The introduction of day-night Test cricket Bowling in 2015 revolutionized the traditional format, drawing larger crowds to the stadiums. A key feature of these matches is the use of the pink ball, which offers more lateral movement for fast bowlers compared to the conventional red ball.
The inaugural day-night Test was played between Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval in 2015. In a nail-biting contest, Australia secured a memorable three-wicket victory in the historic match.
While the pink ball is often a boon for seamers, spinners have also stepped up with match-winning performances in day-night Tests. In this article, we explore the top five best bowling figures in the history of day-night Test matches.
5. Mark Wood – 6/37 vs Australia, 2022
In the fifth Test of the Ashes 2021-22 series in Hobart, English speedster Mark Wood produced a stunning spell of bowling. With a 155-run lead from the first innings, Wood’s pace wreaked havoc on Australia’s second innings.
His remarkable figures of 6/37 helped England bowl Australia out for just 155 runs. Despite Wood’s exceptional performance, England ultimately lost the match by 146 runs.
4. Trent Boult – 6/32 vs England, 2018
Trent Boult produced a spectacular performance in a day-night Test against England in Auckland in 2018. On a pace-friendly pitch at Eden Park, Boult decimated the English batting, taking 6 wickets for just 32 runs in the first innings.
His brilliant spell helped New Zealand dismiss England for a mere 58 runs. The Kiwis went on to win the match comfortably by an innings and 49 runs.
3. Pat Cummins – 6/23 vs Sri Lanka, 2019
In the 2019 pink-ball Test at the Gabba, Pat Cummins delivered a devastating spell of 6/23 against Sri Lanka. His brilliant performance dismantled the Sri Lankan middle order, limiting them to just 144 runs in their first innings.
Australia went on to win the match by an innings and 40 runs. Cummins was awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution, claiming 10 wickets in the game.
2. Shamar Joseph – 7/68 vs Australia, 2024
In 2024, Shamar Joseph delivered one of the most iconic bowling performances in West Indies cricket history against Australia at the Gabba during a day-night Test. Defending a modest target of 216 in the fourth innings, Shamar dismantled the Australian batting lineup, claiming 7 wickets for 68 runs in just 12 overs.
What made his performance even more remarkable was that he was bowling through a painful toe injury. Shamar’s unforgettable spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
1. Devendra Bishoo – 8/49 vs Pakistan, 2016
Devendra Bishoo set the record for the best bowling figures in a day-night Test match, taking 8/49 against Pakistan in 2016 in Dubai. His stunning eight-wicket haul helped dismiss the hosts for just 123 runs in their second innings.
Bishoo’s exceptional performance saw him finish with overall figures of 10/174 across both innings. Despite his record-breaking display with the ball, West Indies fell short and lost the match by 46 runs.