The Kennington Oval cricket stadium in London is one of the most iconic cricketing venues across the world. Oval often offers wickets that are conducive for batters, with good pace and bounce as compared to other English venues.
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The ground has been a witness to some high-scoring battles ever since it first hosted a Test, way back in 1880. However, the 4th innings of a Test at this particular venue can be tricky for the batters. The ground has seen scores being defended in the final innings, although such instances do not occur too often at this venue.
The Sporting News takes a look at the lowest targets defended at the Oval in Test cricket.
What is the smallest fourth innings score defended at the Oval?
The lowest score defended at the Kennington Oval is 85. The mighty Australians defended just 85 runs against England in the fourth innings way back in 1882. Australia toured England for a solitary Test in 1882 and won the game by 7 runs. Frederick Spofforth, the Aussie pacer, picked up 7 wickets as he ran havoc against the English batters.
The venue also saw England defending 111 against Australia, 14 years after their humiliating loss. Bobby Peel, the English left-arm spinner, took six wickets as Australia lost the game by 66 runs, being bowled out for just 44.
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If we look at more recent times, the hosts, England, successfully defended 124 against the very same opponent, Australia. The English duo of Andy Caddick and Phil Tufnell shared 9 wickets as they bowled the visitors out for 104 to clinch the game.
Lowest totals defended at Kennington Oval, London
| Target | Team | Score | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | Australia | 77 | England | 1882 |
| 111 | England | 44 | Australia | 1896 |
| 124 | England | 104 | Australia | 1997 |