Best match figures at The Oval

The Oval has had a lot for both batters and bowlers over the years. On one hand, it had a match where one of the highest totals in Test cricket history was scored, while on the other hand, it saw the lowest Test totals defended. The venue also hosted a game where a bowler bowled the fifth-best bowling figures in Test cricket’s history.

Let’s look at the top 3 best match figures at The Oval:

1. Muthiah Muralidaran – 16/220 vs England

Muthiah Muralidaran bowled one of the most iconic spells in Test cricket’s history at The Oval in 1998. Sri Lanka traveled to England to play a one-off Test match, and elected to bowl after winning the toss. Muralidaran picked seven wickets in the first innings, but England posted a total of 445 runs on the board. Sri Lanka replied with 591 runs in the second innings. The third innings was where Muralidaran showed his magic and took nine wickets. The other wicket that fell was due to a runout. England scored just 181 runs and Sri Lanka won the match by 10 wickets after chasing down the target of 36 runs in five overs.

2. Frederick Spofforth – 14/90 vs England

Australia defended the lowest total in Test cricket’s history against England in 1882. Frederick Spofforth was the reason that could happen. Australia were in England that year to play a single Test match and elected to bat after winning the toss. They made 63 runs in the first innings, and England scored 101 runs in their first innings. Spofforth took seven wickets during England’s first innings. Australia made 122 runs in their second innings and gave England a target of 85 runs. Only three English batters managed to make more than 10 runs for the team. Spofforth picked seven wickets once again and helped Australia win by seven runs.

3. Michael Holding – 14/149 vs England

Michael Holding recorded the second-best bowling figure by a pacer at The Oval in 1976. During the fifth Test, the West Indies won the toss and elected to bat. They declared on 687 runs for the loss of eight wickets. England, in reply, made 435 runs with the help of a double-century from Dennis Amiss. Holding took eight wickets in the innings. The West Indies declared their second innings on 182 runs, and England had a target of 435 runs to win the match. Holding picked six wickets for 57 runs in the second innings and helped the West Indies register a victory by 231 runs. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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