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Certain cricket venues are renowned for providing seam, swing, and bounce, while others offer a significant amount of turn. The playing conditions and pitch characteristics have a profound impact on the outcome of the game. In the rich history of cricket, there have been instances where Test matches concluded within a remarkably short span of 3-4 sessions or even less.
In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Shortest Test matches in cricket history (by balls bowled).
5 Shortest Test matches in cricket history
1. West Indies vs England (2009) | 10 Balls
The Antigua Test between West Indies and England at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium was abandoned after just 10 balls on February 13, 2009. The match was called-off because of poor field conditions as the bowlers failed to get any solid footholds during their run-up.
2. West Indies vs England (1998) | 61 Balls
Another shortest Test matches in the history of cricket was held between West Indies and England in Sabina Park, Jamaica in 1998. The match was abandoned after just 61 deliveries because of the unsafe nature of the pitch. It was the first time in the 121-year-long history of Test cricket that a match had to be abandoned due to the nature of the pitch.
3. Sri Lanka vs India (1993) | 72 Balls
The 1993 test match between Sri Lanka and India that was completed in 72 balls was the first test in Kandy, which ended in a draw due to rain. Only 12 overs and 49 minutes of play were possible on day two, making it the shortest Test match at the time. India won the toss and chose to field, but heavy rain prevented any play on days 1, 3, 4, and 5.
4. England vs Australia (1926) | 104 Balls
The fourth shortest test match ever played took place at Trent Bridge on June 12, 1926 as England and Australia battled it out for 50 minutes. Only 17.2 overs (104 balls) were played, and England won the game with a score of 32-0.
5. West Indies vs India (2016) | 132 Balls
The fifth shortest test match ever played took place at Trinidad on August 18, 2016 as West Indies and India battled it out for 22 overs. West Indies, who won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a good batting track, were 62 for two when it began pouring, forcing the players back into the hut.
After a 15-minute spell in the pre-lunch session which caused large puddles to come up on the pitch cover, rain stopped to raise hopes of an early resumption. But it came back soon and stayed put for more than an hour. The umpires had no option but call off play for the day at about two pm local time. Only 22 overs were possible on the day.