Test cricket is often regarded as the toughest format for batters, demanding patience, discipline and strong technique over long periods. Yet even the best teams have suffered dramatic batting collapses, with some being dismissed for remarkably low totals. Several sides have failed to cross even the 50-run mark in a Test innings, with New Zealand holding the unwanted record for the lowest total.
New Zealand have the lowest innings total ever recorded in Test cricket. Facing England in Auckland on March 25, 1955, the hosts were completely dismantled and bowled out for just 26 runs.
The New Zealand batting lineup had no answer to England’s attack and was dismissed in only 27 overs. More than seven decades later, the 26-run total remains the lowest in Test history.
West Indies Close Behind
West Indies occupy the second spot on the list after being dismissed for 27 runs against Australia in Kingston in July 1955.
The collapse came in their second innings, as the Australian bowlers ran through the West Indies batting order. Several batters failed to make it into double figures as the hosts were skittled out for just one run more than New Zealand’s record-low total.
South Africa’s Multiple Entries
South Africa feature prominently among the teams with the lowest Test totals. Their lowest score is 30, recorded against England in Gqeberha in 1896.
They also registered another total of 30 against England in Birmingham in 1924. Their other notable collapses include scores of 35 against England in Cape Town in 1899 and 36 against Australia in Melbourne in 1932.
India’s Lowest Test Total
India’s lowest score in Test cricket came during the first innings of the 2020 pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. The Indian batting lineup collapsed dramatically and was bowled out for just 36 runs.
That remains India’s lowest-ever Test total. Before that, India had recorded a total of 42 against England at Lord’s in 1974.
Lowest Team Scores in Test Cricket
New Zealand – 26 vs England, 1955
West Indies – 27 vs Australia, 1955
South Africa – 30 vs England, 1896
South Africa – 30 vs England, 1924
South Africa – 35 vs England, 1899
South Africa – 36 vs Australia, 1932
India – 36 vs Australia, 2020
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