NEW DELHI: On this day, March 28, 1955,
New Zealand cricket
faced a harrowing moment in its history as its national team endured its darkest day at Eden Park, Auckland, against England, then touring as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
In the infamous Test match, New Zealand's eleven batsmen could only muster a mere 26 runs collectively, marking a record low that still stands to this day.
The match began with promising signs for the home team, as they reached a respectable 154 for 4 in their first innings, with John Reid leading the charge with a gritty 73. However, their fortunes took a drastic turn as they collapsed to a total of 200 all out. Despite a valiant effort to dismiss the MCC for 246, New Zealand's joy was short-lived.
In their second innings, New Zealand faced a disastrous collapse, amassing just 26 runs in 27 overs. Only opener Bert Sutcliffe reached double figures, scoring 11 runs, while the rest of the batsmen struggled, with only two others managing to score more than 1 run. The MCC bowlers capitalized on New Zealand's frailty, with off-spinner Bob Appleyard leading the charge with figures of 4 for 7.
This humiliating defeat echoed past struggles for New Zealand cricket, including a dismal performance during their tour of England in 1958, where they were dismissed for 47 and 74 in the second Test. However, amidst the despair, there have been moments of triumph, such as New Zealand's first-ever Test victory against England at Wellington's Basin Reserve in February 1978.
In 2021, New Zealand made a triumphant return to English soil, clinching an emphatic eight-wicket victory over India. This historic win not only secured their triumph but also crowned Kane Williamson’s men as the winners of the inaugural World Test Championship.
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