Stats: 3 teams scoring 400+ runs after losing two wickets for zero in Tests

The recent Manchester Test between England and India ended as a draw but turned out to an incredible contest for various reasons. There were quite a few milestones attained across the contest like Joe Root surpassing Ricky Ponting in Test cricket's all-time run-scoring charts to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket and Ben Stokes achieving the rare double of a five-wicket haul and a ton in the same Test. 

However, what drew immense praise was the manner in which India batted, playing out time and securing a draw despite having lost two wickets with nothing on the board. There have been only three instances, including the recent one of India in Manchester, when a team has scored 400+ runs after losing two wickets for zero.

Let's look at the three teams that scored 400+ runs after losing two wickets for zero (as of July 2025):

3. West Indies - 443/7d vs India (1958)

West Indies were reeling under pressure against India after losing John Holt and Conrad Hunte for ducks. Notably, both the teams ended up scoring 222 in the first innings. There were a couple of partnerships (fifth and sixth) which stood out involving Garry Sobers.

Having scored only four runs in the first innings, Sobers came up with a standout display to register his fifth hundred in five Tests before being run-out on 198. Joe Solomon was another teammate of Sobers who was dismissed via a run-out while being 14 runs away from his ton.

The Windies ultimately declared at 443/7 in 127 overs. Being set a target of 444, India started off well with Pankaj Roy and Nari Contractor opening the batting. However, their dismissals meant the Indians could never forge another substantial partnership to end up losing by 203 runs.