Flashback: The shortest Test match ever played
In modern-day cricket, many Test matches have ended in India within two or three days especially on turning tracks. However, there was an instance when a Test match lasted for just 5 hours and 53 minutes way back in the 1930s. Without further ado, let’s go down memory lane.
The shortest-ever Test match was played between Australia and South Africa at the MCG in February 1932. While the match ended within the blink of an eye, it is to be noted that the legendary batter Sir Donald Bradman and bowler Clarrie Grimmett did not bat or bowl in that contest as several records set in that fifth Test match remain intact to date.
South Africa had everything to play for after being 0-4 down in the series and then skipper Jock Cameron called it right at the toss before electing to bat first. The move backfired and Cameron was out at the crease really soon after his team were reduced to 19/5. He hit the first four of the match, but that was the only thing he could rejoice at as the Proteas were skittled for a paltry 36.
The Australian innings seemed to be in a panic mode after Bell and Rigg were dismissed cheaply while Mitchell was forced to leave the field after being struck on the head. However, the duo of Jack Fingleton (40) and Alan Kippax (42) not only helped Australia surpass the 100-run mark but also ensured that the finished at 153 on a deteriorating wicket.
In their second innings South Africa were 5/1 at stumps before overnight rain and a heavy downpour on the second day spoiled the proceedings. Rain threat loomed on the next day, but the weather Gods showed some clemency as it stopped raining in the afternoon.
The Aussies continued to add pressure on a clueless Proteas team and soon reduced them to 12/2. Within the blink of an eye, the South African scorecard read 30/6 and with hardly any batting left all they could do was complete the formalities by avoiding a humiliating innings defeat at best.
Unfortunately for the Proteas, that was not to be as they were bundled out for 45 with Bert Ironmonger decimating them with figures of 6/18 and he found good support in O Reilly (3/19). Meanwhile, Ironmonger’s match figures of 12/24 from his 22.5 overs to date remains the cheapest 10-wicket haul in Test cricket history.
