Lowest Scores of India In Test Cricket
In the ongoing first Test match between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, India, led by Rohit Sharma, was dismissed for just 46 runs. This total marks the lowest score in India’s Test cricket history, breaking the previous record of 75 against the West Indies in Delhi back in 1987. This surprising outcome highlights a significant moment for a team that is typically dominant on home pitches and now stands as India’s third-lowest Test score overall.
Here’s a look at lowest scores of india in Test cricket history:
List of 5 Lowest Scores of India In Test Cricket
| Match | Opponent | Location | Year | Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | New Zealand | Bengaluru | 2024 | 46 | Lost by an innings and 207 runs |
| 2. | England | Lord’s | 1974 | 42 | Lost by an innings and 285 runs |
| 3. | Australia | Adelaide | 2020 | 36 | Lost by 8 wickets |
| 4. | Australia | Brisbane | 1947 | 58 | Lost by an innings and 226 runs |
| 5. | England | Manchester | 1952 | 58 | Lost by an innings and 207 runs |
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5. 58 All Out vs England, Manchester (1952)
The 1952 Test match in Manchester is a painful memory for India, marked by one of lowest scores of India in test cricket. While attempting to chase England’s total of 347/9, India collapsed for just 58 runs in their first innings. The damp and challenging pitch proved too difficult for the Indian team.
In just his second Test match, Fred Trueman was unstoppable, claiming 8 wickets for only 31 runs and effortlessly dismantling India’s batting lineup. The Indian batsmen struggled significantly, getting out in just 21.4 overs.
In their second innings, India faced the same fate, bowled out for a mere 82 runs.
4. 58 All Out vs Australia, Brisbane (1947)
India’s 1947 tour of Australia was significant as it marked their first Test series in Australia and resulted in one of the lowest scores of India in test cricket. The first Test in Brisbane turned into a nightmare for India, as they were bowled out for just 58 runs in their first innings, while Australia scored 382 runs for 8 wickets.
The Australian bowling attack, led by Ernie Toshack, was too strong for India, who struggled to adjust to the bouncy pitch at the Gabba. Toshack took 5 wickets for only 2 runs in 15 balls, while other bowlers capitalized on India’s inexperience with the conditions.
India’s batting was poor, with no player able to score well against the swinging ball. They were dismissed for 98 runs in their second innings. This was the second lowest scores of india in Test cricket.
3. 46 All Out vs New Zealand, Bengaluru (2024)
In the recent 2024 Test match in Bengaluru, fans were shocked by yet another batting collapse, as India was dismissed for just 46 runs against New Zealand, marking one of the lowest scores of India in test cricket history for the team.
The weather conditions favored the Kiwis, with morning moisture helping the ball swing and seam. New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Matt Henry and William O’Rourkee, made the most of these conditions, putting India on the defensive from the start.
Efforts to stabilize the innings proved unsuccessful as Indian batsmen fell victim to the bowlers’ precise line and length. India was all out in just 31.2 overs, with Henry taking five wickets and O’Rourkee claiming four.
2. 42 All Out vs England, Lord’s (1974)
The 1974 Test at Lord’s, now famously known as part of India’s “Summer of 42,” is a significant moment in cricket history as it marks one of lowest scores of India in test cricket. With cloudy skies ideal for swing bowling, the Indian batsmen faced a formidable English bowling attack led by Chris Old and Geoff Arnold.
In India’s second innings, the team appeared to be merely going through the motions rather than putting up a fight. Arnold took 4 wickets for 19 runs, while Old claimed 5 for 21, quickly dismantling the batting order. India managed to score only 42 runs in just 17 overs, struggling against the bowlers’ precise accuracy and movement. Ultimately, they lost by an innings and 285 runs.
1. 36/9 vs Australia, Adelaide (2020)
The 2020 Adelaide Test was a significant moment in Indian cricket, but not for the reasons most would want to remember. In their first innings, India played well and built a lead of 53 runs.
However, things took a turn in their second innings when Australia’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance that left Indian fans stunned. Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins displayed exceptional skill, swinging and seaming the ball sharply on a sunny morning in Adelaide.
India’s batsmen struggled and collapsed quickly, with Hazlewood taking an impressive 5 wickets for just 8 runs, while Cummins secured 4 wickets for 21 runs. In only 21.2 overs, India managed to score just 36 runs, marking lowest scores of India in test cricket, and they ended up losing the match by eight wickets.
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