England clawed their way back into the contest on Day 2 of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, halting India’s charge and bowling them out for 471. Despite Rishabh Pant’s typically aggressive 134, England regained control of the match with disciplined bowling. It was a rare feat, with India becoming one of the few teams in Test history to be bowled out for a sub-500 score despite three individual centuries. Here’s a look at three other times when teams managed to post modest totals despite three batsmen reaching three figures (Photos: AFP)
Updated On: 2025-06-21 08:26 PM IST
Compiled by : Srijanee Majumdar
India: 471 vs England, Headingley, 2025
India’s 471 in Leeds became one of the lowest all-out Test totals to feature three centuries. Yashasvi Jaiswal began with a fluent 101, captain Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a superb 147, and Rishabh Pant added flair with a 178-ball 134
After being sent in to bat by England captain Ben Stokes on the opening day of the five-match series, India appeared poised to post a total well beyond 500. However, a dramatic collapse straddling the lunch interval saw the visitors lose their final seven wickets for just 41 runs in the span of 12 overs
South Africa: 475 vs England, Centurion, 2016
At Centurion in 2016, South Africa amassed 475 in the first innings of the fourth Test against England. Stephen Cook, on debut, scored a century, while Hashim Amla followed with another. Quinton de Kock added late firepower with a dazzling 129* off 128 deliveries
Despite three centuries, there were no other half-centuries in the innings. South Africa went on to win the match by 280 runs, salvaging pride after conceding the series
Australia: 494 vs England, Headingley, 1926
In the third Test of the 1926 Ashes, Australia compiled 494 in their first innings. Although captain Warren Bardsley was dismissed for a golden duck, Bill Woodfull and Charles Macartney forged a massive 235-run partnership, both registering centuries. Middle-order batter Arthur Richardson added another ton with a gritty 100. No other player managed a half-century as Australia’s innings faltered late. The match ended in a draw, leaving the Ashes series tied at 0-0 after three Tests (Photo: ESPN Cricinfo)
West Indies: 497 vs India, Kolkata, 2002
In the third and final Test of the 2002 series, West Indies posted 497 in their first innings at Eden Gardens. The visitors built a strong platform after India had earlier posted 358. The Caribbean charge was powered by three centuries, Wavell Hinds struck a patient 100 off 200 balls, Marlon Samuels contributed 104 from 182 deliveries, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul top-scored with a composed 140 from 258 balls. Chris Gayle also added 88 at the top. Despite their dominance, the match ended in a draw, allowing India to seal the series 2-0
