Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
India’s three-match series against New Zealand began in a way no one could have imagined. The hosts were rolled for just 46 in Bengaluru, with the Black Caps producing an exhibition of seam bowling in helpful conditions.
Given India’s dominance at home over the years and ability to produce remarkable wins, there is hope among their fans that they still turn it around at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In this article, we will look at the top five lowest first innings scores that resulted in a win.
Top 5 lowest first innings scores that ended up winning a Test match
| Team | Score | Opponent | Location | Year | Result |
| England | 45 | Australia | SCG | 1887 | ENG won by 13 runs |
| Australia | 63 | England | The Oval | 1882 | AUS won by 7 runs |
| England | 75 | Australia | MCG | 1894 | ENG won by 94 runs |
| England | 76 | South Africa | Headingley | 1907 | ENG won by 53 runs |
| England | 85 | Ireland | Lord’s | 2019 | ENG won by 143 runs |
85 by England against Ireland, Lord’s, 2019
Fresh off their World Cup triumph, England made a terrible start to their Test season. Tim Murtagh ripped through their lineup at Lord’s, taking 5/13. Mark Adair (3/32) and Boyd Rankin (2/5) also chipped in as Joe Root’s team was bowled out in just 23.4 overs.
In response, Ireland were well placed at 132/2, already ahead by 47. However, England took quick wickets to limit the lead to 122 and give themselves the chance of avoiding a monumental upset.
In the second innings, it was an unexpected hero who stepped up. Jack Leach, who opened as a nightwatchman, struck 92 to guide England to 303. The lead of 181 didn’t seem too big, but overcast conditions and the experienced duo of Stuart Broad (4/19) and Chris Woakes (6/17) was far too much for Ireland to handle as they were bowled out for 38.
76 by England against South Africa, Headingley, 1907
A game for the bowlers on an uncovered Headingley pitch affected by rain. South Africa’s George Faulkner led the way with 6/17 as they rolled England for 76 in 36.3 overs of their 1907 Test. In response, they managed just 110, with Colin Blythe taking remarkable figures of 8/59 in 15.5 overs.
The bowlers still dominated from thereon as conditions became more difficult. However, England did start their second innings well, reaching 100/1. But, new batsmen struggled to cope with the conditions, eventually collapsing to 162.
The target of 129 seemed steep. It turned out to be that way, with South Africa bowled out for 75 after being reduced to 18/5. Colin Blythe was the chief destroyer once again, taking 7/40 to finish with 15 wickets for the match.
75 by England against Australia, MCG, 1894/95
England took a 2-0 lead in the 1894/95 Ashes despite getting bowled out for 75 in their first innings of the second Test. Charlie Turner (5/32) and Hugh Trumble (3/15) did the most damage as the Australians would have felt they had an avenue back in the series.
England responded strongly with ball and bat. Tom Richardson’s 5/57 was the catalyst for Australia’s 123 in reply. Then, skipper Andrew Stoddart hit a superb 173 as every other player scored double figures en route to 475 in a mammoth 202.2 overs.
Needing 428 to win, Australia made a good fist of it, reaching 191/1. But, they ran out of steam, eventually getting bowled out for 333 to lose by 94 runs.
63 by Australia against England, The Oval, 1882
This match was a historic one. It marked the birth of The Ashes, as it was Australia’s first win on England soil.
Frederick Spofforth took 14 wickets as Australia recovered from 63 all-out at The Oval in 1883. After Dick Barlow (5/19) and Ted Peate (4/31) did the damage, Spofforth led the way with 7/46 in the first innings to keep England within reach.
Trailing by 38 runs, Australia reached 70/1 but struggled thereafter. Their final nine wickets fell for 52 runs, leaving England needing 85 to win. Spofforth dominated again, taking 7/44 to seal a remarkable seven-run win.
45 by England against Australia, SCG, 1887
England hold four of the top five records of lowest first innings scores that ended up with victory. The lowest such total remains their 45 way back in 1887, where Charlie Turner (6/15) and J.J. Ferris (4/27) were too good.
In response, Australia batted 113.1 overs. Such a timeframe should mean the game was out of reach. But, they scored just 119.
England followed up with a big effort of their own (136.2 overs), scoring 184. Needing 111 to win on a pitch the match report deemed fair, Australia were bowled out for 97 in 107 overs.
