Top 10 Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket: Shocking Collapses in Cricket

Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, but sometimes, even the best teams fall like a deck of cards. Throughout history, there have been some shocking Test match innings where teams were bowled out for incredibly low scores. These moments remind us that in Test cricket, even the strongest sides can crumble under pressure.

This article explores the 10 Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket, when teams couldn’t even reach 50 runs. We’ve included a clear table of stats and a description for each collapse. Whether you’re a cricket fan or just learning the game, this article is written in simple language so everyone can understand

List of Top 10 Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket

10. Australia – 42 all out vs England (1888)

In the early years of Test cricket, Australia were bowled out for just 42 runs against their old rivals England. This match was played in Sydney in 1888. Australia’s innings lasted 37.3 overs, and they struggled throughout against the English bowlers.

This was one of the earliest examples of a batting collapse and it became a reference point in discussions around the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket. The bowlers found perfect conditions, and the Australians had no answer to the English pace attack.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
Australia	42	37.3	England

9. New Zealand – 42 all out vs Australia (1946)

New Zealand’s post-war return to Test cricket didn’t go well. In 1946 at Wellington, the Kiwi team was bowled out for just 42 runs in 39 overs by a dominant Australian bowling line-up.

This collapse came when New Zealand was still developing in Test cricket. This innings is still remembered when discussing the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
New Zealand	42	39.0	Australia

8. Ireland – 38 all out vs England (2019)

One of the more recent collapses in Test cricket came in 2019, when Ireland, in just their third Test match, were bowled out for 38 runs in just 15.4 overs at the iconic Lord’s.

This was a tough lesson for Ireland, but also a reminder of how challenging Test cricket can be. This match became a part of modern discussions around the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
Ireland	38	15.4	England

7. India – 36 all out vs Australia (2020)

In one of the most surprising collapses in modern Test cricket, India were bowled out for just 36 runs by Australia at Adelaide in 2020. The innings lasted only 21.2 overs, and no Indian batsman reached double digits.

Despite the collapse, India bounced back in the series, but this innings remains among the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket and shocked the entire cricketing world.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
India	36	21.2	Australia

6. Australia – 36 all out vs England (1902)

In a 1902 Test at Birmingham, Australia were bowled out for 36 runs in 23 overs against England. Interestingly, the match ended in a draw despite this major collapse.

This innings remains one of the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket, especially significant because Australia still managed to avoid defeat.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
Australia	36	23.0	England

5. South Africa – 36 all out vs Australia (1932)

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1932, South Africa suffered a massive collapse, scoring only 36 runs in 23.2 overs against a top Australian bowling attack.

This collapse remains one of South Africa’s worst moments in Test cricket history and is always cited when talking about the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
South Africa	36	23.2	Australia

4. South Africa – 35 all out vs England (1899)

In a Test played in Cape Town in 1899, South Africa was bowled out for 35 runs in 22.4 overs by England. This was one of England’s most dominant bowling performances.

This match remains one of the classic examples of the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket, where South Africa couldn’t resist England’s bowling.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
South Africa	35	22.4	England

3. South Africa – 30 all out vs England (1924)

In Birmingham in 1924, South Africa again collapsed, this time for just 30 runs in 12.3 overs against England. This was one of the fastest collapses in cricket history.

This match is a key moment in the list of Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket, showing how dangerous English conditions can be.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
South Africa	30	12.3	England

2. South Africa – 30 all out vs England (1896)

Earlier in 1896, at Gqeberha, South Africa were again bowled out for 30 runs, this time in 18.4 overs. England once again dominated the Proteas.

This performance is among the earliest examples of the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket, and it shows the struggle of early South African teams.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
South Africa	30	18.4	England

1. New Zealand – 26 all out vs England (1955)

The record for the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket is held by New Zealand, who scored just 26 runs in 27 overs in their third innings against England in Auckland in 1955.

This match remains the lowest total ever recorded in Test cricket history. It represents the ultimate batting collapse, and over the decades, no team has been bowled out for less. It remains the benchmark for discussions around the Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket.

Team	Score	Overs	Opponent
New Zealand	26	27.0	England

READ MORE:

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