Top 3 lowest totals in Tests

Test matches are still the most loved format for cricket nerds. Shorter formats of the game produce higher entertainment value, but Tests exhibit key cricket elements like sledging, innings building and mind games. However, there have been instances when Tests have taken a less conventional turn. Tests are known for high scores, but teams have also scored as low as double-figure team totals. In a similar light, here are the three lowest totals in the history of Tests.

3.South Africa – 30 all out vs England, 1924

In the first Test of 1924’s South Africa tour of England, the visitors won the toss and elected to field first. Batting first, the hosts posted 438, riding on exceptional batting from their top order. In reply, South Africa was all out for 30 runs inside 12.3 overs. No South African batter could reach double figures as Arthur Gilligan, and Maurice Tate rattled their batting line-up with six and four wickets, respectively. The visitors were forced to follow on as Bob Catterall scored a hundred. However, they could only manage 390 before being bowled out as England won by innings and 18 runs.

2. South Africa – 30 all out vs England, 1896

In the first Test of the 1896’s England tour of South Africa, the hosts won the toss and elected to bowl first. England posted just 185 in the first innings on a tough track to bat on. In reply, the Proteas could only manage 93. However, England did well to score 226 in their second innings and posted a good enough total for South Africa to chase. Unfortunately, a batting collapse awaited the hosts in the second innings as they were bowled out for 30. This was the same score as 1924’s total for South Africa. However, since they played for over in this innings, 1896’s game ends up at the second position in this list. Ultimately, England won the match by 288 runs.

1. New Zealand – 26 all out vs England, 1955

In the second Test of 1955’s England tour of New Zealand, the hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. On a good bowling surface, the Kiwis managed to score 200 runs. In reply, England scored 246 and took the lead of 46 runs in the game. Little did the visitors know that this meagre lead would be enough for them to wrap up the game. In the second innings, the Blackcaps were bundled out for just 26 runs, with five batters getting out for ducks while only one could reach double figures. New Zealand’s 26 remains the lowest-ever Test total in the game’s history.