March 28, 1955, remains a haunting day in New Zealand cricket history. At the Eden Park in Auckland, the hosts suffered an ignominious collapse, dismissed for just 26 runs in their second innings against England (then playing as the Marylebone Cricket Club). (More Cricket News)
This remains the lowest total in Test history, a record no team wishes to hold.
However, 70 years later, their 1955 disaster is now a distant memory, replaced by a reputation as one of the most competitive teams in world cricket.
However, their historical record still needs a lot of improvement. For example, the rivalry with England remains lopsided as New Zealand have won 14 and lost 54 of their 115 Tests against England.
In the forgettable 1955 match, New Zealand had begun the Test promisingly, reaching 154 for 4, with John Reid anchoring the innings with a gritty 73. However, a lower-order collapse saw them get bundled out for 200. England responded with 246, giving the hosts a fighting chance. But what followed was nothing short of a nightmare. In just 27 overs, New Zealand crumbled to 26 all out, with only Bert Sutcliffe reaching double figures (11). England바카라™s Bob Appleyard spun a web, claiming 4 for 7 as the Kiwi batting lineup was ruthlessly dismantled.
New Zealand바카라™s struggles against England continued. During their 1958 tour of England, they were dismissed for 47 and 74 in the second Test, reaffirming their reputation as minnows in world cricket. For decades, England dominated their encounters, leaving New Zealand yearning for a breakthrough.
That moment finally arrived in February 1978 at Wellington바카라™s Basin Reserve. Chasing a modest 137 for victory, England were blown away for just 64, as Richard Hadlee produced a masterclass, taking 6 for 26. After 48 attempts, New Zealand had finally beaten England in a Test match바카라”a moment of pure triumph for a team that fought long.
New Zealand conquered English conditions once again, securing the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over India after a thrilling sixth day.
