What’s the toughest task in cricket? The correct answer after accounting for all historic measures will be chasing a total in the fourth innings of a Test match. Teams start sweating the moment the score crosses 150. One wicket brings two or more. The pressure built can’t be matched.
Even the best of players crack. Steve Smith, someone who averages 56.02 in Test cricket, scores just 31.44 in the last innings. Sachin Tendulkar‘s overall average of 53.78 also drops to 36.93. The same goes with Brian Lara, who goes from 52.88 to 35.12. And these three are said to be the finest batters since Don Bradman.
What is the lowest total defended in Test cricket?
Australia has the record of defending the lowest total of 85 runs at the Oval back in 1882 against England. Interestingly, India has defended the third-lowest total in Test cricket at the Wankhede Cricket Stadium. They achieved this feat in 2004 when they successfully stopped Australia from chasing 107.
| Target Defended | Batting Team | Bowling Team | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | England | Australia | The Oval | 1882 |
| 99 | Zimbabwe | West Indies | Port of Spain | 2000 |
| 107 | Australia | India | Wankhede | 2004 |
| 111 | Australia | England | Sydney | 1887 |
| 111 | Australia | England | The Oval | 1896 |
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Will Gambhir try Rishabh Pant or Nitish Reddy in IND vs SA 3rd ODI with series on the line?
Top Stories
