The introduction of Bowling Performances day-night Test cricket in 2015 revolutionized the format, drawing larger crowds to the game. A standout feature of these matches is the use of the pink ball, which provides more lateral movement for fast bowlers compared to the traditional red ball, creating exciting conditions for seamers.
The first-ever day-night Test match was held in 2015 between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval. The match saw the hosts narrowly edge out the Kiwis in a thrilling low-scoring encounter, securing a historic three-wicket victory. While the pink ball has been particularly advantageous for fast bowlers, spinners have also managed to shine in day-night Tests, delivering match-winning performances. In this article, we will explore the top five best bowling figures in the history of day-night Test cricket.
5. Mark Wood – 6/37 vs Australia, 2022
English speedster Mark Wood delivered an outstanding spell in the fifth test of the Ashes 2021-22 series in Hobart. Having a 155-run lead in the first innings, the Australian second innings was derailed by Wood’s pace. Wood’s bowling figures of 6/37 helped England bowl out Australia for just 155 runs in the second innings. Despite Wood’s heroics, England lost the test by 146 runs.
4. Trent Boult – 6/32 vs England, 2018
Trent Boult’s brilliance in a day-night encounter came against England in 2018 in Auckland. Bowling on a pace-friendly wicket at Eden Park, Boult tore through the English batting lineup, delivering a sensational spell of 6/32 in the first innings.
Boult helped the hosts bowl out England for a low total of 58 runs. The Kiwis ultimately won the game by a huge margin of an innings and 49 runs.
3. Pat Cummins – 6/23 vs Sri Lanka, 2019
Pat Cummins produced an unplayable spell of 6/23 against Sri Lanka at the Gabba in 2019 in a pink-ball test match. Cummins ran through the Sri Lankan middle order to restrict them to 144 runs in the first innings. Australia won the test by an innings and 40 runs. Cummins was named Player of the Match for picking up 10 wickets in the game.
2. Shamar Joseph – 7/68 vs Australia, 2024
Defending a low total of 216 runs in the fourth innings, Shamar ran through the Australian batting lineup, registering 7/68 in his 12 overs. What makes his performance standout is that he bowled with a toe injury. Shamar was named Player of the Match for his memorable spell.
1. Devendra Bishoo – 8/49 vs Pakistan, 2016
Devendra Bishoo holds the record for the best bowling figures in an innings in a day-night test match for his 8/49 against Pakistan in 2016 in Dubai. Bishoo’s eight-wicket haul bundled out the hosts for just 123 runs in the second innings.
Bishoo finished the game with excellent bowling figures of 10/174 across both innings. Despite the leg spinner’s record-breaking efforts with the ball, West Indies lost the game by 46 runs.