From South Africa’s googly revolution in 1905-06 to New Zealand’s historic whitewash in India 2024-25, cricket has seen numerous historic upsets, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of Test cricket.
South Africa’s 1905-06 Victory: The Birth Of The Googly Era
In the 1904 tour of England, South Africa faced the genius of leg-spinner Bernard Bosanquet, who stunned them with a 9-107 spell at Lord’s, showcasing the now-famous googly. South African cricketer Reggie Schwarz, who had played alongside Bosanquet, brought this new bowling innovation back to South Africa.
By the time England toured South Africa in 1905-06, the home team, featuring Schwarz, Aubrey Faulkner, Bert Vogler, and Gordon White, had mastered the googly. The quartet’s brilliance led to South Africa’s historic 4-1 series win – their first-ever Test victory.
South Africa In England, 1935: A Greek Googly Bowler Shocks England
By 1935, the novelty of the googly had worn off, and South Africa struggled to compete with England and Australia. However, during their 1935 tour to England, Xen Balaskas, a Greek bowler, introduced a new twist to the googly.
While Balaskas took just 22 wickets in his Test career, his 5-49 and 4-54 on this tour helped South Africa secure an incredible Test win at Lord’s – their first-ever victory in England.
Also Read: On This Day, November 6: When Angelo Mathews Was ‘Timed-Out’ During The World Cup!
India In England, 1971: Chandrasekhar’s Iconic Spell
India entered the 1971 tour of England with a dismal record of 17 consecutive defeats in away Tests. England, unbeaten in 24 Tests, looked to extend their dominance. However, in a remarkable turn of events, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar bowled one of the greatest spells in Indian cricket history, taking 6-38 to bowl England out for 101.
India managed to chase down a modest target, securing their first-ever Test win in England, clinching the series 1-0.
New Zealand’s Shock Win Over West Indies, 1979-80
New Zealand, long considered the weakest Test side, achieved one of their most famous victories during the 1979-80 series against the West Indies. The West Indies, fresh off a series win in Australia and featuring some of the game’s biggest stars, were stunned by New Zealand’s 1-0 series win, capped off by a thrilling one-wicket win at Dunedin.
The series, marred by controversial umpiring, marked the start of New Zealand’s long undefeated streak at home.
Sri Lanka’s Stunning Victory In England, 1998
In 1998, Sri Lanka had played Test cricket for 16 years but were still seen as underdogs during their tours to England. However, Muttiah Muralidaran took 7-155 and 9-65 at The Oval, while Sanath Jayasuriya (213) and Aravinda de Silva (152) helped Sri Lanka gain a massive lead.
The result was a monumental 10-wicket win, breaking the trend of Sri Lanka’s “one-off” Test matches in England and signaling their rise as a competitive force.
Zimbabwe’s Historic Series Victory In Pakistan, 1998-99
In a stunning upset, Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan in their first-ever overseas Test series win during their 1998-99 tour. In a match at Peshawar, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Heath Streak, Henry Olonga, and Mpumelelo Mbangwa, bowled out Pakistan for just 103.
Despite facing challenges, including fog-induced delays and a fluctuating scoreline, Zimbabwe managed to win the series 1-0, marking their first significant achievement in Test cricket.
Sri Lanka’s Historic Test Series Win In South Africa, 2018-19
South Africa had long been a fortress for their cricket team, with few teams managing to win a Test series there. In the 2018-19 series, Sri Lanka defied all expectations. The turning point came when Kusal Perera played an epic innings of 153* to chase down 304 runs in Johannesburg, clinching a historic win.
They followed up with a dominant performance at Gqeberha, completing a 2-0 series win and becoming only the second Asian side to win a Test series in South Africa.
India’s Epic Comeback In Australia, 2020-21
India’s series win in Australia in 2020-21 was nothing short of miraculous. After being bowled out for just 36 in the opening Test and losing key players like Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, no one gave India a chance.
However, a string of new heroes emerged, and India fought back to win the series 2-1, including a remarkable victory at The Gabba. The series remains one of the most dramatic and celebrated comebacks in cricket history.
Bangladesh’s Historic Win In Pakistan, 2024
In one of the most surprising upsets in recent Test history, Bangladesh overcame Pakistan in 2024. After being on the brink of defeat in both Tests, including an early collapse to 26-6 in the second Test, Bangladesh staged a stunning comeback.
Mushfiqur Rahim scored a brilliant 191, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-21) played a crucial role in dismantling Pakistan, securing an improbable victory. Bangladesh’s resilience gave them a remarkable 2-0 series win in Pakistan, their first-ever Test series win on Pakistani soil.
New Zealand’s Historic Whitewash In India, 2024-25
In a remarkable turn of events in the 2024-25 series, New Zealand delivered a stunning performance in India, where they had not won a Test since 1988-89. India, on a 12-year unbeaten streak at home, was humiliated by New Zealand after being bowled out for just 46 in the first Test.
Despite India’s resilience in the past, they were unable to recover, and New Zealand achieved a historic whitewash, winning the series 3-0 in India for the first time.
Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia Eyes New Opening Option Before Final Squad Selection
