Lowest test totals defended at Old Trafford

Although Old Trafford has historically favored teams who bat first, it has also seen some outstanding bowling performances where ostensibly low totals were successfully defended.  

These low-total defenses are uncommon and frequently spectacular, demonstrating the bowling side’s tenacity, tactical discipline, and unrelenting pressure. These are the lowest targets that Old Trafford has ever successfully defended in Test history.

Here are the top three lowest Test totals defended at Old Trafford:

1. 124 by Australia vs England, 1902

Australia and England clashed in Manchester in the fourth Test in 1902. Australia batted first and posted 299 runs thanks to Victor Trumper’s century and half-centuries by Reggie Duff and Clem Hill. Bill Lockwood took 6/48 for England. In reply, England made 262, with Stanley Jackson making 128 and Len Braund making 58. 

In the second innings, Australia could not do much and were bowled out for 86, with Lockwood adding 5/28 to his first innings six wickets. Set 124 runs to win, England made the chase a difficult one as they were bowled out for 120 runs with Hugh Trumble taking six and Jack Saunders taking four wickets as Australia won by three runs.

2. 256 by Australia vs England, 1961

This match between England and Australia was the fourth Test of the series, played in Manchester. Australia made 190 in their first innings, with Bill Lawry top-scoring with 74 while Brian Statham took five wickets. England replied with 367, with Peter May’s 95 being the highest score and crucial fifties coming from Geoff Puller (63) and Ken Barrington (78).

In the second innings, Australia made bank with 432 runs, with Lawry making 102 and fifties coming from Bob Simpson, Norm O’Neill, and Alan Davidson as England was set 256 runs to win. However, they were bowled out for 201 runs, with Ted Dexter making 78 runs and Richie Benaud taking six wickets, as Australia won by 54 runs.

3. 265 by England vs New Zealand, 1937

New Zealand visited Manchester to face England in the second Test of the series in 1937. Len Hutton made 100, while Charlie Barnett and Joe Hardstaff made fifties in England’s 358/9d, while Jack Cowie took four wickets for the Kiwis. New Zealand failed to score big, making 281, with Walter Hadlee making 93 and Giff Vivian making 58.

England were not as lucky in the second innings, scoring 187 runs with Freddie Brown scoring 57, while Cowie took six wickets. New Zealand set 265 runs to win and was shot out for 134 runs, with Giff Vivian scoring 50. Tom Goddard took six wickets for England as they won by 130 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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