Test matches are the highest level of cricket. It’s a visual treat to watch the teams play cricket with great level of patience and quality.
The biggest event in Test cricket is the World Test Championship, which is organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The winner of the inaugural ICC’s WTC 2019-2021 edition, New Zealand defeated India in the grand finale at Rose Bowl, Southampton, England.
Unfortunately, New Zealand still hold their record for the lowest Test score by a team.
This table below will list the top 10 lowest team scores in Test cricket.
Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket
| Team | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 26 (27.0) | England | Auckland | 25 Mar 1955 |
| South Africa | 30 (18.4×5) | England | Gqeberha | 13 Feb 1896 |
| South Africa | 30 (12.3) | England | Birmingham | 14 Jun 1924 |
| South Africa | 35 (22.4×5) | England | Cape Town | 1 Apr 1899 |
| South Africa | 36 (23.2) | Australia | Melbourne | 12 Feb 1932 |
| Australia | 36 (23.0) | England | Birmingham | 29 May 1902 |
| India | 36 (21.2) | Australia | Adelaide | 17 Dec 2020 |
| Ireland | 38 (15.4) | England | Lord’s | 24 Jul 2019 |
| New Zealand | 42 (39.0) | Australia | Wellington | 29 Mar 1946 |
| Australia | 42 (37.3×4) | England | Sydney | 10 Feb 1888 |
Key Stats
England Team ruled the top 4 spots on the list for years, getting their opposition bowled out for low scores and winning matches.
1. 26 all out (New Zealand vs England in 1955)
This Test match was a record with England having a 46-run first innings lead, but then came the biggest collapse in the history of Test Cricket with Kiwis getting bowled out for just 26 and England winning the Test by an innings and 20 runs.
2. 30 all out (South Africa vs England in 1896)
This is South Africa’s first low score recorded on the table. England was in the driver’s seat with 92 runs lead & scoring 225 in the second innings set a target of 318 runs to chase, which was a big target in those days. South Africa bowled out for just 30. England won by a huge margin of 288 runs.
3. 30 all out (South Africa vs England in 1924)
South Africa got out for the same score again to the same opposition. Arthur Gilligan was the destructor this time as he picked up 6 wickets. England won by an innings and 18 runs.
4. 35 all out (South Africa vs England in 1899)
This Test match was a tough start for both teams. But in the end, England again made their record when they got South Africa all out for just 35, with Haigh picking up 6 wickets for just 11 runs.
5. 36 all out (South Africa vs Australia in 1932)
This Test got results in just 2 days. Bert Ironmonger was the destructor in chief, this time picking 11 wickets. South Africa bundled for 36 and 45 runs in both innings. Australia won by an innings and 72 runs.
