Top 10 shortest Test matches in history
Test cricket is the ultimate challenge for a player, as one battles not only against oneself, one’s opponent, but also battle the forces of time and nature. There are plenty of factors that might affect the ultimate outcome of a match that are outside the control of the players, none more so than the playing conditions. Irrespective of how you prepare for a match, when you are out there for 5 days, you are at the mercy of nature.
Test cricket has taught us to take nothing for granted. India had just become the No. 1 ranked Test team after the 3rd Test against the West Indies and looked confident to retain that spot, with Virat Kohli stressing that the No. 1 spot matters a lot to him. However, destiny and a disasturous outfield at Port of Spain had other ideas. Rain curtailed the match and Pakistan were handed the No. 1 ranking.
Here, we look at the Top 10 shortest Test matches ever played in history. (by balls bowled)
10) India vs New Zealand, Chennai, 25 – 29 Oct 1995
After comprehensively overcoming the Kiwis at Bangalore, the players made the short journey to Chennai for the second Test in a 3 match series. India were determined to wrap up the series, while the Kiwis were eager to level it up ahead of the final Test at Cuttack. Chennai is not a place known for its rains, but with recent evidence, when it rains, it does pour in the coastal city.
Mohammad Azharuddin won the toss and elected to bat. Manoj Prabhakar and Navjot Singh Sidhu provided the Indians with a good start on day 1 before rain intervened. A soggy outfield prevented play on the next couple of days. While the visitors suggested playing a one-off limited overs match on the last day, the hosts were quick to dismiss the thought. On the short period on day 4 where play was possible, a young Sachin Tendulkar brought up a half-century at one of his favourite grounds.
Total balls bowled: 427 (71.1 overs)
Score: India – 144/2 in 71.1 overs, NZ – N/A