A rare record from the past comes back to haunt England

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England’s Short Innings in Perth

England were bowled out in just 405 balls in their second innings against Australia, one of their shortest Test efforts ever.

Third-Fewest Balls in Test History

This 405-ball innings is now England’s third-fewest balls faced in a completed Test innings.

Lowest: 325 Balls (1904)

England’s lowest-ever effort came in Melbourne, 1904, when they faced only 325 balls against Australia.

Second-Lowest: 388 Balls (1888)

Their second-shortest innings was 388 balls at Lord’s in 1888, again against Australia.

Now Third: 405 Balls (2025)

Today’s 405-ball innings in Perth joins this historic list, marking one of England’s most rapid collapses in Test cricket.

A Rare Modern-Day Collapse

With most entries from the 1800s and early 1900s, England’s 405 balls in 2025 stands out as one of the few modern instances of such a short innings.

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