Test match cricket is considered the purest format of the game. In this format, batters and bowlers need to have proper expertise in their skills. Otherwise, the opponents will bulldoze them. The maximum length of a Test match is 5 days. If a winner is decided, then a Test can end early as well.
Over the last few years, the number of five-day Tests have reduced significantly. Even matches between two top-ranked teams end inside four days. Five-day draws are rarely seen as well, as most of the teams are playing result-oriented cricket.
Recently, in the first match of the ICC World Test Championship series between the Australian cricket team and the South African cricket team, the Aussies crushed the Proteas inside two days. On a pitch that assisted the fast bowlers, Australia wreaked havoc and secured a six-wicket win in a day and a half.
With this defeat, South Africa joined the club of teams to have lost a Test inside two days only. There are only four such Test-playing nations which have never suffered such an embarrassment. Here’s a list of those four teams:
1. India never lost a Test match in 2 days
The Indian cricket team has been quite dominant in Test cricket over the last few years. India have rarely lost a match on home soil, while their overseas record has improved as well. It is unlikely that they will ever lose a Test in two days.
2. Sri Lanka never lost a Test match in 2 days
India’s neighbors Sri Lanka have also not lost a Test inside two days. The islanders have struggled in the longest format of late, but they have never played so bad.
3. Bangladesh
Bangladesh do not have a great record in this format, but they have not suffered a two-day defeat either. They have suffered big defeats but not in two days.
4. Ireland
Ireland are new to Test cricket, but Afghanistan, who joined them in the Test circuit at almost similar time have lost a two-day Test. The Irish team is yet to lose one in two days.
