Test cricket is considered the pinnacle of the sport, requiring immense skill, concentration, and resilience over five grueling days. Yet, there are rare occasions when even the best teams crumble spectacularly. These unforgettable days are etched in history not for moments of brilliance, but for shocking collapses—marking the lowest Test scores ever recorded in the game’s long and storied journey.
Let’s explore the top 10 lowest Test scores in cricket history
10. New Zealand – 42 vs Australia
Venue: Wellington
Date: 29 March 1946
New Zealand’s return to Test cricket after World War II was anything but triumphant. Facing a dominant Australian attack in Wellington, the Kiwis collapsed for just 42 runs. Their batting lineup showed little resistance, resulting in one of the lowest Test scores in history and a humbling start to their campaign.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | Australia | Wellington | 29-Mar-1946 |
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9. Ireland – 38 vs England
Venue: Lord’s
Date: 24 July 2019
In only their third-ever Test match, Ireland shocked England by bowling them out cheaply in the first innings at Lord’s. However, their dream turned into a nightmare in the second innings as they collapsed for just 38 runs. At the spiritual home of cricket, this dramatic downfall became one of the most recent entries among the lowest Test scores in history.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | England | Lord’s | 24-Jul-2019 |
8. India – 36 vs Australia
Venue: Adelaide
Date: 17 December 2020
A modern classic of complete batting collapse, India’s performance in Adelaide stunned the cricketing world. After being in a strong position, they crumbled for just 36 runs—their lowest ever in Test history. With no batter reaching double digits, this shocking display became one of the most unforgettable and dramatic entries among the lowest Test scores in the modern era.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Australia | Adelaide | 17-Dec-2020 |
7. Australia – 36 vs England
Venue: Birmingham
Date: 29 May 1902
Even cricketing giants like Australia have faced humiliating lows. In a one-innings Test at Birmingham in 1902, the Australians were dismantled by England for just 36 runs. The match exposed their vulnerability under pressure, and the total remains one of the lowest Test scores ever recorded—serving as a stark reminder that no team is immune to collapse.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | England | Birmingham | 29-May-1902 |
6. South Africa – 36 vs Australia
Venue: Melbourne
Date: 12 February 1932
In a 1932 Test match in Melbourne, South Africa’s batting lineup crumbled against Australia’s disciplined and relentless bowling attack. They were dismissed for just 36 runs, marking yet another disappointing chapter in their early Test history. This dismal performance earned them a recurring place on the lowest Test scores leaderboard, reflecting their struggles during the formative years of international cricket.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Australia | Melbourne | 12-Feb-1932 |
5. South Africa – 35 vs England
Venue: Cape Town
Date: 1 April 1899
In the early days of Test cricket, South Africa often found themselves outclassed by stronger opponents. In 1899 at Cape Town, England dismantled the South African batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 35 runs. This crushing defeat remains one of the oldest entries on the list of lowest Test scores, highlighting South Africa’s early struggles on the international stage.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | England | Cape Town | 01-Apr-1899 |
4. South Africa – 30 vs England
Venue: Birmingham
Date: 14 June 1924
South Africa endured yet another brutal collapse in 1924 at Birmingham, falling victim to England’s relentless and precise bowling attack. Bowled out for just 30 runs, it marked their second total under 36 in Test history. This embarrassing performance remains one of the all-time lowest Test scores and underscores their repeated early struggles in the longest format of the game.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | England | Birmingham | 14-Jun-1924 |
3. South Africa – 30 vs England
Venue: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Date: 13 February 1896
In the 19th century, South Africa faced repeated challenges in Test cricket. During a match in Port Elizabeth in 1896, they collapsed against a fierce English bowling attack, managing only 30 runs. This disastrous effort stands as one of the earliest and most notable entries in the list of lowest Test scores, reflecting the tough beginnings of South African cricket.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | England | Gqeberha | 13-Feb-1896 |
2. West Indies – 27 vs Australia
Venue: Kingston
Date: 12 July 2025
In a stunning modern-day collapse, West Indies were bowled out for just 27 runs against Australia in Kingston, marking their lowest total in Test history. This dismal performance became the second-lowest Test score ever recorded. A new generation of cricket fans witnessed the unthinkable—a 21st-century addition to the long-feared list of the lowest Test scores in the game’s history.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Australia | Kingston | 12-Jul-2025 |
1. New Zealand – 26 vs England
Venue: Auckland
Date: 25 March 1955
Topping the list of lowest Test scores is New Zealand’s infamous 26 against England in Auckland, 1955. Their batting lineup collapsed entirely under relentless English bowling, setting a record that still stands unmatched. For over 70 years, this dismal total has remained the lowest in Test history—a haunting reminder of how brutally unforgiving the longest format can be.
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | England | Auckland | 25-Mar-1955 |
FAQs
Q1: Why do Test teams sometimes get bowled out for such low scores?
A: Factors include challenging pitch conditions, quality bowling attacks, poor shot selection, overcast weather aiding swing/seam, and psychological pressure during collapses.
Q2: What is the lowest Test score by a winning team?
A: One of the lowest successful innings scores is 85 by Australia against England at The Oval in 1882. They still won the match, famously giving rise to The Ashes rivalry.
Q3: How does a low team score affect a Test match outcome?
A: A very low score can heavily tilt the game, often leading to innings defeats or matches ending within 2–3 days unless the opposing team also collapses. However, some low-scoring matches have produced thrilling contests.
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