Lowest Score in Test Cricket: Test cricket, the oldest format of the game, is a true test of a team’s patience, technique, and skill. Despite its long duration, even the best teams have had days when everything went wrong, resulting in shockingly low totals. Over the years, several teams have found themselves bundled out for minimal scores, some of which have become unforgettable moments in cricket history.
And In today’s article, we will discuss about “10 lowest team scores in the history of Test cricket“
Lowest Score in Test Cricket
In the history of Test cricket, the New Zealand team holds the record for the lowest all-out score. They achieved this unfortunate feat in 1955 against England, getting bowled out for a mere 26 runs. Following this, the South African team has held the record for the lowest score on three separate occasions.
As for the Indian team, they have been bowled out for a low score of 36 runs against Australia in 2020. More recently, they were also bundled out for 46 runs in a Test match against New Zealand on 17 Oct 2024.
Below is a table listing the 10 lowest team scores in the history of Test cricket, with details about the teams involved, location, and year of the match.
| Rank | Team | Score | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 26 | England | Eden Park, Auckland | 1955 |
| 2 | South Africa | 30 | England | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 1924 |
| 3 | South Africa | 30 | England | Port Elizabeth | 1896 |
| 4 | Australia | 36 | England | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 1902 |
| 5 | India | 36 | Australia | Adelaide Oval | 2020 |
| 6 | South Africa | 35 | England | Cape Town | 1899 |
| 7 | South Africa | 36 | Australia | Melbourne | 1932 |
| 8 | Ireland | 38 | England | Lord’s, London | 2019 |
| 9 | New Zealand | 42 | Australia | Wellington | 1946 |
| 10 | Australia | 42 | England | Sydney Cricket Ground | 1888 |
India’s lowest test score
India’s lowest-ever Test score occurred on December 19, 2020, during the second innings of the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. The Indian team was bowled out for 36 runs, their worst batting collapse in Test history. Australia’s lethal pace duo, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, ripped through the Indian batting lineup. Hazlewood claimed 5 wickets for just 8 runs, while Cummins took 4 wickets for 21 runs. None of the Indian batsmen managed to reach double digits, with Mayank Agarwal being the highest scorer with 9 runs.
India’s Lowest Test Scores (All-Time)
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 36 | Australia | Adelaide Oval | 2020 |
| 2 | 42 | England | Lord’s, London | 1974 |
| 3 | 46 | New Zealand | Bengaluru | 2024 |
| 4 | 58 | Australia | Brisbane, The Gabba | 1947 |
| 5 | 58 | England | Manchester, Old Trafford | 1952 |
| 6 | 66 | South Africa | Durban, Kingsmead | 1996 |
| 7 | 67 | Australia | Melbourne Cricket Ground | 1948 |
| 8 | 75 | West Indies | Delhi, Feroz Shah Kotla | 1987 |
| 9 | 76 | South Africa | Ahmedabad, Motera | 2008 |
| 10 | 81 | West Indies | Bridgetown, Barbados | 1997 |
Lowest innings totals in Tests Cricket
The record for the lowest-ever Test total belongs to New Zealand, who were dismissed for a mere 26 runs by England in Auckland in 1955. South Africa has also endured multiple collapses, with scores of 30 against England on two separate occasions in 1924 and 1896. In more recent times, India’s 46 all-out against New Zealand in 2024 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru shocked the cricket world.
FAQs
Q. What is the lowest test score?
Ans: The lowest test score ever recorded in Test cricket is 26. This unfortunate feat was achieved by New Zealand against England at Brisbane in 1882.
Q. What is India’s lowest test score?
Ans: India’s lowest Test score is 36 all out, which occurred during the second innings of the first Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in December 2020.
Q. What is the lowest total defended in a test?
Ans: The lowest total successfully defended in a Test match is 85 runs. This feat was achieved by Australia against England at Brisbane in 1882. Despite England’s strong batting lineup, they were unable to chase down the low target, resulting in Australia’s victory. This historic match is often referred to as “The Ashes” and is considered one of the most memorable moments in cricket history.
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