A rare and thrilling day in Test cricket saw an extraordinary number of wickets fall on the very first day, highlighting the tough conditions and fierce battle between bat and ball that define the game. Here are some most wickets on opening day of test:
ENG vs AUS Test match at Melbourne on January 1, 1902
In the England vs Australia Test match at Melbourne on January 1, 1902, an amazing record was set when 25 wickets fell on the first day. It was a day dominated by bowlers, as both teams struggled to score runs. Australia were bowled out for 112 in their first innings, and England replied with just 61 runs in only 15 overs. By the end of the day, 25 players had been dismissed, making it one of the most dramatic and low-scoring opening days in Test cricket history.
South Africa vs India Test match in Cape Town in 2024
On the opening day of the South Africa vs India Test match in Cape Town in 2024, 23 wickets fell. This is the second-highest number of wickets to fall on the first day of a Test match in history, behind only 25 wickets that fell on day one in the 1902 Melbourne Test between Australia and England. The 23 wickets on that day in Cape Town also set a new South African record for the most wickets on an opening day of a Test, surpassing the previous record of 21 wickets from 1896. Both teams were bowled out cheaply on day one, with South Africa all out for 55 runs and India collapsing later the same day. This remarkable bowling domination equaled the record for most wickets in a single day’s play in a Test match in South Africa as well.
22 wickets Australia vs West Indies Adelaide 1951
In the 3rd Test match between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide in 1951, a remarkable 22 wickets fell on the opening day, which is third highest wicket tallies for a single opening day in Test cricket history. Australia batted first and were all out for a low score of 82 runs. The West Indies then scored 255 in their first innings. Australia were again bowled out cheaply for 105 in their second innings. West Indies chased down a target of 233 with 6 wickets in hand to win the match.
20 wickets England vs Ireland Lord’s 2019
The England vs Ireland Test match at Lord’s in 2019 was remarkable for 20 wickets falling on the opening day, the 4th most wickets taken on an opening day at Lord’s. England was bowled out for a low score of 85 before lunch, with Tim Murtagh taking 5 wickets for 13 runs and Adair taking 3 for 32. Ireland responded strongly, reaching 132 for 2 at one point but eventually being bowled out for 207. The match was thrilling with England ultimately winning by 143 runs after Ireland was bowled out for just 38 in their second innings. This match was noted for the extreme seam-friendly pitch conditions and showcased a strong bowling display by Ireland on day one against the World Cup champions.
20 wickets Pakistan vs West Indies Multan 2025
On the opening day of the 2nd Test match between Pakistan and West Indies at Multan in 2025, a remarkable 20 wickets fell, marking one of the highest wickets taken on a Test opening day. Pakistan’s spinner Noman Ali took a historic hat-trick and ended with 6 wickets for 41 runs, becoming the first Pakistan spinner to achieve a Test hat-trick. Spinners dominated, taking 16 out of the 20 wickets. West Indies were bowled out for 163, and Pakistan replied with 154 by the end of day one, trailing by 9 runs. The day featured impressive tail-end resistance from West Indies, especially Gudakesh Motie who scored 55 runs batting at number 10, and a significant 68-run partnership for the last wicket. Pakistan’s spin-heavy bowling approach and the spin-friendly pitch contributed to this extraordinary day of Test cricket.
19 wickets Australia vs England Perth 2025
On the opening day of the 5th Ashes Test 2025 at Perth, a total of 19 wickets fell, making it the 5th most wickets on an opening day of a Test. England chose to bat first and were bowled out for 172, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc taking an outstanding 7 wickets for 58 runs. In response, Australia struggled and were reduced to 123/9 by stumps, led by England’s Ben Stokes who took 5 wickets for 23 runs. The pitch was very pace-friendly, offering lots of bounce and seam movement, resulting in a thrilling day dominated by fast bowlers. Despite England’s aggressive Bazball approach, Australia gained a slight edge as they trailed by 49 runs with just one wicket left at stumps. This day marked a historic and intense start to the Ashes series with dominant bowling performances on both sides.
Also Read: Mitchell Starc Makes History: Completes 100 Wickets in Ashes Test
Recent matches continue to challenge this benchmark, reminding us of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of Test cricket’s very first day, where bowlers often hold the stage and the drama unfolds from the very first ball.
