Unwanted records set by India’s 36-run capitulation against Australia

As India folded up for just 36 runs in the second innings of the first test match on their 2020-21 tour of Australia, they set various unwanted records on the way.

India’s lowest-ever total in completed innings

It was the lowest-ever total for which India have been bowled out in test cricket, even worse than 42 which they were bowled out for against England in 1974, which stood for over 40 years.

The team was decently placed overnight with a lead of over 60 runs, having lost just one wicket in their second innings. However, the match turned on its head within an hour on the morning of day 3 in Adelaide as the team was bowled out for a total of 36.

Joint 5th lowest total of all time

The record for the lowest total in test cricket is held by New Zealand who were bowled out for just 26 against England at Auckland in 1955. Then comes South Africa who have four scores between 30 and 36.

Their lowest total came against England at Port Elizabeth in 1896 when they were bowled out for just 30. They skittled for 30 against England at Birmingham in 1924 as well.

On two more occasions, they were bowled out against England for scores of less than 40. They folded up for 35 against England in Cape Town in 1899 and then for 36 against Australia at Melbourne in 1932.

Australia have also been out for 36 against England at Birmingham. India joined them when they were all out for 36 from just 21.2 overs on December 17, 2020 at Adelaide.

Lowest total in an innings at Adelaide

This was the lowest total that has been recorded at Adelaide in international cricket. However, lower totals have been registered in first-class cricket at the venue.

Second time ever no batsman made it to double figures

It was surprising that neither of the Indian batsmen could reach double figures, with Mayank Agrawal being the top scorer with a score of 9. It was largely down to Josh Hazlewood’s 5/18 which became the 3rd cheapest 5-wicket haul by an Australian in tests.

India lost 4/0 within 29 deliveries

India lost 4 wickets without scoring a single run within a span of 29 deliveries. Their score remained on 15 as they lost Jasprit Bumrah, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agrawal and Ajinkya Rahane without adding a single run.