In the long and fascinating history of Test cricket, there have been rare occasions where bowlers completely took over an innings, knocking down the stumps again and again. These moments are not just records; they are legendary stories of accuracy, skill, and domination.
The list below counts down from rank 10 to rank 1 of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings, highlighting historic performances that left fans in awe. Each match shows that when bowlers are in perfect rhythm, even the best batting line-ups can collapse.
List of Top 10 Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings
10. West Indies vs England – Old Trafford, 1933

In 1933, at Old Trafford in Manchester, the West Indies faced one of the most challenging bowling spells in their history. England’s bowlers, led by relentless accuracy, bowled 7 batsmen in the first innings. The stumps were constantly under threat, and the Caribbean batsmen found no answer to the moving ball.
This remains one of England’s most clinical bowling performances at Old Trafford and is remembered as one of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings in cricket history.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
22/07/1933 | West Indies | 1st | England | 7 |
9. Australia vs England – Melbourne Cricket Ground, 1928

The Boxing Day Test of 1928 turned into a nightmare for Australia’s second innings. England’s fast bowlers used the bounce and pace of the Melbourne wicket perfectly, hitting the stumps 7 times.
This dominant bowling display not only secured England a strong position in the match but also etched it in the record books as one of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
29/12/1928 | Australia | 2nd | England | 7 |
8. New Zealand vs England – Eden Park, 1933
In March 1933, New Zealand hosted England at Eden Park, Auckland. The Kiwi batsmen struggled badly in the first innings, losing 7 wickets to deliveries that crashed into the stumps.
England’s bowlers adjusted beautifully to the conditions, mixing pace and spin to produce one of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings during that era.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
31/03/1933 | New Zealand | 1st | England | 7 |
7. India vs England – Lord’s, 1952

Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, witnessed a classic display of swing bowling in 1952. India’s batsmen, facing overcast English conditions in their second innings, saw 7 players bowled.
The movement in the air and off the pitch made batting extremely difficult. This match remains a proud entry in England’s tally of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
19/06/1952 | India | 2nd | England | 7 |
6. England vs New Zealand – Basin Reserve, 1951

In March 1951, England batted first at Wellington’s Basin Reserve but found themselves in deep trouble. The New Zealand bowlers ripped through their line-up, bowling 8 batsmen with exceptional discipline and control.
It was one of New Zealand’s most remarkable early Test performances and is counted among the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
24/03/1951 | England | 1st | New Zealand | 8 |
5. South Africa vs Australia – Adelaide Oval, 1932

January 1932 at Adelaide Oval brought heartbreak for South Africa. In their second innings, 8 players were bowled as Australia’s bowlers attacked the stumps with precision.
Every bowler stuck to the plan, forcing mistakes and sending bails flying. This masterclass remains one of the proudest Australian entries in the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings list.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
29/01/1932 | South Africa | 2nd | Australia | 8 |
4. South Africa vs England – Edgbaston, 1929

The 1929 Test at Edgbaston saw South Africa’s first innings fall apart as 8 players were bowled. England’s bowlers never gave away easy runs and maintained relentless pressure.
The visitors could not cope with the accuracy, making this match one of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings in England’s cricket history.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
15/06/1929 | South Africa | 1st | England | 8 |
3. South Africa vs England – St George’s Park, 1896
Back in 1896, cricket was a completely different game but accurate bowling was still deadly. At St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa’s first innings saw 8 batsmen bowled by a fierce English attack.
The uneven pitch and aggressive bowling made it a nightmare for the hosts, and it entered the history books as one of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings ever recorded.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
13/02/1896 | South Africa | 1st | England | 8 |
2. Australia vs England – The Oval, 1890

August 1890 at The Oval witnessed one of England’s most destructive bowling spells against Australia. In the second innings, 9 batsmen were bowled clean an almost unheard-of figure in cricket.
The accuracy and movement of the ball proved too much for the Australian batsmen, making this an unforgettable entry in the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings records.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
11/08/1890 | Australia | 2nd | England | 9 |
1. South Africa vs England – Newlands, 1889
At the very top of the Most Batsmen Bowled in a Test Innings list is the iconic match from March 1889 at Newlands, Cape Town. In South Africa’s second innings, 9 players were bowled a record that still stands unmatched more than a century later.
England’s bowlers displayed incredible accuracy on a tricky wicket, delivering a performance that has become part of cricketing folklore. This match remains a shining example of pure bowling dominance in Test history.
Date | Country | Innings | Opponent | Batsmen Bowled |
---|---|---|---|---|
25/03/1889 | South Africa | 2nd | England | 9 |
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FAQ
Q1: What does “batsmen bowled” mean in cricket?
It means the bowler delivers a ball that hits the stumps directly, dismissing the batsman without the ball touching another player.
Q2: Which team has the highest record for most batsmen bowled in a Test innings?
South Africa, with 9 batsmen bowled in a single innings against England in 1889.
Q3: Is being bowled more common in Test cricket or limited-overs cricket?
It is generally more common in Test cricket due to longer innings and bowlers targeting the stumps for extended periods.
Q4: Why are older matches dominating this list?
In earlier times, pitches were less protected and often unpredictable, making it easier for bowlers to hit the stumps.
Q5: Can a team have all 10 batsmen bowled in an innings?
Yes, but it has never happened in Test cricket history. The maximum so far is 9.