India’s all-time low of 36 runs in a Test innings against Australia at Adelaide in December 2020 is one of the most significant and shocking moments in cricket history. This incident occurred during the 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which was the first Test match of the series.
Date: December 2020
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Australia
Opponent: Australia
Total Runs Scored by India: 36 all out
In this match, India was bowled out for just 36 runs, which is the lowest ever total for India in Test cricket. This happened in India’s second innings after Australia posted a total of 191 runs in their first innings. India’s collapse was swift and dramatic, with several batsmen failing to get off the mark or scoring very low runs.
India’s Second Innings: India began their second innings with a 53-run deficit, and what followed was a complete collapse, as the team was bowled out for just 36 in 21.2 overs. This marked one of the most extraordinary batting collapses in Test cricket history.
Australia’s Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon were the main contributors to India’s downfall, with Hazlewood and Cummins taking crucial wickets. The pitch conditions and some excellent bowling, especially from the Australian pacers, contributed to India’s inability to recover.
Fifth Lowest Total in Test History: India’s total of 36 is the fifth lowest total in Test cricket history, and it was a huge blow to their confidence, especially after posting a solid total in the first innings.
Impact on the Series: Despite this historic collapse, India made a remarkable comeback in the series. They went on to win the series 2-1, with a famous victory in the second Test at Melbourne and a memorable win in the final Test at Gabba, Brisbane, securing a historic series win in Australia.
Lowest Test Totals in Cricket History:
The lowest Test innings scores in history are as follows:
- 26 – New Zealand vs. England (1955)
- 30 – Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand (2005)
- 32 – South Africa vs. England (1924)
- 35 – New Zealand vs. Australia (1946)
- 36 – India vs. Australia (2020)
This low score of 36 by India in Adelaide remains one of the most discussed moments in cricket, reflecting both the unpredictability of the game and the resilience that India displayed in overcoming this setback to win the series.
