Top 13 Slowest Fifties in Test Cricket History

Test cricket is often described as the purest form of the game because it is a competition of patience, technique and temperament. While explosive centuries and quick fifties may shine on the modern scorecard, there is a hidden side to batting. And that is known as the art of slow batting under pressure. When the bowlers dominate or a team’s survival depends on defensive play, a batsman’s ability to chase runs becomes the measure of true skill. Over the decades, some cricketers have produced incredibly slow fifties.

In this blog, we revisit the top 13 slowest fifties in Test cricket history, measured by time (minutes). These innings are not about fireworks, but about survival and the nature of a classical Test match.

1. Trevor Bailey (England): 350 Balls And 357 Minutes Against Australia, Brisbane, 1958-59

Trevor Bailey, known as “Barnacle Bailey” for his ability to stick to the crease, tops the list of slowest half-centuries in Test cricket history. Against Australia at Brisbane in the 1958-59 Ashes series, it took him 350 balls and 357 minutes to reach his half-century. The match conditions required resilience, and that’s what Bailey did. Facing an Australian bowling attack led by Alan Davidson and Richie Benaud, he focused solely on survival. His defensive masterclass helped England salvage the Test, though it was painfully slow by modern standards.

2. Chris Tawer (England): 236 Balls And 350 Minutes Against Pakistan, Lord’s, 1982

England’s Chris Tawer was another classic stone-thrower of the 1980s. Against Pakistan at Lord’s in 1982, he hit one of the slowest half-centuries ever, scoring just 82 runs off 236 balls and 350 minutes. Tawer’s innings was not flashy; it was pure survival mode. He denied Pakistan’s spinners and seamers with incredible patience, tiring them out in session after session. Even as the fans grew restless, Tawer’s slow innings helped England build a platform that ultimately ensured a draw.

3. Darren Bravo (West Indies): 215 Balls And 342 Minutes Against England, North Sound, 2018-19

Darren Bravo revived the old-fashioned passion in 2019. Facing England in Antigua, Bravo took 215 balls and 342 minutes to reach 50. Despite being under pressure early on, the Windies were looking to secure a draw. Bravo’s ultra-cautious approach frustrated the England bowlers and helped his team avoid defeat. His strike rate of around 20 was emblematic of traditional Test batting, where patience was often more important than temperament. He was a throwback to a bygone era, the kind of innings that earned him comparisons to Brian Lara’s patience in the longer formats.

Similar Post: Top 12 Slowest Centuries in Test Cricket History

4. Brian Young (New Zealand): 229 Balls And 333 Minutes Against South Africa, Durban, 1994-95

New Zealand’s Brian Young was known for his compact technique and defensive skills. Against South Africa in Durban in 1994-95, he scored a fifty in 229 balls in 333 minutes. The pitch was green, the bowlers were relentless, and the Proteas pace attack of Allan Donald and Fanny de Villiers kept the ball under control. Yet Young held his ground, played every ball to its potential and refused to give up.

5. Sunil Gavaskar (India) – 326 Minutes Against Sri Lanka, Colombo (SSC), 1985-86

One of cricket’s greatest openers, Sunil Gavaskar was a master of defensive technique. Against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 1985-86, it took him 326 minutes to reach fifty. The pitch was slow, and the Sri Lankan bowlers held firm. Gavaskar, known for his patience, was in no hurry. He focused on saving his wicket, frustrating the bowlers, while slowly but surely getting run outs.

6. Ramiz Raja (Pakistan): 209 Balls And 318 Minutes Against West Indies, Karachi, 1986-87

Ramiz Raja showed a completely different side during the Karachi Test against West Indies in 1986-87. He took 209 balls and 318 minutes to reach his fifty. The West Indies attack was potent. Ramiz adopted a defensive approach, strengthening Pakistan’s innings under heavy pressure. His innings may not have thrilled the spectators, but it showed his skill and courage against one of the most fearsome bowling units in history.

