6 times a bowling pair took all 20 wickets in a Test

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The result of a Test match is generally determined by the quality of bowlers a team possesses. If the bowlers fail to take 20 wickets, then the team doesn't win the match (unless of course, the opposition captain opts for a risky declaration). So, as one can imagine, taking 20 wickets is absolutely essential if a Test is to be won and hence, the bowling attack assumes all the more importance.

Usually, a bowling attack consists of 4 bowlers and they work as a team to dismiss the opposition. However, are 6 instances in Test cricket’s history when only 2 bowlers were needed to dismiss the entire opposition twice. Here is a closer look at those games.

#6 Hugh Trumble and Monty Noble against England at Melbourne, 1902

This was the first Test in which two bowlers took all 20 wickets and it was England who were at the receiving end of the double act from Hugh Trumble and Monty Noble. On a treacherous Melbourne pitch, Australia were dismissed for 161 but the right arm off-break of Trumble (3 for 38) and the mixture of medium pace and off-spin from Noble (7 for 17) destroyed England. They were dismissed for only 61 in 15.4 overs.

After Australia came good with the bat in the 2nd innings, England were set a target of 405. However, Trumble and Noble combined again to take 4 for 49 and 6 for 60 respectively to dismiss England for 175.

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