Remembering India’s Historic Collapse at Adelaide Oval: The Lowest Test Total Ever
Five years ago, on December 19, 2020, the Indian Test cricket team faced a historic collapse against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, India was bowled out for a mere 36 runs, marking their lowest total in Test cricket history. The Australian bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, wreaked havoc, taking nine wickets between them. This dismal performance shattered India’s previous record of 42 runs, set against England in 1974, and remains a painful memory for the team.
The Adelaide Test India Would Like to Forget
The third day of the Adelaide Test began with India holding a 53-run lead after the first innings. However, the situation quickly deteriorated. After losing opener Prithvi Shaw early in the second innings, India found themselves at 9/1. Mayank Agarwal and nightwatchman Jasprit Bumrah were at the crease, but the day turned disastrous when Cummins dismissed Bumrah for just 2 runs. The Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane both falling for ducks.
From a promising start, India plunged into chaos, slipping from 15/1 to 15/5 in a matter of overs. Kohli and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha tried to stabilize the innings, but Kohli’s dismissal for 74 runs marked the end of any hope for a recovery. Hazlewood’s exceptional bowling performance, which included a five-wicket haul, sealed India’s fate as they were bowled out for 36 runs. Despite having a first-innings lead, India set a meager target of 90 runs for Australia, who chased it down comfortably, handing India an 8-wicket defeat.
The Turnaround as Famous as the Crumble
Following the crushing defeat in Adelaide, the series shifted to Melbourne, where India faced a significant challenge. With Kohli absent due to personal reasons, Ajinkya Rahane took over as captain. In a remarkable turnaround, India bounced back in the second Test, defeating Australia by 8 wickets and leveling the series at 1-1. This victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
The series continued with a drawn Test in Sydney, setting the stage for a thrilling finale in Brisbane. India, determined to erase the memory of their Adelaide collapse, delivered a stunning performance, winning the final Test by 3 wickets. This victory not only secured a 2-1 series win but also marked a historic achievement for the Indian team, as they celebrated back-to-back Test series victories in Australia. The transformation from humiliation to triumph remains a defining moment in Indian cricket history.
Reflections on a Historic Collapse
The Adelaide Test serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket. India’s lowest total in Test history was not just a statistical anomaly; it highlighted the vulnerabilities of a team that had previously been a dominant force in the format. The collapse was characterized by a series of poor performances from key players, with none managing to reach double figures. The bowling prowess of Cummins and Hazlewood was instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting order, showcasing the importance of effective pace bowling in Test cricket.
Despite the despair of that day, the subsequent matches in the series illustrated the team’s ability to regroup and learn from their mistakes. The resilience displayed by the Indian squad in the face of adversity has become a hallmark of their recent performances. The journey from the depths of despair in Adelaide to the heights of victory in Brisbane is a testament to the spirit and determination of the players, ensuring that the memory of the 36 all out is overshadowed by their remarkable comeback.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
