Key Highlights
- West Indies collapsed for 27 runs, ranking as the second‑lowest completed innings in Test history.
- New Zealand holds the record at 26 runs, set over six decades ago.
- South Africa appears three times in the top‑five, illustrating early struggles.
- Australia’s 36‑run collapses show even powerhouses can falter.
Detailed Insights
West Indies 27/– – In Kingston’s Sabina Park on 14 July 2025, the batting side was dismantled by Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who achieved an astonishing 6/9.
The defeat completed Australia’s 3‑0 sweep and heightened scrutiny on the West Indies’ preparation.
Contrasting the 1955 record of New Zealand, the 27‑run total was reached in just 19.4 overs, underlining how modern fast bowling can overwhelm weaker line‑ups.
South Africa’s repeated low scores (30, 30, 35) against England reveal early Test conditions as difficult, while Australia’s 36‑run collapse in 1902 is a reminder that dominance is never absolute.
India’s 36‑run failure in 2020, brought on by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, underscores the continued vulnerability of even strong teams.
Key Concepts
- Completed Innings – An innings fully bowled without the batting side retaining wickets.
- Lowest Total – The smallest number of runs a team has been dismissed for in a match.
- Strike Rate of Bowling Team – How quickly bowlers can dismiss batsmen and limit runs.