In the recently held Test match against Australia on Tuesday (15 July), West Indies suffered a dramatic collapse, getting bowled out for just 27 runs.

At first glance, this total might seem like the lowest in Test cricket history, but it narrowly misses the record by two runs. Let’s take a look at the ten lowest team totals in the history of Test cricket.

New Zealand holds the record for the lowest-ever score in Test cricket. This infamous performance came against England in 1955, where the Kiwi side could only manage 26 runs.

West Indies now ranks second on this list after being dismissed for 27 runs in the third Test against Australia.

South Africa was bowled out for just 30 runs by England in 1896, making them third in this unwanted list.

Once again, South Africa collapsed for 30 runs in 1924, also against England, matching their earlier performance.

In 1899, South Africa was bowled out for just 35 runs, making their third appearance among the lowest scores.

In 1932, South Africa folded for just 36 runs against Australia, adding to their long list of low scores.

Australia is also part of this list. In 1902, they were dismissed for 36 runs by arch-rivals England.

India registered one of their most disappointing Test innings in 2020 when they were bowled out for 36 against Australia in Adelaide.

In 2019, Ireland was bowled out for 38 runs against England during their early days in Test cricket.

New Zealand rounds off the list with a 42-run total against Australia in 1946.

These historic collapses prove that Test cricket continues to be the ultimate challenge, where one bad session can flip the script entirely.