Lowest Total in Test: India's Top 5 Bowling Performances
Since entering the world of cricket, India has focused primarily on batting and spinners, with pacers playing only supportive roles.
In home conditions, Indian spinners make it impossible for opponents to play, resulting in teams scoring very few runs over the years. However, in overseas victories, pacers emerge as the most formidable force, aiming to surpass opponents using fast-bowling friendly conditions with the ball.
Batters win Tests, but picking wickets match after match is how red-ball series are clinched. For India, achieving this has become relatively easy in recent times compared to their history.
Failing to find any rhythm in the Centurion Test, Indian bowlers dominated on Day 1 of the ongoing second Test in Cape Town. The Proteas could only muster 55 runs, marking South Africa's lowest Test total against India since they began playing red-ball cricket in 1932.
1. South Africa 55 All-Out, Cape Town 2024
After struggling with line and length in the first Test, Indian bowlers hit their mark right from the first ball in the second encounter.
Mohammed Siraj, who took two wickets in Cape Town, aggressively took charge and swiftly dismissed openers Aiden Markram and captain Dean Elgar.
Jasprit Bumrah also got in on the action, terminating Tristan Stubbs' innings at just three runs.
Then the Siraj show unfolded, as he bowled a probing line and dismantled the Proteas batting order. He secured a memorable six-wicket haul, making players like David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, and Marco Jansen appear as easy targets.
Mukesh Kumar concluded the proceedings by cleaning up the tail, taking the wickets of Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada. Bumrah secured the final South African wicket of Nandre Burger, resulting in the hosts being dismissed for 55.
2. New Zealand 62 All-Out, Mumbai Test , 2021
In a match that witnessed the breaking and setting of several records, India dismissed New Zealand for 62 in the first innings of the second Test in Mumbai. Following Ajaz Patel's capture of 10 Indian wickets in the first innings, the host spinners, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, outperformed the Kiwi batters on an abrasive and spin-friendly track.
Siraj initiated the proceedings by securing the wickets of Tom Latham, Will Young, and Ross Taylor in under five overs.
Axar Patel drew first blood among the trio of Indian spinners, taking care of Daryl Mitchell. Following that, Ashwin commenced his masterclass, toying with Black Caps batters and securing wickets in the lower-middle and tail-end to earn a well-deserved four-wicket haul.
Patel secured his second wicket by dismissing Kyle Jamieson, while off-spinner Jayant Yadav took the wicket of Rachin Ravindra, resulting in New Zealand being bundled out for 62.
3. South Africa 79 All-Out, Nagpur Test, 2015
South Africa appears on the list for the second time, folding for 79 in the third Test at Nagpur during their 2015 tour to India.
Nagpur witnessed a rank-turned pitch, where India could only muster 215 while batting first. Following that, Ravichandran Ashwin brilliantly took five wickets, dismantling South Africa's strong lineup, with valuable support from Ravindra Jadeja.
Ashwin showcased mastery over the spinning ball, dismissing the likes of Dean Elgar, Stiaan van Zyl, and Hashim Amla in back-to-back overs.
As usual, Jadeja took wickets from the other end, disrupting the Proteas' middle order by claiming both AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis. Ashwin then returned and completed the tail, securing yet another five-wicket haul that assisted India in dismissing South Africa for 79.
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4. England 81 All-Out, Ahmedabad Test, 2021
The newly renovated Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad turned into a nightmare venue for the Three Lions during the highly anticipated India-England Test, especially in the Pink-Ball encounter.
After being dismissed for 112 in the first innings, India also struggled to reach 145. Axar Patel, who had wreaked havoc among English batters in the first innings, continued to dominate in the second innings, leaving them unable to make contact with the ball.
On a rank-turner, Patel bowled with precise line and length, causing players like Zak Crawley, Dom Sibley, Joe Bairstow, and Jonny Bairstow to struggle as they attempted to play for spin.
Ravichandran Ashwin also participated in the festivities, increasing his wickets tally from the first innings to claim four wickets. Patel achieved a memorable five-wicket haul, recording match figures of 6 for 70. Washington Sundar dismissed James Anderson, resulting in England being bowled out for 81.
5. Sri Lanka 82 All-Out, Chandigarh Test, 1990
In the lone Test of their 1990-91 tour, Sri Lanka succumbed to the brilliance of India's Venkatapathy Raju. With 288 on the board, Indian bowlers entered Chandigarh with the wind behind them.
Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar initiated the dismantling of Sri Lanka's batting lineup by taking early wickets, dismissing Roshan Mahanama and Athula Samarasekera.
This unleashed a torrent for Raju, who, upon his return to the national side, devastated the opponents by claiming five wickets for two runs in a span of 39 balls during his first spell.
Asanka Gurusinha defied the Indian bowling, scoring an unbeaten 52*, while others succumbed. Raju then skillfully took the final wicket of the Sri Lankan innings, completing a commendable six-for as the opponents could only manage 81.
Conclusion -
In the realm of Test cricket, India's top 5 bowling performances leading to the lowest totals have showcased exceptional skill. From Raju's spectacular comeback to Ashwin's mastery, these moments have etched themselves in cricket history. Stay connected to the pulse of live cricket action with the Fast Live Line app and website. Experience real-time updates, scores, and expert insights. Become a live line guru by embracing the excitement of every delivery. For an unparalleled cricket live line experience, download the Fast Live Line app or visit the website today.
