The second day of the first Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru left the Indian fans shell shocked as India suffered a massive collapse under overcast conditions. The Indian batters failed to counter the movement and bounce extracted by the kiwi pacers, which led to their collapse for a paltry total of 46. This is now India’s third lowest total in Test cricket and the lowest in home Test matches.
Here’s a rundown of the lowest totals posted by India in their Test cricket history.
India’s most recent and lowest total came during the 2020 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Adelaide. India was bowled out for a mere 36 runs in the third innings of the match. The Australian pace attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, dismantled the Indian batting order, with none of the Indian batsmen able to reach double figures. Australia went on to win the match by eight wickets.
India’s previous lowest total was recorded at Lord’s in 1974 during a series against England. After trailing by over 300 runs in the first innings, India was bowled out for just 42 in the second innings. The English bowlers took advantage of the conditions as Chris Old and Geoff Arnold ran through the Indian batting lineup, resulting in an innings defeat.
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As mentioned before, the Indian batting order completely collapsed as they failed to counter the movement in the overcast conditions. Matt Henry picked up five wickets, whereas William O’Rourke picked up four wickets. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant were the only batters to get into double digits as they scored 13 and 20 respectively.
In one of the earlier encounters between India and Australia, India was dismissed for 58 in the second innings of the Brisbane Test in 1947. Australia’s Ernie Toshack claimed five wickets, leaving the Indian batsmen helpless as they suffered a massive defeat by an innings and 226 runs.
India faced another dismal collapse against England in Manchester in 1952. The Indian team could only muster 58 runs in the first innings, following a strong English performance. Their struggles continued in the second innings, resulting in a heavy defeat by an innings and 207 runs.
India’s tour to South Africa in 1996 was marred by another disappointing performance. Chasing a target of 395 in the fourth innings, India collapsed for just 66 runs. South African pacer Allan Donald led the bowling attack, picking up four wickets and ensuring a comfortable victory for the hosts. Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener also contributed with three and two wickets respectively.
