The 7 lowest first-innings scores to steal victory in a Test match

Archie Starkey 06 Nov 2024

Jack Leach proved more than a mere tail-ender against Ireland in 2019.

Winning the toss and building a good start is paramount for Test cricket teams in their pursuit of winning Test matches.

But sometimes, that doesn’t always go to plan, with a poor first innings often leaving a huge mountain to climb.

With the inception of styles of play such as ‘Bazball’ being adopted by teams around the world, nations are getting braver with more aggressive scoring and a desire to chase the win rather than fight for the draw.

Read on below to discover the seven lowest first innings scores to go on and win the Test match.

7. 174 all out – England v Australia, 1981

In a memorable Ashes match at Headingley, England managed to turn the tide and secure an 18-run win.

This match was a part of the series known as ‘Botham’s Ashes’, where Ian Botham scored an unbeaten 149 in the second innings to steer England to victory.

6. 147 all out – West Indies v Australia, 1993

Following a low first-innings total of just 147, the West Indies’ legendary pacemen Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh managed to clinch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The pair bowled Australia out for 193, just one shy of their target in Trinidad.

5. 140 all out – India v England, 1979

A lackluster 140 in the first innings of their Test match against India in Mumbai left the home side looking destined for defeat.

However, on a turning pitch, the hosts managed to spin their side to victory, defending a target of 213 to win by a colossal 138 runs.

4. 107 all out – Australia v Pakistan, 1972

Australia had a less-than-ideal start to their match against Pakistan, posting just 107 in their first innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

But the ferocity of fast bowler Dennis Lillee resulted in seven wickets, handing the home side a 52-run victory in a low-scoring affair.

3. 94 all out – New Zealand v India, 2002

The pitch in Wellington was one that the toss-winning captain would have been daft not to have a bowl.

New Zealand were steamrolled for just 94 in their first batting effort but made use of the bowling facilities to take wickets and steal the match by four wickets.

2. 93 all out – New Zealand v Pakistan, 1993

With a lowly initial total of 93, the Black Caps looked down and out for the count against Pakistan.

Some bowling magic from Danny Morrison turned the game on its head in Hamilton as the host’s batsmen righted their wrongs to chase down 127 to win by five wickets.

1. 85 all out – England v Ireland, 2019

Noisy neighbours Ireland unleashed havoc, dismissing England for 85 in front of a stunned Lord’s crowd.

But cometh the hour, cometh the man as nightwatchman, Jack Leach, ground out a career-best 92 to save the day in London.