Team Records

Lowest Team Totals in Test

This article highlights the most significant instances of batting collapses and record-low team totals in Test cricket history.

TeamScoreOversRPOOpponentVenueDate
v England2627.00.96v EnglandAuckland25 Mar 1955
v Australia2714.31.86v AustraliaKingston12 Jul 2025
v England3018.4×51.91v EnglandGqeberha13 Feb 1896
v England3012.32.4v EnglandBirmingham14 Jun 1924
v England3522.4×51.84v EnglandCape Town1 Apr 1899
v England3623.01.56v EnglandBirmingham29 May 1902
v Australia3623.21.54v AustraliaMelbourne12 Feb 1932
v Australia3621.21.68v AustraliaAdelaide17 Dec 2020
v England3815.42.42v EnglandLord’s24 Jul 2019
v England4237.3×41.66v EnglandSydney10 Feb 1888
v Australia4239.01.07v AustraliaWellington29 Mar 1946
v England4217.02.47v EnglandLord’s20 Jun 1974
v South Africa4213.53.03v South AfricaDurban27 Nov 2024
v England4328.2×42.26v EnglandCape Town25 Mar 1889
v West Indies4318.42.3v West IndiesNorth Sound4 Jul 2018

Key Insights on Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket

All-Time Lowest Test Scores and Innings Records

New Zealand have recorded the lowest team total in Tests, getting all out for 26 runs against England in the Auckland 1955 Test.

West Indies’ 27 all out against Australia in 2025 is the lowest total by a team in the fourth innings of a Test match. This is also the lowest total in a day-night Test.

South Africa have been all out under 50 runs in seven innings, the most by a team in Tests. 

Australia, England and South Africa have been bowled out for 100 or fewer runs in 30 or more Test innings.


Shortest Completed Innings by Balls Faced

South Africa’s 30 all out against England in the 1924 Birmingham match lasted for a mere 75 balls, making it the shortest innings by a team in terms of balls in Tests. This is also the lowest total by a team in an away Test.

South Africa are the only team to get all out within 100 balls twice, with 30 all out against England in the 1896 Gqeberha Test being the other instance.

Sri Lanka, the West Indies, England, Ireland and Australia are the other teams to get all out in less than 100 balls once each.


Lowest Match Aggregates in Tests

36 all out by South Africa against Australia in Melbourne (1932) is the lowest first innings total in the longer format

South Africa also fared poorly in their second attempt, as Australia folded them for 45 runs

South Africa’s combined match aggregate of 81 runs in the 1932 Melbourne Test is the lowest by a team after batting in both innings of a Test match.

The 1932 Melbourne match also recorded the lowest Test match aggregate by both teams, as Australia added 153 runs to take the run tally to 234 runs.


Historic Defences and Low Totals in Victories

England have logged the lowest total in a Test win. They won the 1987 Sydney Test after Australia wrapped them up for 45 in the first innings.

Australia have defended the lowest target in Tests, having secured an 85-run target against England in the 1882 Oval Test. They sneaked in a seven-run win after bowling out England for 77 runs.

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