Tied Test II - 15 years on
At this time, every year, my mind turns unfailingly to one of the greatest Tests in history, a match I was lucky to witness and write about
Partab Ramchand
18-Sep-2001
At this time, every year, my mind turns unfailingly to one of the
greatest Tests in history, a match I was lucky to witness and write
about. In my long journalistic career of over three decades, Tied Test
II will also be the crowning glory. Yes, I refer to the first Test
match between India and Australia played at the MA Chidambaram stadium
in Madras from September 18 to 22, 1986.
It is fifteen years since umpire Vikram Raju gave Maninder Singh out
leg before to Greg Matthews to signal only the second tie in 1052
Tests since the first game was played in 1877. That alone indicates
the uniqueness (well, almost) of the match. Cynics say that the events
during the Madras game cannot be compared to those that unfolded
during the first tied Test between Australia and West Indies at
Brisbane in December, 1960. Well, any first has a truly unique ring
about it. But in many ways, the Madras Test compares favourably with
the Brisbane game.
I remember clearly the scene on September 17. India, having just come
back from a triumphant tour of England were favourities to win the
contest against an Australian side, still in the process of rebuilding
after the simultaneous retirement of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and
Rodney Marsh a little over two years ago. The Australians, since then
had lost twice each to the West Indies and New Zealand, once to
England and had drawn a series against India `Down Under' with great
difficulty.
It did not take long for the visitors to rip off the underdogs tag. On
the first day, David Boon got 122 and on the second day, Dean Jones
came up with his courageous 210 and Allan Border scored 106. I shall
never forget the sight of Jones, completely dehydrated, vomiting on
the field of play. But never once did he abandon his post and only
after he was out did he go to hospital for treatment. Indeed, the
weather throughout the five days was stifling. I have been in Madras
all my life and even though September is often called `second summer',
I have never experienced such oppressive heat.
Perhaps the heat got to the players for the behaviour of some of them
was positively embarrassing to the genuine cricket lover. This was
especially so on the final day when the atmosphere on the field was
`hot' enough. But in the meantime India, suddenly finding themselves
in the unlikely role as the team under pressure, had to avoid the
follow on. In reply to Australia's 574 for seven declared, India
finally got 397 thanks in the main to Kapil Dev's great innings of
119, arguably his finest Test innings. Coming in at 206 for five on
the third evening with his team facing the prospect of a follow on
squarely in the face, the Indian captain with only the tail for
company, produced a series of enthralling shots so typical of him.
By the time the Indians were dismissed, it was just after lunch on the
fourth day and with the Australians not showing any urgency in their
second innings, the Test was written off as a draw. By stumps, the
visitors were 170 for five, a lead of 347 and predictably enough there
were just a few thousands present at the stadium on the final morning.
They received a pleasant surprise when they saw the Australians take
the field followed by Gavaskar and Srikkanth. After discussions with
the coach Bob Simpson who incidentally was a member of the
Australian team in the first tied Test - Border declared the innings
setting the Indians a victory target of 348 in 87 overs. It was a bold
decision and paved the way now for three possibilities. No one in his
right mind could have predicted the fourth result!
For long, India had the match under control thanks chiefly to
Gavaskar's 90 and supporting knocks from Srikkanth (39), Mohinder
Amarnath (51), Azharuddin (42) and Chandrakant Pandit (39). They were
193 for two at the start of the 20 mandatory overs but then Australia,
through off spinner Matthews, who bowled all day and left arm spinner
Ray Bright came back slowly into the game. Ravi Shastri held the
middle order with a judicious mix of aggression and defence and then
came the unbelievable climax. Almost magically, the spectators now
numbered over 30,000 and they were shouting themselves hoarse. Not one
of them, I wager, was in the seat when Matthews started the last over,
bowling to Shastri who had in the meantime been joined by last man
Maninder Singh. India required four runs, Australia one wicket. Now
any one of four results were indeed possible. And then came the last
act of the unforgettable drama.
Both camps were disappointed, understandably so. For, teams first and
foremost, play to win, and not be part of a historic event in which
neither team is rewarded. However, in a way, both teams had won the
prize. And for the rest of us, it was an occasion to savour for a
lifetime.