It is not often that a team registers their lowest total in a Test innings but still manages to evade a huge loss. 120 years earlier, the Australian side got bundled out for 36, their lowest score in a Test innings which still stands till date. With a stroke of luck, they managed to avoid an embarrassing defeat at the hands of English.
It did not seem like a pitch which will produce a low-scoring affair. In the first innings, England skipper Archie MacLaren won the toss and opted to bat first. They did not get off to a good start but middle order batter Johny Tyldesly scored 138 runs. He also had support from Stanley Jackson, Bill Lockwood who scored half-centuries along with George Hirst's 48. England posted 376/9 from 142 overs.
In reply, Australian batting lineup collapsed like a pack of cards. Only opener Victor Trumper scored in double digits. Wilfred Rhodes rushed through Australia’s batting order lasted just 23 overs. A total of four ducks were registered in Australia's innings. Rhodes ended with seven wickets in 11 overs whereas Hirst took the rest of three wickets.
As expected, Australia were asked to follow-on by MacLaren. However, the rain gods came to Australia's rescue. It rained for 12 hours straight before Day 3 of the three-day game. The little play that took place on Day 3 was only because few spectators were let in during the afternoon.
Trumper and Duff seemed to start off well but got out after reaching double digits. Clemm Hill and Syd Gregory remained not out with Australia's score reading 46/2 after 28 overs. They still trailed by 296 runs when the play was called off.
Had rain not played spoilsport, England would have registered a huge win by an innings and runs in Birmingham.
The 36 all out was the third-lowest total at that time. Since then, Australia have have been bundled out below 50 only once in Test cricket. Against South Africa, Australia were all out for 47 in 2011 in Cape Town. Before 1902, Australia were bundled out for less than fifty twice by England in 1888 and 1896.
