Cricket fans love a good battle between bat and ball. But sometimes, the ball completely dominates the bat. This article looks at the most extraordinary days in Test cricket history when wickets tumbled like never before.
We’ll explore the top 20 instances of the most wickets falling in a single day of Test cricket and take a closer look at the top 10 matches.
Most Wickets In A Test Match In One Day
Test cricket often sees days where batsmen struggle and bowlers thrive.
Here’s a table showing the top 20 instances of the most wickets falling in a single day of Test cricket:
| Teams | Day | Runs | Wkts | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Australia | 2 | 157 | 27 | Lord’s | 16 Jul 1888 |
| Australia vs England | 1 | 221 | 25 | Melbourne | 1 Jan 1902 |
| England vs Australia | 2 | 255 | 24 | The Oval | 10 Aug 1896 |
| India vs Afghanistan | 2 | 339 | 24 | Bengaluru | 14 Jun 2018 |
| South Africa vs Australia | 2 | 294 | 23 | Cape Town | 9 Nov 2011 |
| South Africa vs India | 1 | 270 | 23 | Cape Town | 3 Jan 2024 |
| England vs Australia | 1 | 197 | 22 | The Oval | 11 Aug 1890 |
| Australia vs West Indies | 1 | 207 | 22 | Adelaide | 22 Dec 1951 |
| England vs India | 3 | 195 | 22 | Manchester | 17 Jul 1952 |
| Sri Lanka vs England | 3 | 229 | 22 | Colombo (SSC) | 15 Mar 2001 |
| New Zealand vs India | 3 | 279 | 22 | Hamilton | 19 Dec 2002 |
| New Zealand vs Zimbabwe | 3 | 297 | 22 | Napier | 26 Jan 2012 |
| South Africa vs England | 1 | 278 | 21 | Gqeberha | 13 Feb 1896 |
| England vs New Zealand | 2 | 236 | 21 | Birmingham | 1 Jul 1999 |
| England vs West Indies | 2 | 188 | 21 | Lord’s | 29 Jun 2000 |
| Sri Lanka vs Australia | 2 | 314 | 21 | Galle | 4 Aug 2016 |
| England vs Australia | 2 | 199 | 20 | The Oval | 28 Aug 1882 |
| England vs Australia | 1 | 164 | 20 | The Oval | 28 Aug 1882 |
| South Africa vs England | 1 | 232 | 20 | Gqeberha | 12 Mar 1889 |
| Australia vs England | 1 | 198 | 20 | Melbourne | 29 Dec 1894 |
Now, let’s dive into the top 10 matches where the most wickets fell in a single day:
1. England vs Australia, Lord’s, 16 July 1888: 27 wickets
This match holds the record for the most wickets in a single day of Test cricket. On day 2, a staggering 27 wickets fell for just 157 runs. Australia’s Charlie Turner and J.J. Ferris tore through the English batting lineup, dismissing them for 53 and 62 in their two innings. Australia themselves were bowled out for 60 in their second innings. The match ended with Australia winning by 61 runs, with Ferris starring with both bat and ball.
2. Australia vs England, Melbourne, 1 January 1902: 25 wickets
The first day of this Test match saw 25 wickets fall. Both teams struggled with the bat, with Australia scoring 112 in their first innings. England replied with a paltry 61 in just 15 overs. The day’s play showcased the dominance of bowlers over batsmen, setting the tone for a low-scoring match.
3. England vs Australia, The Oval, 10 August 1896: 24 wickets
Day 2 of this Test match saw 24 wickets tumble. England won the match by 66 runs, but not before a dramatic collapse by Australia in their second innings. Chasing 111 to win, Australia were bundled out for just 44 runs. R Peel and JT Hearne of England shared all 10 wickets between them in a remarkable bowling performance.
4. India vs Afghanistan, Bengaluru, 14 June 2018: 24 wickets
This match marked Afghanistan’s debut in Test cricket. On day 2, 24 wickets fell as Afghanistan’s inexperience showed against the top-ranked Indian team. After India posted 474 in their first innings, Afghanistan was dismissed twice on the same day for scores of 109 and 103. The match ended in just two days, with India winning by an innings and 262 runs.
5. South Africa vs Australia, Cape Town, 9 November 2011: 23 wickets
Day 2 of this Test match saw 23 wickets fall. Australia, leading by 188 runs after the first innings, collapsed dramatically in their second innings. They were bowled out for just 47 runs in 18 overs. South Africa then chased down the target of 236, thanks to centuries from Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla.
6. South Africa vs India, Cape Town, 3 January 2024: 23 wickets
The first day of this Test match witnessed 23 wickets falling. South Africa were bowled out for just 55 in their first innings. India then scored 153 before South Africa lost 3 more wickets in their second innings on the same day. The match showcased the dominance of bowlers on a challenging pitch.
7. England vs Australia, The Oval, 11 August 1890: 22 wickets
The first day of this Test match saw 22 wickets fall for 197 runs. Both teams struggled with the bat, setting the stage for a low-scoring contest. The match exemplified the challenges faced by batsmen in the early days of Test cricket.
8. Australia vs West Indies, Adelaide, 22 December 1951: 22 wickets
On the first day of this Test, 22 wickets fell for 207 runs. The match saw both teams struggle to cope with the bowling attacks. It highlighted the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where a single day can drastically change the course of a match.
9. England vs India, Manchester, 17 July 1952: 22 wickets
The third day of this Test match saw 22 wickets fall for 195 runs. Both teams found it difficult to score runs, with bowlers dominating proceedings. The match demonstrated how quickly fortunes can change in Test cricket.
10. Sri Lanka vs England, Colombo, 15 March 2001: 22 wickets
On the third day of this Test, 22 wickets fell for 229 runs. The match saw dramatic shifts in momentum, with both teams struggling to build substantial partnerships. It showcased the challenges of batting in subcontinental conditions.
Conclusion: The Record For The Most Wickets In A Single Day Of A Test Match Is 27 Wickets
These extraordinary days in Test cricket history remind us of the unpredictable nature of the game. They highlight how quickly fortunes can change and how a single day’s play can decisively impact the outcome of a match. While modern cricket often favors batsmen, these instances serve as a testament to the enduring power of bowling in Test cricket.
They also underline the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of challenging conditions. As cricket evolves, days like these will continue to fascinate fans and keep the spirit of Test cricket alive.
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