Test cricket is often treated as a format where the batters take their time to analyze the conditions, pitch, and weather, and then go about scoring runs. Batters usually do not score runs at a faster pace. However, there are instances where the teams have gone against the traditional norm and went on to score runs at a quick rate. These days, it’s pretty normal.
With the advent of T20 cricket, the mindset of the batters has changed. These days, the batters are looking for scoring opportunities. They do not necessarily defend all day even on the tricky and difficult surfaces to bat on. Hence, many teams have been scoring runs at a fairly fast pace. It’s time to look at the teams to have reached their fifty in the least number of balls.
3. England vs South Africa in 1994 (4.3 overs)
The record set by England against South Africa in the 1994 Test at the Oval remained so for 30 years. It was an exceptional feat considering the nature of Test batting in the 1990s. England’s openers went berserk against a quality South African attack and took them to cleaners. They reached a mountain that they hadn’t conquered before. It took England just 4.3 overs to reach the then-fastest fifty.
2. England vs West Indies in 2024 (4.2 overs)
It took 30 years for England’s record to be broken. And it took a different England team to achieve the feat. In the summer of 2024, West Indies toured England for a Test series. The home side steamrolled through the visiting side. It took them just 4.2 overs to register fifty as a team. However, little did anyone know that the record would be broken in just under 100 days.
1. India vs Bangladesh in 2024 (3 overs)
India now has the record for the fastest fifty as a team in Tests. As over 7 sessions of play between India and Bangladesh couldn’t happen due to the rain, India decided to go berserk. The duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma took Bangladeshi bowlers to the cleaners and registered a team fifty in just 3 overs. India went on to register the fastest 100, 150, and 200 in the same innings.
Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.