This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On March 25, 1955, New Zealand cricket suffered its darkest day, as the Black Caps were skittled for a record low of 26 runs against England in a Test match.
The 1955 Test was a stark reminder of the vast difference in cricketing prowess between New Zealand and the established teams of the era, including Australia, England, and the West Indies.
According to Paul Ford, co-founder of The Beige Brigade, a Kiwi cricket supporters' group, the record low score still rankles with New Zealand fans, who eagerly await the opportunity for someone to break the unwanted record.
"Frankly, as a New Zealand fan, we'd be grateful for anyone to take this record away from us," Ford said in an interview with AFP.
Published on May 22, 2020, the article highlights the significance of the 1955 Test in New Zealand cricket history, a period marked by inconsistent selection and a lack of experience.
Despite being out of action for over a year, the New Zealand Test team had shown promise in the opening Test in Dunedin, but their fortunes changed in the second match in Auckland, where they were skittled for a mere 26 runs.
The setback was temporary, however, as the Black Caps recorded their maiden win against the West Indies a year later.
Since 1955, New Zealand's unwanted record has come close to being broken on several occasions, including a 2018 day-night Test against England in Auckland.
Although England avoided the record books, they fell to an innings and 49-run defeat, leaving the record intact.
