Top five best bowling figures in day-night Test matches

The implementation of day-night Test cricket in 2015 has effectively drawn larger audiences. A distinctive characteristic of day-night Tests is the utilization of a pink ball, which provides fast bowlers with greater lateral movement compared to the conventional red ball.

The inaugural day-night Test match was held in 2015 at the Adelaide Oval, featuring a contest between Australia and New Zealand. The hosts narrowly defeated the Kiwis in a tense, low-scoring match, securing a three-wicket victory in this historic test.

The pink ball offers considerable support to seam bowlers; however, a select number of spinners have also achieved match-winning results in day-night Test matches. This article will examine the five most outstanding bowling performances recorded in day-night Test matches.

5. Mark Wood – 6/37 vs Australia, 2022

Mark Wood, the English fast bowler, produced an exceptional performance during the fifth Test of the Ashes 2021-22 series held in Hobart. The Australian second innings was disrupted by Wood's speed, despite holding a 155-run lead from the first innings.

Wood's impressive bowling performance, with figures of 6 for 37, enabled England to dismiss Australia for a mere 155 runs in their second innings. However, despite Wood's outstanding efforts, England lost the test by 146 runs.

4. Trent Boult – 6/32 vs England, 2018

Trent Boult showcased his exceptional talent during a day-night match against England in Auckland in 2018. Bowling on a wicket conducive to pace at Eden Park, Boult dismantled the English batting order, producing an outstanding performance with figures of 6/32 in the first innings.

Boult played a crucial role in assisting the hosts in dismissing England for a meager total of 58 runs. The New Zealand team ultimately secured a commanding victory by an innings and 49 runs.

3. Pat Cummins – 6/23 vs Sri Lanka, 2019

Pat Cummins delivered an extraordinary performance, taking 6 wickets for just 23 runs against Sri Lanka during a pink-ball Test match at the Gabba in 2019. Cummins effectively dismantled the Sri Lankan middle order, limiting their total 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

Shamar Joseph delivered one of the most remarkable bowling displays in the history of West Indies cricket during a day-night Test match against Australia in 2024 at the Gabba.

In the fourth innings, while defending a modest total of 216 runs, Shamar dominated the Australian batting order, achieving figures of 7 wickets for 68 runs in his 12 overs. His performance is particularly remarkable due to the fact that he bowled despite suffering from a toe injury. Shamar was awarded Player of the Match for his impressive spell.

1. Devendra Bishoo – 8/49 vs Pakistan, 2016

Devendra Bishoo set the record for the best bowling figures in a single innings during a day-night Test match, achieving 8 wickets for 49 runs against Pakistan in Dubai in 2016. Bishoo's remarkable eight-wicket performance led to the dismissal of the home team for a mere 123 runs in their second innings.

Bishoo concluded the match with excellent bowling statistics of 10 wickets for 174 runs over the course of both innings. Despite the leg spinner’s record-breaking efforts with the ball, West Indies lost the game by 46 runs.

Cover Credits - ICC