The Ashes is one of the most historic cricket rivalries, played between England and Australia every two years. Since 1882, this series has delivered some of the most thrilling and unpredictable matches in cricket history. While Australian pitches often favor batsmen, there have been occasions where teams failed to chase even very small totals. These matches are remembered as the lowest targets ever defended in Ashes Tests, showing that strong bowling, fielding, and team strategy can turn a modest total into a memorable victory. Many of these defenses, especially by England, have become legendary moments in cricket.
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List of 5 Lowest Targets Ever Defended in Ashes Tests in Australia
5. 209 by England – Sydney, 1888
In a one-off Test at Sydney in 1888, England defended a total of 209 runs. England batted first and scored only 113 runs. Australia failed in their first innings as well, making just 42 runs.
In the second innings, England made 137, setting a target of 209. Australia collapsed again, scoring only 82. England won by 126 runs. This match became an early example of lowest targets ever defended in Ashes Tests, showing that even small totals could be defended in Australia with strong bowling.
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Target | Result |
| England | 113 | 137 | 209 | Won by 126 runs |
| Australia | 42 | 82 | – | Lost |
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4. 179 by Australia – Melbourne, 1950
In the 2nd Test of the 1950 Ashes at Melbourne, Australia defended 179 runs against England. Australia scored 194 in the first innings, led by captain Lindsay Hassett’s half-century. England responded with 197, taking a small lead.
Australia made 181 in the second innings, setting a target of 179. England were bowled out for 150, thanks to Bill Johnston’s four wickets and Ray Lindwall’s three. This match is another famous instance of lowest targets ever defended in Ashes Tests in Australia.
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Target | Result |
| England | 194 | 181 | 179 | Won by 28 runs |
| Australia | 197 | 150 | – | Lost |
3. 175 by England – Melbourne, 1998
In the 4th Test of the 1998 Ashes, England defended 175 runs to beat Australia by 12 runs. England scored 270 in the first innings, powered by Alec Stewart’s century. Australia replied with 340 runs, including Steve Waugh’s unbeaten hundred.
In the second innings, England scored 224, setting 175 for Australia. Australia could not chase the target and were all out for 162. Dean Headley’s six wickets played a key role in defending this low total, making it one of the lowest targets ever defended in Ashes Tests in modern cricket.
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Target | Result |
| England | 270 | 224 | 175 | Won by 12 runs |
| Australia | 340 | 162 | – | Lost |
2. 153 by England – Sydney, 1883
England defended 153 runs in the second Test of the 1883 Ashes at Sydney. England scored 247 in the first innings and bowled out Australia for 218.
In the second innings, England made only 123, leaving a target of 153. Australia surprisingly collapsed, making just 83. Dick Barlow and Fred Morley shared nine wickets. This match is one of the most famous examples of lowest targets ever defended in Ashes Tests in Australia’s early cricket history.
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Target | Result |
| England | 247 | 123 | 153 | Won |
| Australia | 218 | 83 | – | Lost |
1. 111 by England – Sydney, 1887
The record for the lowest target ever defended in Ashes Tests in Australia belongs to England, who defended only 111 runs in 1887. England batted first and collapsed for 45 runs. Australia took a small lead, scoring 119.
England recovered in the second innings with 184 runs, setting a target of 111. Australia could not chase this, getting all out for 97. Billy Barnes took six wickets. This remains the most remarkable example of lowest targets ever defended in Ashes Tests, proving that even very small totals can win matches with brilliant bowling and fielding.
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Target | Result |
| England | 45 | 184 | 111 | Won by 13 runs |
| Australia | 119 | 97 | – | Lost |
FAQs
1. What is the lowest target ever defended in Ashes Tests in Australia?
The lowest target ever defended in Ashes Tests Australia was 111 runs by England in Sydney, 1887. England managed to bowl out Australia for 97, completing one of the most remarkable defenses in Ashes history.
2. Which team has defended the most low targets in Ashes Tests in Australia?
England holds the record for defending the most low totals in Australia, including four of the top five lowest targets ever defended in Ashes Tests.
3. How can a team defend a very low target in cricket?
A low target can be defended through exceptional bowling, strategic field placements, and strong teamwork, as shown in many Ashes matches. Bowlers exploiting pitch conditions often play a key role.
4. Are low-target defenses common in modern Ashes matches?
Low-target defenses are rare in modern Ashes cricket, as pitches and batting techniques now favor higher scores. Most historical examples, like 111 or 153, occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries.