Identical 1st Innings Totals for Both Teams in a Test

Identical 1st Innings Totals for Both Teams in a Test: The ongoing 2nd Investec Test match between England and New Zealand at Headingley, saw the teams ending on the same scores in their respective 1st innings, i.e. 350. The occurrence of identical first innings totals for both teams in a Test match has been a rare element as it has been recorded only on 8 instances in 2168 test matches played so far. Here we look at the other 7 instances where both teams ended with same first innings score in a Test match.

Instances of Identical 1st Innings Totals for Both Teams in a Test.

1. West Indies vs Australia, May 9-13, 2003; Antigua:

After choosing to bat first, Australians got all out for 240 in front of a 7-wicket haul from Jermaine Lawson with only Langer and Steve Waugh managing to cross 40s. Later on the 2nd day afternoon, West Indies also got bowled out on 240 with Lara guiding his side with a gritty 68.

Later in the 2nd innings, Australians put on a mammoth total of 417 with help of centuries from openers Langer and Hayden. In reply, West Indies struggled but fighting centuries from Sarwan and Chanderpaul helping their side to chase down 418, the highest successful chase in Test Cricket history.

2. West Indies vs England, April 16-21, 1994; Antigua:

West Indies, who batted first after winning the toss declared after scoring a huge total of 593 for 5, powered by a brilliant knock of 375 from Brain Lara, the World record for highest individual score at that time. In reply, England got going with huge centuries from Atherton and Robin Smith. With helpful hand from other batsmen, managed to score exactly 593 before getting bowled out on 5th day.

West Indies scored 43 without any loss in 24 overs before the captains agreed for the draw.

3. England vs India, July 3-8, 1986; Birmingham:

After winning the toss, England who elected to bat first scored 390 with help of a top knock from Mike Gatting who scored an unbeaten 183. In reply, India got all out exactly on 390 at end of day 3. The score was possible only with everyone chipping with runs.

In second innings, England could only post 235 as Chetan Sharma rocked them with a 6-wicket haul. In chase of 236 to win, Indians scored 174 for loss of 5 wickets before the allotted overs got completed.

4. West Indies vs Australia, February 16-21, 1973; Jamaica:

With help of Rod Marsh, Doug Walters and Ross Edwards’ fifties, Australia declared at 428 for 7 after choosing to bat first on winning the toss. Even West Indies managed to score 428 as they got all out on the score on the 4th day afternoon. They were led by a century from M Foster and fifties from R Kanhai, Kallicharran and L Rowe.

Australia declared at 260 for 2 in their second innings and in reply West Indies scored 67 for 3 by the time the match was declared as drawn.

5. New Zealand vs Pakistan, February 16-19, 1973; Auckland:

After choosing to bat on winning the toss, Pakistan posted a total of 402 on board with help of a century from Majid Khan and couple of fifties coming from Mushtaq Mohammad and Saleem Atlaf. Later New Zealand also got bowled out on 402 with Rodeny Redmond and Brian Hastings scoring centuries.

In second innings, Pakistan managed to score 271 and while chasing 278, New Zealand could only score 92 for 3 before match ended in a draw.

6. India vs West Indies, December 12-17, 1958; Kanpur:

Subash Gupte’s 9-wicket haul destroyed West Indians’ hopes who chosen to bat first after winning the toss. With Alexander scoring 70, West Indies put on a total of 222. In reply, Indians were struck by a 6-wicket haul coming from Wes Hall which bundled India for exactly 222.

Later in their 2nd innings, West Indies scored 443 for 7 before declaring. In reply, Indians crumbled against the visitors and bowled out for 240 and lost the match by 203 runs.

7. South Africa vs England, January 21-26, 1910; Durban:

After choosing to bat first, South Africa managed to post only 199 as Aurbey Faulkner and Tom Cambell were only the prime contributors with 40+ scores. In reply, England also collapsed to 199 after an early stand between Hobbs and Rhodes.

In the 2nd innings, with help of a century from Gordon White, South Africa scored 347. In to chase 348, England were bowled out for 252 and lost the match by 95 runs.

(Stats Updated till 31st May, 2015)