Is the ‘Summer of 36’ Indian cricket’s lowest point?

 

In June 1974, India were bowled out for 42 in the second innings against England at Lord's. That innings had one double-digit score; Eknath Solkar making 18 not out. On Saturday in Adelaide, India's second innings didn't have a single double-digit score.

Finally, after 46 years, India ‘buried the ghost’ of 42, slumping to a new low at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. The visitors were shot out for 36 in the second innings against Australia.

Is this India’s lowest Test score?

Theoretically, yes. The BCCI scorecard shows 36/9, with Mohammed Shami retired hurt. Leaving aside technicalities, however, the innings ended on 36. So, this will be India’s lowest-ever Test total.

What was the previous lowest?

In June 1974, India were bowled out for 42 in the second innings against England at Lord’s. That innings had one double-digit score; Eknath Solkar making 18 not out. On Saturday in Adelaide, India’s second innings didn’t have a single double-digit score.

As statistician Mohandas Menon put out on Twitter, India slumping to 19/6 was a new low. They never had such a collapse in their Test history, as India’s previous low was 25/6 against South Africa in the second innings in Durban in 1996. India were dismissed for 66 then.

Is this the lowest Test total by any team?

No. New Zealand were all out for 26 against England at Auckland in 1955. That remains the lowest. India’s 36 all out on Saturday is the lowest innings total in Tests since 1955.