7. Chetan Chauhan (India): 316 Minutes Against Pakistan, Kanpur, 1979-80

One of India’s most reliable openers, Chetan Chauhan scored a marathon effort against Pakistan in 1979-80. He completed his half-century in 316 minutes, partnering Sunil Gavaskar. In this match, Kanpur’s wickets were few and slow, and Chauhan’s defensive masterclass played a significant role in saving India from collapse. Chauhan’s ability to dominate the field in the late 1970s and early 1980s made him one of India’s most reliable openers.

8. Shoaib Mohammad (Pakistan): 315 Minutes Against Zimbabwe, Lahore, 1993-94

Shoaib Mohammad, son of the great Hanif Mohammad, inherited his father’s patience and defensive technique. Against Zimbabwe in Lahore in 1993-94, he took 315 minutes, scoring 53 runs. His slow innings were crucial in ensuring Pakistan’s dominance in the match. Shoaib’s run-scoring prowess in Test cricket has defined the Mohammad family’s batting legacy.

9. DJ McGlue (South Africa): 313 Minutes Against Australia, Johannesburg, 1957-58

In the late 1950s, South African captain Derrick McGlue was known for his stubborn resistance. Against Australia in 1957-58, he scored his half-century in 313 minutes. McGuw was never known for his talent; his strength was his patience. His innings saved South Africa from defeat and it is one of the slowest recorded half-centuries in Test history. It was a reflection of his determination to survive in difficult batting conditions.

Read Next: Top 11 Slowest Fifties in T20Is History (2025 Ranked!)

10. Martin Crowe (New Zealand): 212 Balls And 312 Minutes Against Sri Lanka, Colombo (CCC), 1986-87

One of New Zealand’s greatest batsmen, Martin Crowe, was usually fluent and elegant. However, during the Test against Sri Lanka at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground in 1986-87, it took him 212 balls and 312 minutes to reach 50 runs. Crowe was determined to adapt to the slower surface, showing a composure rarely seen in his career. The innings eventually culminated in an unbeaten 120, which proved his ability to combine patience and pace.

11. Bruce Edgar (New Zealand): 310 Minutes Against Australia, Wellington, 1981-82

Bruce Edgar was another pillar of New Zealand’s batting in the early 80s. His half-century against Australia in Wellington took 310 minutes, one of the longest half-centuries in Kiwi history. The innings helped New Zealand post strong scores in challenging conditions, demonstrating Edgar’s reputation as a reliable opener.

12. Allan Border (Australia): 262 Balls And 310 Minutes Against West Indies, Sydney, 1988-89

One of Australia’s strongest batsmen, Allan Border played his toughest innings against the West Indies in 1988-89. He took 262 balls and 310 minutes to reach his half-century. Against a pace battery like Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, Border’s slow half-century was embarrassing. His innings showcased Australian stamina when the West Indies were almost unbeatable.

13. Chris Tavares (England): 219 Balls And 306 Minutes Against Australia, Manchester, 1981

Tavares proves his great stamina for the second time on this list. During the 1981 Ashes at Manchester, he scored his half-century in 219 balls and 306 minutes. His slow and steady approach helped England crush the Australian pace attack. While some have described his batting as dull, Tavares’ tenacity was invaluable in stabilizing England’s innings at crucial times.

Conclusion

The slowest half-century in Test cricket history tells a story of endurance, patience and technical mastery. While modern cricket is all about aggression, these legends remind us that sometimes, the bravest a batsman can do is survive.

These innings are monuments to mental warfare and prove that in Test cricket, time spent at the crease can be as valuable as runs.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who holds the record for the slowest half-century in Test cricket history?

This record belongs to England’s Trevor Bailey, who took 350 balls and 357 minutes during the 1958-59 Ashes series. His innings are the ultimate symbol of defensive Test batting.

Q2. Which modern player has scored the slowest half-century?

In recent times, Darren Bravo (West Indies) scored the slowest half-century against England in 2019, taking 215 balls and 342 minutes.

Q3. Why were such slow innings more common in the old era?

The previous era had rough pitches, normal bats and a more disciplined bowling attack, which made scoring difficult.

Share Post on: