Cummins (4/21), one of the most expensive players, ran through the Indian batting order in just 21.2 overs. However, this was India's lowest-ever score in test cricket, where Mayank Agarwal's 9 was the highest score. However, India bounced back to win the series 2-1, where it made one of the most remarkable turnarounds in test history. India secured only 36 runs in this test series.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lowest Score in Test Cricket
What Is the Duration of the Test Match?
A test match lasts five days, consisting of three sessions with 90 overs. However a match result is achieved before the fifth day, the match can end earlier.
What Happens If a Test Match Ends in a Draw?
The game will be declared a draw if the match ends without a team winning. A game will also be declared a draw if the team batting in the fourth innings cannot reach the targets but does not lose all its wickets.
Which Is the Lowest Score Ever Recorded in Test Cricket by India?
The lowest score ever recorded by India in test cricket was on 17 December 2020, scoring only 36 runs.
Cricket, the most popular sport in India, has attained and created several records. The following list of the lowest scores in test cricket helps us understand the struggles and difficulties the players have faced. Therefore knowing these scores and records helps us understand the game in a better way.
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