The List of All Tied Test Matches

A tied Test match refers to a result where a batting side scores exactly the same number of runs while chasing like the bowling team. Just like an ODI or a T20 game, the longer format has witnessed tied Test matches.

When it comes to deciding a result for a tied ODI or T20 game, the outcome of that game is decided through a Super Over. But in a tied Test match, this rule isn’t followed.

Australia and England played the first-ever Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1877, and since then over 2550 Tests have been played. When we talk about the tied Tests, cricketing history has witnessed just 2 tied Tests so far.

In this piece, we discuss the list of Test matches that were tied and went down in the history of the sport as an enthralling story.

 

1. Australia Vs West Indies | 1st Test, Brisbane, 1961

With the advent of T20 cricket, it is difficult to witness competitive Test matches nowadays. T20 cricket has got all the more exciting due to the Super Over concept to decide the winner.

The Test match between Australia and the West Indies in 1961 will be remembered as one of the most thrilling contests, and it was played during a period when Test matches stole the limelight. The two teams battled it out in what is still remembered as one of the most high-octane contests of all time.

The two sides faced each other at the Brisbane Cricket Ground in Australia. The West Indies batted first and scored 453 runs in the first innings. Sir Garfield Sobers scored 132, while Australian medium pacer Alan Davidson registered figures of 5/135.

Australia scored 505 in reply, taking a lead of 52 runs as Australian right-hander Norm O’Neill scored 181. The West Indies, in their second innings, scored 284 with the Australian medium pacer again registering figures of 6/87.

Australia needed 233 runs to win and were 92/6 while chasing, but Richie Benaud and Alan Davidson registered a partnership of 134 for the 7th wicket.

At one stage, Australia needed 6 off 8 balls. Then Benaud was out caught behind while attempting to play a hook shot, and the scoreboard read 228/8.

Australia needed 5 to win from 5 balls. Ian Meckiff tried to hit a boundary towards mid-wicket, but Conrad Hunte saved it from touching the fence, and his parallel throw straight into the hands of Australian wicketkeeper Alexander helped to execute the run out.

Australia were 232/9, needing 1 run to win the game, and new batter Lindsay Kline guided the ball to square leg. Joe Solomon fielded brilliantly and managed to get Meckiff run out through a direct hit. Australia were bowled out for 232, and the sport witnessed its first tied Test match.

 

2. India Vs Australia | 1st Test, Chennai, 1986

Batting first, Australia scored 574/7, with Dean Jones scoring 210, while David Boon and Allan Border both scored 122 and 106, respectively. In reply, India scored 397, with Kapil Dev scoring 119 and Australian off-spinner Greg Matthews claiming 5/103.

Australia scored 170/5 before declaring their second innings, setting a target of 348. India were 204/2 but later on lost wickets in a hurry and were 291/5 when Chandrakant Pandit got out.

India were 344/9 and required 4 off 5 balls when Ravi Shastri was on strike. He took 2 runs and retained the strike. On the next ball, he took a single.

The scores were tied, and Maninder Singh was on strike when 1 run was needed off 2 balls. But unfortunately, Maninder Singh got out LBW, and the match ended in a tie.

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