1955 NZ cricketers skittled for 26

In recent years most test matches between New Zealand and England have been keenly contested. This was not the case in 1955. At Eden Park, Auckland, on 28 March, New Zealand cricket experienced its darkest day when its 11 batsman could muster only 26 runs against England. This total remains a world record low – and, unlike most cricketing records, it is one that may never be beaten.

The test had started with some promise. After scoring a modest 200 runs in its first innings, the New Zealand team felt it had put itself back in the match when it dismissed England for 246. Satisfaction was short-lived. In its second innings New Zealand slumped to 26 all out in 27 overs; only opener Bert Sutcliffe reached double figures, scoring 11 runs.

When New Zealand toured England in 1958 it fared little better, being dismissed for 47 and 74 in the second test. New Zealand suffered many defeats at English hands before finally winning a test, at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in February 1978. Needing only 137 to win, the English were dismissed for 64, with Richard Hadlee capturing 6 for 26. This first victory – at the 48th attempt – was a tribute to perseverance, and it was enthusiastically welcomed as proof that we could at last compete on the cricket pitch with our former colonial masters. 

Image: Bert Sutcliffe (BBC)