Top 10 teams who have lost most matches in test cricket

12 countries have played test cricket so far.

Test cricket is the oldest format of the game, and despite the riches of T20 cricket in the modern era, it is still considered as the ultimate format by many players.

The value that players of the Big Three countries – India, Australia and England – put on test cricket can be recognised by the fact that their star players move away from T20 cricket in order to prolong their test careers.

Test cricket is unarguably the toughest and most demanding format as it requires a higher level of concentration and patience for long periods compared to other formats.

12 different countries have played test cricket so far. In this article, we will see the teams who have suffered the most defeats in the five-day format.

Top 10 teams who have lost most matches in test cricket:

10. Zimbabwe – 76

Zimbabwe have won only 13 of their 118 test matches and lost 76 of them. They have been involved in 29 draws. They have a poor win/loss ratio of 0.171.

While they regularly played test matches in the 1990s and 2000s, they barely play the longest format these days due to financial constraints

9. Bangladesh – 105

Despite playing their first test match 24 years ago, Bangladesh have not improved much in test cricket and fail to challenge the bigger nations. However, they have been a formidable side at home in recent years due to spin-friendly pitches.

They have lost 105 of their 142 tests so far; Bangladesh have only 19 test wins under their belt and a dismal win/loss ratio of 0.180.

8. Sri Lanka – 121

The Sri Lankan test team is a strong force at home due to their spinners bowling effectively on dry surfaces but they struggle away from home. They have won 103 tests and lost 121 out of 316 played so far.

7. Pakistan – 142

Pakistan have boasted some of the all-time great fast bowlers such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Pakistan have recorded 142 wins and 148 losses in test cricket along with 166 draws. They have a good win/loss ratio of 1.042, which is better than their arch-rivals India at the moment.

6. South Africa – 161

South Africa are one of the few test teams that have posted victories regularly even away from home, including in Australia and India. Under Graeme Smith, the Proteas ruled the world of test cricket for a significant period.

They have 178 wins and 161 losses, managing a win/loss ratio of 1.105, which is the third-best in the world.

5. India – 178

The Indian cricket team right now is almost indomitable at home, and they have very few test series losses at home over the past three decades. Under Virat Kohli, India also became a force to be reckoned with away from home and won two test series in Australia. In 2018/19, India became the first Asian side to register a test series victory Down Under.

Overall, India have won 178 games and lost as many – a win/loss ratio of exactly 1. India have been involved in a tied test as well, against Australia in 1986.

4. New Zealand – 185

New Zealand have been a clinical side at home, but have struggled away, especially in Asia and Australia to post victories. Of their 470 tests, they have lost 185 and won 115.

The Kiwis won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship by defeating India in the final in 2021 in Southampton.

3. West Indies – 213

Once a powerhouse of world cricket in the 20th century, West Indies cricket has taken a huge nosedive and now struggle even at home. They have the third-most losses in test cricket – 213 defeats and 183 wins. They have been involved in a tied game, against Australia in 1960.

2. Australia – 232

Australia are the most successful test side of all time with 414 wins and a win/loss ratio of 1.784. However, they have also suffered the second-most test losses – 232. This is a result of playing the second-most number of matches – 866.

Australia won the 2023 WTC final beating India at The Oval.

1. England – 324

With 324 losses, England have suffered the most losses in test cricket. They have played 1074 games, the only team to play more than 1000 tests, and won 395. They have a win/loss ratio of 1.219, which is the second-best after Australia.

(All stats updated till 12th August, 2024)

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