Top Shortest Test Matches Ever Played
In this article, we look at the shortest Test match ever played. For our purpose, we have used the number of balls bowled as a measure. We have also ensured that the matches we considered were completed in all respects, whether or not interrupted by inclement weather.
Contents
Australia vs South Africa, February 12-15, 1932 (656 balls)
The shortest Test match by overs with result was the 5th match of a series in Melbourne on the South Africa tour of Australia in February 1932, South Africa batted first and were bowled out for 32. The innings lasted just 23.2 overs. Skipper Jock Cameron who top-scored with 11 runs was the only batter to get into double figures. For Australia, Bert Ironmonger took 5 wickets for 6 runs, while Laurie Nash returned figures of 4 for 18. Thanks to innings of 40 by Kippax and 42 by Fingleton, Australia replied with 153 in 54.3 overs. For South Africa, Bell, Quinn, and McMillan took three wickets each. In their second knock, the tourists were bowled out for 45, rendering Australia the winners by an innings and 72 runs. This time around opener Sid Curnow (16) was the only player to get into double figures. The innings lasted only 31.3 overs, with Ironmonger once returning figures of 6/18.
West Indies vs England, January 8-10, 1935 (672 balls)
Bridgetown, Barbados, was the host venue of the first Test of a 4-match series on England’s tour of West Indies in January 1935.
West Indies batted first and made just 102 runs from 47 overs. George Headley who made 44 before being run out was the top scorer, with Leslie Hylton (16) the only other batter to reach double figures. For England, Ken Farnes (4), George Paine (3), and Eric Hollies (2) shared the wickets between them. In reply, England made 81/7 in 29.3 overs before declaring the innings. Wally Hammonds (43) had the only innings of note. For the hosts, Martindale and Hylton took three wickets each. In their second knock, the home side declared their innings closed at 51/6 made from 19 overs, with three players getting to double figures. Set 73 to win, the tourists knocked off the runs in 16.3 overs, with 4 wickets to spare. Hammond remained not out on 29 to help his side across the line. For the hosts, Martindale took five wickets.
England vs Australia, July 16-17, 1888 (792 balls)
Lord’s was the venue of the first Test of a series when Australia toured England in July 1888. Batting first, the visitors were bowled out for 116 in 71.2 overs. Captain Percy McDonnell and wicketkeeper Jack Blackham were joint top-scorers with 22 runs each. For England, Bobby Peel took 4/36 to emerge as the most successful bowler. When England replied, they collapsed to be bowled out for 53 in 50 overs. While Johnny Briggs (17) top-scored for the hosts, skipper WG Grace (10) was the only other batter to reach double figures. Charlie Turner took five wickets to emerge Australia’s best bowler. In their second knock, Australia made just 60 in 29.2 overs. JJ Ferris (20) and Charlie Turner (12) were the only batters to achieve double figures. For England, Lohmann and Peel took four wickets each. Chasing 124 to win in the fourth innings, England were bowled out for 62 in just 47 overs. While Grace (24) was the only English batter to make a substantial score, Charlie Turner and JJ Ferris took five wickets each for Australia.
EnglEngland vs South Africa, March 25-26, 1889 (796 balls)
ong>In the 2nd Test of a series in Cape Town on the England tour of South Africa in March 1889, the visitors batted first and made 292 in 123.1 overs. While opener Bobby Abel made a ton (120), England keeper Henry Wood contributed a fifty (59). South Africa’s Gobo Ashley (7/95) was the most successful bowler. When South Africa batted, they were bowled out for 47 in 47.1 overs. While opener Bernard Tancred carried his bat through for an unbeaten 26, no other batter got to double figures. For England, Johnny Briggs was the most impressive bowler, taking seven wickets. Following on, the hosts did even worse in their second knock and were bowled out for 43, with wicketkeeper Fred Smith (110) the only batter to register a double-figure score. English bowler Johnny Briggs was once again the best bowler on display, taking 8/11.
England vs South Africa, March 25-26, 1889 (796 balls)
ong>In the 2nd Test of a series in Cape Town on the England tour of South Africa in March 1889, the visitors batted first and made 292 in 123.1 overs. While opener Bobby Abel made a ton (120), England keeper Henry Wood contributed a fifty (59). South Africa’s Gobo Ashley (7/95) was the most successful bowler. When South Africa batted, they were bowled out for 47 in 47.1 overs. While opener Bernard Tancred carried his bat through for an unbeaten 26, no other batter got to double figures. For England, Johnny Briggs was the most impressive bowler, taking seven wickets. Following on, the hosts did even worse in their second knock and were bowled out for 43, with wicketkeeper Fred Smith (110) the only batter to register a double-figure score. English bowler Johnny Briggs was once again the best bowler on display, taking 8/11.List of Shortest Test Matches Ever Played
| # | Duration in balls | Date | Venue | Teams | Result |
| 1 | 656 | 12 February 1932 | Melbourne | Australia vs South Africa | Australia won by an innings and 72 runs |
| 2 | 672 | 8 January 1935 | Bridgetown | West Indies vs England | England won by 4 wickets |
| 3 | 788 | 30 August 1888 | Manchester | England vs Australia | England won by an innings and 121 runs |
| 4 | 792 | 16 July 1888 | Lord’s | England vs Australia | Australia won by 61 runs |
| 5 | 796 | 25 March 1889 | Cape Town | South Africa vs England | England won by an innings and 202 runs |
| 6 | 815 | 12 August 1912 | The Oval | England vs South Africa | England won by 10 wickets |
| 7 | 842 | 24 February 2001 | Ahmedabad | India vs England | India won by 10 wickets |
| 8 | 872 | 29 March 1946 | Wellington | New Zealand vs Australia | Australia won by an innings and 103 runs |
| 9 | 893 | 11 October 2002 | Sharjah | Pakistan vs Australia | Australia won by an innings and 198 runs |
| 10 | 907 | 28 December 2017 | Port Elizabeth | South Africa vs Zimbabwe | South Africa won by an innings and 120 runs |
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