Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings

Test cricket is known for its unpredictability, and few moments capture this better than dramatic batting collapses. Throughout history, teams have succumbed to pressure, resulting in shockingly low totals. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, a reminder of how ruthless the game can be.

Let`s take a look at the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings:

10. Australia – 42 Runs (1888)

Australia’s early brush with batting collapse came on February 10, 1888, when they were bundled out for just 42 runs against England in Sydney. The English bowlers’ relentless accuracy and disciplined line and length overwhelmed the Australian lineup. This performance became a defining entry in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, etching its place in cricket history.

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

9. New Zealand – 42 Runs (1946)

New Zealand faced a major batting collapse in Wellington on March 29, 1946, when they were dismissed for just 42 runs by a dominant Australian side. Bill O’Reilly’s masterful spin bowling played a crucial role in dismantling the Kiwi lineup. This dismal performance stands as a notable entry in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, further enriching the legacy of dramatic moments in Test cricket history.

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

8. Ireland – 38 Runs (2019)

Ireland earned an unfortunate spot in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings during their match against England at Lord’s on July 24, 2019. In a stunning display of pace bowling, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes dismantled the Irish batting order, skittling them out for just 38 runs in only 15.4 overs—a collapse that quickly etched itself into Test cricket history.

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

7. India – 36 Runs (2020)

India’s dramatic collapse in Adelaide on December 17, 2020, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Facing a fierce Australian pace attack, India was bowled out for just 36 runs in 21.2 overs, with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins leading the demolition. This stunning performance remains one of the most shocking entries in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, especially in the modern era of cricket.

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

6. Australia – 36 Runs (1902)

Australia’s crushing batting collapse at Birmingham on May 29, 1902, saw them dismissed for just 36 runs against England. Wilfred Rhodes’ brilliant spin bowling tore through the Australian lineup, securing a place in cricket folklore. This performance stands as one of the most notable entries in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, highlighting the ever-present threat of sudden collapse in Test cricket.

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

5. South Africa – 36 Runs (1932)

On February 12, 1932, South Africa endured a humiliating collapse in Melbourne, managing just 36 runs against Australia. Veteran spinner Bert Ironmonger wreaked havoc with a five-wicket haul, leaving the South African batters with no answers. This dismal effort remains a significant entry in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, underscoring the unforgiving nature of Test cricket.

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

4. South Africa – 35 Runs (1899)

South Africa once again features in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings with their collapse on April 1, 1899, in Cape Town. Facing England, they were bowled out for just 35 runs, as the English bowlers masterfully exploited the conditions. With a meager run rate of 1.84, this performance remains one of the most forgettable chapters in South Africa’s Test history.

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

3. South Africa – 30 Runs (1924)

Nearly three decades later, South Africa once again found themselves on the wrong side of history. On June 14, 1924, in Birmingham, they were bowled out for just 30 runs in only 12.3 overs against England. Arthur Gilligan’s fiery pace proved too much to handle, tearing through the batting order. This collapse remains a standout entry in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, highlighting the recurring struggles of even seasoned teams under pressure.

Team	Score	Year	Opposition	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 came on February 13, 1896, when South Africa was bundled out for just 30 runs by England in Gqeberha (then Port Elizabeth) in only 18.4 overs. George Lohmann delivered a legendary spell, claiming 8 wickets for just 7 runs. This unforgettable collapse remains one of the most iconic entries in the Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings, showcasing the sheer dominance of England’s bowling on that historic day.

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

1. New Zealand – 26 Runs (1955)

New Zealand holds the unfortunate distinction of recording the lowest score in a Test innings. On March 25, 1955, in Auckland, they were dismissed for a mere 26 runs in 27 overs against England. The English bowling duo of Bob Appleyard and Frank Tyson proved devastating, claiming five and four wickets respectively. With a run rate of just 0.96, this innings epitomized batting struggles and stands firmly at the top of the Top 10 Lowest Scores in a Test Innings list.

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

Conclusion

The Top 10 Lowest Score in a Test Innings highlight Test cricket’s unpredictable and unforgiving nature. From fiery pace to turning tracks, even top teams have collapsed under pressure. These dramatic moments, though painful, remain iconic—showcasing the sport’s power to humble and astonish.

Read More: Top 5 Batsmen with Most Double Century in ODI Cricket History

FAQ`s