The total number of extras given up can frequently take on a secondary role in the more remarkable story of Test cricket, where every run and every wicket is crucial. In addition to the skill with which bat and ball are shown, some Test matches are notable for the unusual—and occasionally record-breaking—quantity of extras added to the scoreboard. The fielding teams have shown incredible generosity in these matches, whether through a torrent of no-balls, wides, or byes. Here is list of 10 Test Matches with a barrage of extras conceded with significantly helped the batting team.
1. India Vs Pakistan, 2007
India, led by Anil Kumble, set a formidable total of 626 runs in their first innings, courtesy of Sourav Ganguly's brilliant knock of 239 runs. However, the Indian bowlers faced challenges on the field, conceding 76 extra runs, marking a record for the most extras in a Test match innings. In addition, they also conceded 13 extras in the second innings, taking the total to 89. Despite the remarkable batting performance, the match concluded in a draw.
2. England Vs West Indies, 2009
In the 2009 encounter between West Indies and England, the match claimed the second spot for the highest extras conceded. England's bowlers struggled, delivering 16 no-balls and 11 wides, resulting in 74 extras. Despite England posting 546 runs in their first innings, West Indies responded strongly with 544 runs, capitalizing on England's poor bowling performance. With 26 more extras in the second innings, the total went up to 100. Unfortunately, the match ended in a draw, with neither team securing a decisive victory.
3. West Indies Vs Pakistan, 1988
West Indies had scored a handy first-innings total of 292. They needed their bowlers to step up to reduce Pakistan to a score below their total. However, their bowlers failed to deliver and conceded 72 extras in the game, 71 of which came in the first innings. They bowled an astonishing 38 no-balls!
4. West Indies Vs Pakistan, 1977
In a match that ended in a draw, West Indies conceded a whooping 103 extras, 68 of which came in the second innings, and included 29 byes, 11 leg byes and 28 no balls. Almost a fifth of the runs Pakistan scored in the second innings were extras and the match itself could be called a match of extras with a total of 173 extras conceded overall.
5. England Vs New Zealand, 2015
England leaked a lot of extras against New Zealand, bowling 67 of them in the first innings and 15 in the second, taking the total to 82. A majority of them were byes and leg byes, helping New Zealand. Despite conceding so many runs, England won the match by an impressive 124 runs.
6. Sri Lanka Vs Zimbabwe, 1994
In what ended up being a one innings game for both the sides, Sri Lanka bowled 65 extras, 36 of which no-balls, which comprised more than half of the number. The total number of extras made up more than a fifth of Zimbabwe's total, causing the match to end in a draw.
7. Pakistan Vs South Africa, 1995
Pakistan made it difficult for themselves when they conceded 64 extras in the first innings, with 36 no-balls. To make matters worse they got bowled out cheaply and while bowling, again conceded 32 extras which helped South Africa to speed up the South African declaration, and Pakistan faced a heavy defeat of 324 runs.
8. West Indies Vs England, 1995
West Indies, in an abysmal bowling performance, bowled 75 extras across both innings to England. Of these, 42 were no-balls, showing the lack of discipline among bowlers. The amount of extras bowled eased the pressure on England’s scoring. All this backed by a poor performance in batting made sure that West Indies lost the match by six wickets.
9. Pakistan Vs New Zealand, 2021
Pakistan’s below-par batting performance was further marred by a lack of discipline in their bowlers. They conceded 64 extras, which helped New Zealand to cross the 600-run mark. The mammoth total was too much for Pakistan to chase, and they crumbled, losing by an innings and 176 runs. Twenty-seven byes took the number one spot in the extras.
10. West Indies Vs India, 1987
In a high-scoring affair at Eden Gardens, West Indies scored a mammoth 530 runs but lacked the discipline to restrict India cheaply. They conceded 64 extras, of which 27 were no-balls and 25 were leg byes. The match ended in a draw as batters of both the teams performed exceptionally well.
