England, South Africa create bizarre record as both teams get bowled out in 36.2 overs during Oval Test

After Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first South Africa were bowled out for just 118 runs. England took just a 40-run lead as their innings came to an end for a score of 158. A bizarre feat was recorded as both teams were bowled out in 36.2 overs.
England vs South AFrica 3rd Test AP

England and South Africa were bowled out in 36.2 overs each in their first innings

Photo : AP
With the series tied 1-1, there was immense excitement for the third Test between England and South Africa at the Oval Cricket Ground as a thrilling clash was expected with the series on the line after two enthralling Test matches that saw both teams get one win each at Lord's and Old Trafford respectively.
With England looking to continue their dream run of form since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's appointment as head coach while on the other hand, South Africa are in eying a place at the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final and a win will put them in pole position to do so.
However rain on the first day and the cancellation of Day 2 due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II turned the game into a 3-day encounter essentially. It looked like a result was next to impossible but both teams had different plans as the first innings of both teams finished in the first session of Day 4. After Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first South Africa were bowled out for just 118 runs. England took just a 40-run lead as their innings came to an end for a score of 158.
This set the game for a result and a thrilling finish but a bizarre feat was noted as both teams were bowled out in 36.2 overs. Interestingly, this is only the 8th time the same has happened in the history of men's Test cricket. In those eight occasions, this is the lowest number of overs that the two teams have played.
The record for highest overs played with both teams playing the identical number of balls belongs to India and Australia as they both played a total of 109.4 overs in Brisbane. Out of the eight times this feat has occurred, India have been involved on four occasions.
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