How many times have 20 or more wickets have fallen on Day 1 of a Test match?

Mohit Khakhar

How many times have 20 or more wickets have fallen on Day 1 of a Test match? image

The first day of the second Test between India and South Africa was a rollercoaster ride. On the opening day at the Newlands, both teams's batting lineups fell like a pack of cards.

Batting first, South Africa were bundled out for a meager 55 runs, well inside the first session of the Test match. Mohammad Siraj registered a six-wicket haul, while both Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar bagged two wickets each. 

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Trailing by 56 runs, Indian batsmen made a mockery of their own after coming out to bat in the second innings. The Indians were well ahead in the game at one point but the visitors then lost six wickets without scoring a single run off their blades. They were dismissed for 153, with a lead of 98 runs in their favour. 

At Stumps on Day 1 at the Newlands Stadium, South Africa were 62-3, trailing by 36 runs.

How many times have 20+ wickets fallen on Day 1 in Tests?

There have been 12 instances when at least 20 wickets have fallen on the opening day of any Test match. The most recent one is the second Test between India and South Africa at Cape Town. 

Rank Match Date Wickets Venue
1 Australia vs England January 01, 1902 25 Melbourne
2 South Africa vs India January 03, 2024 23 Cape Town
3 England vs Australia August 11, 1890 22 The Oval
4 Australia vs West Indies December 22, 1951 22 Adelaide
5 South Africa vs England February 13, 1896 21 Gqeberha
6 England vs Australia August 18, 1882 20 The Oval
7 South Africa vs England March 12, 1889 20 Gqeberha
8 Australia vs England December 29, 1894 20 Melbourne
9 England vs South Africa July 29, 1907 20 Leeds
10 England vs Australia July 26, 1909 20 Manchester
11 England vs South Africa August 12, 1912 20 The Oval
12 Australia vs South Africa February 12, 1932 20 Melbourne

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Mohit Khakhar

Mohit Khakhar Photo

Mohit Khakhar is a content producer for The Sporting News India.