Three shortest completed Tests in the 21st century
The modern era of cricket has seen many Test matches ending in less than five days. In many instances, the pitches haven’t been supportive of batters, and thus with bowlers gaining momentum, games tend to end even in two or three days. In the past couple of years, there have been three such instances, where the games have finished on the second day. On that note, let us look at three games that saw the fewest number of balls being bowled.
3. Australia vs Pakistan in Sharjah in 2002 (893 balls)
The Australian side had some big names like Hayden, Ponting, Steve Waugh, and Warne back in the day. Playing at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Australian bowlers dished out Pakistan for mere 59 runs in the first innings. Australia then posted 310 runs while batting, and bundled out Pakistan for 53 runs in the second innings to win the game by an innings and 198 runs in just 893 balls.
2. Australia vs South Africa in Brisbane in 2022 (866 balls)
South Africa’s tour of Australia included three Test matches, and the two teams had been fighting for a spot in the World Test Championship finale. The Gabba in Brisbane hosted the fixture, and the game saw bowlers getting a huge advantage. 34 wickets fell in just the first six sessions within two days, and the game concluded on the 866th delivery as Australia claimed a six-wicket win.
1. India vs England in Ahmedabad in 2021 (842 balls)
India and England locked horns in a five-match Test series in 2021. The third game of the series was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The pitch supported the bowlers brilliantly, but the Indian bowlers dominated the show. 292 balls were bowled in the first innings where England scored 112 runs. India then faced 320 balls and scored 145 runs. England could score mere 81 runs in the 184 balls of the second innings, and India’s batters finished off the game in the next 46 deliveries.
