Top 5 Lowest Totals by England in Ashes Tests

The Ashes is the oldest and most respected rivalry in Test cricket. Since it began in 1882, it has delivered legendary performances, historic wins, and unforgettable moments between England and Australia. However, alongside the glory, there have also been painful chapters. Some of the most talked-about moments in Ashes history are England’s batting collapses, which are often remembered when fans discuss the lowest totals by England in Ashes Tests.

Even though England are one of the strongest Test nations, they have suffered shocking batting failures in Ashes matches. A team total below 100 is considered poor in Test cricket, while anything under 60 is extremely rare. These collapses clearly show how pressure, pitch conditions, and quality bowling can expose even the best batting line-ups. The lowest totals by England in Ashes Tests are still discussed today because they highlight the unpredictable nature of Test cricket.

List of 5 Lowest Totals by England in Ashes Tests

5. England 61 All Out – Melbourne, 1901–02 Ashes (Second Test)

England’s fifth-worst batting collapse in Ashes history came during the 1901–02 series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After winning the toss, England decided to bowl first on a challenging pitch. Their decision initially worked well, as Australia were dismissed for just 112 runs. England’s bowlers created early pressure and gave the team a strong chance to control the match.

However, England’s batting failed completely. The Australian bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, and England collapsed to just 61 runs. There were no meaningful partnerships, and wickets fell rapidly. This innings is often mentioned when discussing the lowest totals by England in Ashes Tests because England failed to capitalize on a strong bowling effort.

Australia responded strongly in the second innings by scoring 353 runs, driven by a century from Reggie Duff. Chasing a huge target, England were bowled out for 175 and lost the Test by a heavy margin.

Details	Information
Venue	Melbourne Cricket Ground
England First Innings	61 all out
Australia First Innings	112 all out
Top Bowler vs England	Monty Noble – 7 wickets
Match Result	Australia won by 229 runs

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4. England 61 All Out – Melbourne, 1903–04 Ashes (Fifth Test)

Just two years later, England repeated the same total at the same venue. During the final Test of the 1903–04 Ashes, Australia batted first and posted 247 runs. England’s bowlers worked hard, but the real damage came when England began their reply.

England collapsed again for only 61 runs. The Australian bowling attack showed discipline and pace, breaking through England’s batting order with ease. This innings further strengthened the list of the lowest totals by England in Ashes Tests, showing that England struggled badly on Australian pitches during that era.

Australia were not dominant in their second innings and managed only 133 runs. Still, the target of 320 was too much for England. They were dismissed for 101 and suffered a heavy defeat.

Details	Information
Venue	Melbourne Cricket Ground
England First Innings	61 all out
Australia First Innings	247 all out
Top Bowlers vs England	Cotter – 6 wickets, Noble – 4 wickets
Match Result	Australia won by 318 runs

3. England 53 All Out – Lord’s, 1988 Ashes (First Test)

England’s third-lowest total came much later, during the 1988 Ashes at Lord’s. Australia were dismissed for 116 runs, giving England a golden opportunity to dominate the match at home. Instead, England produced one of their worst batting performances.

England were bowled out for just 53 runs, completely undone by accurate and aggressive bowling. Charlie Turner led the attack and caused serious problems for England’s top and middle order. This match is a classic example often included when listing the lowest totals by England in Ashes Tests.

Australia were bowled out for 60 in their second innings, setting England a target of just 124. Shockingly, England collapsed again and were dismissed for 62, losing a low-scoring Test that is still remembered as one of the strangest Ashes matches.

Details	Information
Venue	Lord’s, London
England First Innings	53 all out
Australia First Innings	116 all out
Best Bowler vs England	Charlie Turner – 5 wickets
Match Result	Australia won by 61 runs

2. England 52 All Out – The Oval, 1948 Ashes (Fifth Test)

The second entry on the list of the lowest totals by England in Ashes Tests came during the famous 1948 series. England chose to bat first at The Oval but suffered a nightmare collapse. They were dismissed for just 52 runs, one of their worst performances in Test history.

Leonard Hutton was the only batter to offer resistance, scoring 30 runs. Australia’s fast bowlers dominated, with Ray Lindwall leading the attack. Australia replied with a massive 389 runs, completely taking the game away from England.

England’s second innings did little to change the result, as they were dismissed for 188. Australia won by an innings and 149 runs, sealing one of their most dominant Ashes series wins.

Details	Information
Venue	The Oval, London
England First Innings	52 all out
Australia First Innings	389 all out
Best Bowler vs England	Ray Lindwall – 6 wickets
Match Result	Australia won by an innings and 149 runs

1. England 45 All Out – Sydney, 1886–87 Ashes (First Test)

At the top of the list of the lowest totals by England in Ashes Tests is England’s lowest-ever Ashes score. During the 1886–87 series in Sydney, England were asked to bat first and were dismissed for just 45 runs. This remains the only time England have been bowled out for under 50 runs in Ashes history.

Nine England batters failed to reach double figures as Australia’s bowlers dominated completely. Despite Australia scoring only 119 in reply, England were still under pressure. However, England showed remarkable character in the second innings, scoring 184 runs.

Defending a target of 111, England’s bowlers delivered an incredible performance. Australia were dismissed for 97, and England pulled off a stunning 13-run victory. Despite the collapse, this match remains one of the most dramatic Ashes Tests ever played.

Details	Information
Venue	Sydney Cricket Ground
England First Innings	45 all out
Australia First Innings	119 all out
Best Bowler vs Australia	Billy Barnes – 6 wickets
Match Result	England won by 13 runs

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