Top 5 Greatest Test Matches of All Time

Test cricket as a form of cricket can be traced back in history for over a hundred years now. There have been many matches that were made interesting by the stellar performances, intense battles and the excitement that was seen on the cricket field. The following are the five best Test matches that have ever been played: 

1. AUS vs WI at Brisbane, 1960: The First Tied Test

This is considered to be one of the biggest matches in cricket history as this was the first Test match that was drawn. Australia required 233 runs in the second innings and the last over bowled by Wes Hall decided the issue of the game. So three runs were required of the last ball and Ian Meckiff was run out and the match was declared a draw. In the course of the game 737 runs were made. Alan Davidson and Joe Solomon were some of the notable players. Davidson also became the first man to make more than a hundred runs and take ten wickets in a Test match on the same day.

2. IND vs AUS at Kolkata, 2001: The Miracle of Eden Gardens

This has to be one of the greatest test match comebacks of all time as well. After being bowled out by Australia and having to follow on with a huge first-innings lead, India fought back strongly. VVS Laxman made the third-highest test innings of 281 which was instrumental along with Rahul Dravid’s 180* as the third wicket partnership of 376 runs. India batsmen declared at 657/7, thus setting a target of 384 runs for Australia. India bowled out Australia to win the match and level the series 1-1.

3. ENG vs AUS at Headingley, 1981: Botham’s Ashes

This was perhaps one of the greatest comebacks in the history of Test cricket. England was in a pretty poor place in the match, but Ian Botham’s second innings of 149 not out meant England was still in the game. Bob Willis then produced a phenomenal spell of fast bowling, which included him taking 8 wickets for 43 runs. Australia knew they needed 130 runs to win but were dismissed for 111 thus giving England an unbelievable win that revolutionized the Ashes tour.

4. AUS vs IND at Brisbane, 2021: The Fortress Falls

The Gabba, which had been Australia’s fortress since 1988, witnessed a historic moment in 2021. India, which was down on players and injuries, hunted down 328 runs in the fourth innings. Shubman Gill made a vital knock of 91 batsman’s runs, Cheteshwar Pujara showed a fighting spirit with his 56 balls in 56 runs and Rishabh Pant’s 89 not out of 138 balls ensured the victory. the India match won as well as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 and demonstrated how deep and strong the team is. This is regarded as one of the great Test wins in Indian cricket history. 

5. ENG vs AUS at Edgbaston, 2005: Ashes Thriller

The 2005 Ashes series is considered one of the best series of all time and this Test match at Edgbaston was the pinnacle of it. Australia lost its wicket at a premature stage and the match was reduced to the last hour. England won the match rather incredibly by two runs. Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz the Australian tailenders almost pulled off a miracle. Andrew Flintoff was awarded the Man of the Match award and was instrumental with both his bat and ball, including a four-wicket haul for 79 runs. This victory ensured England took the ashes and ensured Australia did not win the series.