On This Day: India’s Darkest Day in Cricket – All Out for 36 in Adelaide

New Delhi: December 19, 2020, remains a black day in Indian cricket history. On this day, during the Day-Night Test in Adelaide against Australia, the Indian team was all out for a mere 36 runs, marking the lowest score in the history of Test cricket.

From Strong Position to Humiliating Collapse
India had seemed in control during the first two days of the match. The bowlers had performed brilliantly in Australia’s first innings, giving India a crucial 53-run lead, and fans were hopeful of a strong outcome. However, by the second session of the third day, the tide had turned dramatically. Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dismantled India’s batting lineup. With Mohammed Shami retired hurt after being struck by a bouncer from Cummins, India’s innings ended with all wickets down, leaving fans and critics shocked.

Hazlewood and Cummins’ Devastating Spell
Josh Hazlewood was the architect of India’s collapse, taking 5 wickets for just 8 runs, one of the most economical five-wicket hauls in Australian cricket history. During this spell, Hazlewood also completed 200 Test wickets in his career. Pat Cummins supported him perfectly, claiming the remaining wickets. Against such relentless bowling, the Indian batsmen crumbled like a house of cards, returning to the pavilion within a single session.

A Unique and Unwanted Record
This innings created a shameful record in Test cricket’s 150-year history: no Indian batsman reached double figures, and all 11 batsmen scored less than 10 runs, an unprecedented collapse. After this disastrous performance, Australia secured an easy victory on the third day, sparking worldwide criticism of the Indian team.

This day is remembered as India’s most humiliating collapse in Test cricket, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the game.