Test cricket witnessed another dramatic low as the West Indies were bowled out for just 27 runs against Australia in 2025, marking the second-lowest innings total ever recorded in the format’s long history.
On Day 3 of the third Test, the West Indies, chasing 204 on a tricky pink-ball wicket, suffered a catastrophic collapse. In just 14.3 overs, the hosts were dismissed for 27, their lowest ever Test score, shattering their previous record of 47 set in 2004.
While the West Indies’ shocking defeat is currently making headlines, fans want to know who holds the unwanted crown for the lowest ever innings total in Test history.
Without further ado, here are the lowest Test innings totals in history:
| Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Result | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 26 | 27.0 | 0.96 | 3 | v England | Auckland | lost | 25 Mar 1955 |
| West Indies | 27 | 14.3 | 1.86 | 4 | v Australia | Kingston | lost | 12 Jul 2025 |
| South Africa | 30 | 18.4 | 1.91 | 4 | v England | Gqeberha | lost | 13 Feb 1896 |
| South Africa | 30 | 12.3 | 2.40 | 2 | v England | Birmingham | lost | 14 Jun 1924 |
| South Africa | 35 | 22.4 | 1.84 | 4 | v England | Cape Town | lost | 1 Apr 1899 |
The infamous record for the lowest Test innings total still belongs to New Zealand, who managed only 26 runs against England in 1955. The West Indies’ 27-run debacle now sits just above that.
Current World Test Champions South Africa features prominently on this unwanted list, having been dismissed for 30 runs twice against England (in 1896 and 1924), and for 35 runs in 1899, also against England.
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