It is said that test matches are a game of patience, however, there are some remarkable days, when bowlers turn the whole game into a dynamic battlefield. On such days batting collapses occur quicker than you expect, partnerships do not build, the score board continues to tick not in terms of runs, but in terms of wickets. Of all such cases one record remains unbroken: Most wickets in one test day.
Throughout the history of Test cricket, there have been several dramatic one-day collapses. However, there is one historic encounter that is on the very top.
The Ultimate Record : England vs Australia, Lords 1888
The highest number of wickets in one day of Test were taken in the match between England and Australia (1888) at Lord’s. On the second day (16 July 1888), 27 wickets were taken in a day, and only 157 runs were made across 3 innings.
This is the greatest number of wickets that has ever been bowled out on a single day of a test game and is commonly considered as one of the greatest record bowling performances in the world of test cricket.
Match Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
| Match | England Vs Australia |
| Venue | Lord’s |
| Date | 16 July 1888 |
| Day | Day 2 |
| Total Runs | 157 |
| Wickets Fallen | 27 |
| Result | Australia won by 61 runs |
Charlie Turner and J.J. Ferris: The Bowling Heroes
Australia was rolling with it’s deadly bowling pair – Charlie Turner and J.J Ferris. Their tenacious precision and capacity to take advantage of circumstances were too much for the batters of England.
England had been thrown out in the first innings with 53 runs and they again failed with 62 runs in the fourth innings. Australia too were bowled out at 60 runs in their second innings demonstrating the hardship in batting. Despite this, Australia’s bowlers had already inflicted irreversible damage.
Ferris played his role with the bat as well which showed his all round contribution in the match.
Other Days of Massive Wicket Falls
Although the Lord’s test in 1888 is comfortably at the top, there have been other matches where the number of wickets taken is unusually high for one day.
| Rank | Match | Day | Wickets | Venue | Year |
| 1 | Australia Vs England | 1 | 25 | Melbourne | 1902 |
| 2 | England Vs Australia | 2 | 24 | The Oval | 1896 |
| 3 | India Vs Afghanistan | 2 | 24 | Bengaluru | 2018 |
| 4 | South Africa Vs India | 1 | 23 | Cape Town | 2024 |
Why the 27 Wicket Record remains
Modern Test cricket have flatter pitches, highly-developed protective gear and advancement in techniques yet no match has been able to exceed the 27 wicket in one day of Test record.This record is a reminder of the rich unpredictability of cricket and exceptional bowling.
Final Thoughts
The England vs Australia Test of 1888 is one of the classics that have stood the test of time in the history of cricket. Charlie Turner and J.J. Ferris’ heroics as well as the magnitude of the number of wickets lost makes it an unparalleled spectacle.
With the game of cricket still growing to a new level, the highest number of wickets in a single game of the Test has not only remained a figure, but a symbol of the mastery of the bowler, which has transcended the generations.
FAQs
Q: What is the highest wicket tally in a single day of Test cricket?
A: The most wickets in one Test day is 27, during England vs Australia at Lord’s in 1888.
Q: Who is the highest wicket-taker bowler in one day (ODI)?
A: Chaminda Vaas holds the record for most wickets in a single ODI match with 8/19 vs Zimbabwe.
Q: Has anyone taken 6 wickets in 6 balls?
A: Aled Carey is the first bowler ever recorded to take 6 wickets off 6 balls in a cricket match.
Q: Who takes 7 wickets in one match?
A: Many bowlers have taken 7 wickets in a match like Shahid Afridi and Jim Laker.
