Most wickets in a day in Test cricket: England, Australia dominate list

The most wickets in a day in Test cricket fell on the second day of a 1888 Lord’s Test between England and Australia. 

As many as 27 wickets fell on July 17, 1888, during the first Test of Australia’s tour of England.

Since then, 20 or more wickets have fallen on a single day in Test cricket on 35 occasions so far. 

The 2024 Cape Town Test between hosts South Africa and India was the 13th instance of the feat occurring on the first day of a Test match. 

In the modern era, the 2018 Bengaluru Test between India and Afghanistan holds the record for the most wickets in a day in Test cricket. A total of 24 wickets fell on Day 2 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. Know the matches with the most wickets in a day in Test cricket.  

Most wickets in a day in Test cricket

England vs Australia, 1888 Lord’s Test | 27 wickets

As many as 27 wickets fell on the second day of a 1888 Lord’s Test between England and Australia. Having resumed at 18/3 on Day 2, the Allan Steel-led England were bowled out for 53 in 50 overs. The hosts later bundled out Australia for 60 in 29.2 overs in their second innings. Chasing 124 in the fourth innings, England were skittled out for 62 in 47 overs as the visitors won the Lord’s Test by 61 runs. Earlier, Percy McDonnell’s Australia posted 116 in their first innings. Despite the defeat in the first Test, England won the next two games to clinch the three-match series 2-1.

Australia vs England, 1902 Melbourne Test | 25 wickets

Another Ashes Test between hosts Australia and England features second on the list. As many as 25 wickets fell on the opening day of the second Test during England's tour of Australia in Melbourne in January 1902. Electing to field first, England dismissed Australia for 112 in 32.1 overs in their first innings. The Joe Darling-led Australia later bounced back to bundle out the visitors for 61 in just 15.4 overs. Archie MacLaren’s England soon reduced Australia to 48/5 at stumps on Day 1. The hosts posted 353 in their second innings courtesy Reggie Duff’s 104 and Clem Hill’s 99. Chasing 405, the visitors were bowled out for 175 in their second innings as Australia won the Test by a massive 229 runs.

England vs Australia, 1896 The Oval Test | 24 wickets

The 1896 Oval Test between England and Australia is third on the list for the most wickets in a day in Test cricket. A total of 24 wickets fell on the second day of the third Test during Australia’s tour of England. Having resumed Day 2 at 69/1, England were bowled out for 145 in their first innings. The W.G. Grace-led England later bundled out Australia for 119 in 53.1 overs to take a 26-run lead. England ended the second day at 60/5. However, they could only manage 84 in their second innings. Chasing 111, Harry Trott’s Australia were skittled out for 44 in their second innings as England won the Test by 66 runs. 

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