In recent years, Test matches played on Indian soil have often wrapped up within three or four days — a reflection of India’s spin-friendly pitches and dominant performances at home. However, cricket fans who cherish the thrill of a full five-day contest might wonder: when did India last witness a Test match that actually went into Day 5?
Surprisingly, it wasn’t too long ago. The most recent instance came during the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test (Kanpur, September–October 2024) — a rare modern-day encounter in India that stretched into the final day.
India vs Bangladesh, Kanpur 2024: The Last Test to Reach Day 5
The match took place at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, from September 27 to October 1, 2024. It was part of Bangladesh’s tour of India.
Rain interruptions and a gritty batting display from both sides ensured that the contest extended into Day 5 — something Indian fans hadn’t seen in a while.
By the time play resumed on the final morning, Bangladesh were fighting to avoid a complete collapse. They were eventually bowled out for 146 runs, leaving India a small target of 95. The hosts chased it down comfortably within 17.2 overs, sealing a 7-wicket victory.
But what made this match special wasn’t the result — it was the experience of watching a full-length, five-day Test unfold in India once again.
Why Do Tests in India Rarely Go Into Day 5?
Over the past few years, Indian pitches have gained a reputation for being spin-friendly and result-oriented.
Strong home performances from bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel often lead to quick finishes — sometimes inside three days.
There are a few key reasons:
- Aggressive batting – Modern players’ attacking mindset often shortens innings.
- Turning pitches – Many Indian venues offer sharp turn from Day 2 or Day 3, accelerating results.
- Dominant bowling attacks – India’s bowlers, both pace and spin, rarely let visiting teams settle.
- Weather and light – Shorter daylight and humid conditions sometimes lead to rapid deterioration of pitches.
As a result, genuine fifth-day finishes in India have become increasingly rare. The Kanpur Test of 2024 was a refreshing exception.
Recent History: The Pattern of Early Finishes
Here’s how India’s last few home Test series have gone:
- India vs England (2024) – All five Tests finished within four days.
- India vs Australia (2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy) – Only one match, the Ahmedabad Test, reached Day 5, which ended in a draw.
- India vs Sri Lanka (2022) – Both Tests ended inside three days.
That shows just how uncommon a fifth-day Test has become in Indian conditions.
Why the Fifth Day Still Matters
For purists, Day 5 represents the true beauty of Test cricket — the test of patience, temperament, and tactical depth.
A fifth-day finish often brings high drama: wearing pitches, reverse swing, collapsing defenses, and nail-biting finishes.
When matches end too early, fans miss that endurance test — the element that makes Test cricket unique. The Kanpur game served as a reminder that long, grinding matches can still exist in the era of fast scoring and aggressive play.
Fans Reacted with Nostalgia
Cricket fans on social media celebrated the fact that the Kanpur Test stretched into Day 5. Many expressed nostalgia for the era when five-day Tests were common in India, often going down to the wire.
One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“It felt great to wake up on a Day 5 in India again. That’s real Test cricket!”
Another commented:
“Not every game should end in three days. The suspense of Day 5 is what makes the format special.”
What Lies Ahead
With India set to host England and New Zealand in upcoming Test series, fans are hopeful that pitch conditions might allow for longer games. BCCI officials have also discussed curating surfaces that balance bat and ball more evenly, ensuring Tests last the full duration.
Whether that happens or not remains to be seen — but the Kanpur Test of 2024 will be remembered as the last time Indian crowds witnessed the charm of Day 5 cricket at home.
🏏 Quick Summary
| Match | India vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test (Kanpur, 2024) |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 27 – October 1, 2024 |
| Venue | Green Park Stadium, Kanpur |
| Result | India won by 7 wickets |
| Significance | Last Test in India to reach Day 5 |
FAQs
1. When was the last Test in India to reach Day 5?
It was the India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test in Kanpur, played from September 27 to October 1, 2024.
2. Who won that match?
India won the match by 7 wickets after chasing a target of 95 runs on Day 5.
3. Why are Tests in India finishing early nowadays?
Due to spin-friendly pitches, aggressive batting, and dominant home bowlers, most Tests in India finish within four days.
4. When did a Test before that reach Day 5?
Before the 2024 Kanpur Test, the last instance was the Ahmedabad Test vs Australia (2023), which ended in a draw on Day 5.
5. Are upcoming Indian Tests likely to go into Day 5?
It depends on pitch conditions. The BCCI has indicated interest in preparing more balanced surfaces for longer, competitive games.
