Fewest balls faced by England in a Test match
What's the story
Team England has set an unwanted record in the recently concluded Ashes opener at Perth's Optus Stadium, by facing just 405 balls across both innings. The team's aggressive 'BazBall' approach saw them bundled out for just 172 and 164 in their two innings as Australia prevailed by eight wickets. On this note, we dissect the fewest balls faced by England in a Test match.
#3
405 balls at Perth Stadium in 2025
England's batting performance in the aforementioned Test, which was dismal to say the least, comes third on this list. They faced a total of just 405 balls across both innings. The team was bowled out for 172 runs in their first innings and then dismissed again for 164 runs in their second outing. The game ended within two days with Australia chasing down the 205-run target thanks to Travis Head's record-breaking hundred.
#2
388 balls at Lord's in 1888
At number two, we have the 1888 Lord's Ashes Test, which lasted just 792 balls. Australia made 116/10 batting first. The hosts, in response, were folded for just 53 as Charlie Turner claimed a fifer. Chasing 124 for victory, the Brits only managed 62/10 as JJ Ferris and Turner dismissed five batters each. In total, the England batters faced 388 balls in this game.
#1
325 balls at the MCG in 1904
The record for the least number of balls faced by an English team in a Test match is held by the 1904 Ashes affair at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (325 balls). Responding to Australia's first innings score of 325/10, the Brits were folded for just 61. They were then asked to chase down a challenging 320 for victory. England managed 101/10 on this occassion as Hugh Trumble trapped seven