Shortest Test to finish in result

The first Test match between Australia and South Africa in the ongoing series got concluded in two days as Australia clinched a victory at The Gabba, with 34 wickets falling in just six sessions. There have been other instances too when a Test has ended in quick time and yet ended in result. On that note, let us look at the three shortest Test matches which finished in a result.

3. 788 balls – ENG vs AUS in Manchester in 1888

England and Australia locked horns for a three-match Test series in July-August 1888. The series was leveled 1-1 after the first two games, and the third Test in Manchester was a decider. Winning the toss, England posted 172 in the first innings, and in response, took Australia down for mere 81 runs. Enforcing a follow-on, England managed to dismiss Australia for 71 in the next innings and won by 21 runs before lunch on the second day.

2. 672 balls – WI vs ENG in Bridgetown in 1935

England toured the West Indies for a three-match Test series from January to March in 1935. The very first game of the series turned out to be a deal-breaker for the hosts. Batting first, Windies faced 282 balls in the first innings and scored 102 runs. Scoring just 81 runs off 177 balls, England declared their innings way early. Windies then played 19 overs (114) balls and declared the second innings at 51/6 before England chased down the target in 99 balls in the final innings.

1. 656 balls – AUS vs SA in Melbourne in 1932

Australia and South Africa played the shortest game in Test cricket history in Melbourne in February 1932. The game saw a total of 656 balls as South Africa were dismissed for mere 36 runs in the first innings after opting to bat. Australia responded by scoring 153 to take the lead by 117 runs. In the second innings, South Africa were bundled out for 45 as Australia won by an innings and 72 runs.