Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings

Lowest Score in a Test Innings, Test cricket is known for its unpredictable nature and the intense pressure it places on players. Over the years, several teams have faced monumental collapses, ending with some of the lowest scores in a Test innings.

Below is a detailed look at the top 10 lowest scores in Test cricket history, showcasing the challenges of batting in this format:

10. Australia – 42 Runs (1888)

Australia’s first tryst with low scores occurred on February 10, 1888, when they managed just 42 runs against England at Sydney. The English bowlers’ consistent line and length proved too much for the Australian batsmen, contributing to one of the lowest scores in a Test innings in the sport’s history, marking a significant moment in the record of the Lowest Score in a Test Innings.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
Australia	42	1888	England	1.66	37.3×4

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9. New Zealand – 42 Runs (1946)

New Zealand’s struggle in Wellington on March 29, 1946, saw them bowled out for 42 runs by Australia. Bill O’Reilly’s exceptional spin bowling proved decisive. This innings adds to the legacy of the lowest score in a Test innings in cricket history.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
New Zealand	42	1946	Australia	1.07	39.0

8. Ireland – 38 Runs (2019)

Ireland’s entry into the Lowest Score in a Test Innings list came against England at Lord’s on July 24, 2019. Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes combined to dismiss Ireland for 38 runs in just 15.4 overs, marking their place in history with a devastating collapse.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
Ireland	38	2019	England	2.42	15.4

7. India – 36 Runs (2020)

India’s infamous innings in Adelaide on December 17, 2020, stunned the cricketing world. Facing Australia, the Indian team was dismissed for 36 runs in just 21.2 overs, with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dismantling their batting order. This collapse is remembered as one of the most shocking Lowest Scores in a Test Innings in modern cricket.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
India	36	2020	Australia	1.68	21.2

6. Australia – 36 Runs (1902)

Australia’s batting collapse in Birmingham on May 29, 1902, resulted in them scoring 36 runs against England. Wilfred Rhodes’ spin wizardry accounted for most of the wickets, securing Australia’s place in the history books for one of the lowest scores in a Test innings. This remains one of the most notable instances of a Lowest Score in a Test Innings.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
Australia	36	1902	England	1.56	23.0

5. South Africa – 36 Runs (1932)

On February 12, 1932, South Africa added another embarrassing chapter when they scored only 36 runs against Australia in Melbourne. Bert Ironmonger’s 5-wicket haul left the South African batters clueless. This remains one of the lowest scores in a Test innings.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
South Africa	36	1932	Australia	1.54	23.2

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4. South Africa – 35 Runs (1899)

Once again, South Africa finds itself in the list for the Lowest Score in a Test Innings. On April 1, 1899, the team was bowled out for 35 runs against England in Cape Town. England’s bowling attack exploited the conditions perfectly to restrict South Africa to a run rate of just 1.84, adding to their list of lowest scores in a Test innings.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
South Africa	35	1899	England	1.84	22.4×5

3. South Africa – 30 Runs (1924)

Almost three decades later, South Africa repeated their lowest-score woes. In a match against England at Birmingham on June 14, 1924, they were dismissed for 30 runs in just 12.3 overs. Arthur Gilligan’s pace dismantled their batting lineup, contributing to one of the lowest scores in a Test innings. This match remains a notable example of the “Lowest Score in a Test Innings” in cricket history.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
South Africa	30	1924	England	2.40	12.3

2. South Africa – 30 Runs (1896)

The second-lowest score in a Test innings was also recorded against England. On February 13, 1896, South Africa managed only 30 runs in Gqeberha (then Port Elizabeth) in 18.4 overs. England’s George Lohmann was the star, picking up 8 wickets for just 7 runs. This innings remains one of the most memorable lowest scores in a Test innings.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
South Africa	30	1896	England	1.91	18.4×5

1. New Zealand – 26 Runs (1955)

New Zealand holds the unfortunate record for the lowest score in a Test innings. Facing England at Auckland on March 25, 1955, the Kiwis were bowled out for just 26 runs in 27 overs. England’s bowling duo of Bob Appleyard and Frank Tyson proved too lethal, taking five and four wickets respectively. New Zealand’s run rate of 0.96 reflects the struggle they endured, marking this as one of the lowest scores in a Test innings.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition Team	Run Rate	Overs
New Zealand	26	1955	England	0.96	27.0

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