Flashback: Amazing performances by Indians at Old Trafford

Tags: India, England, Sunil Manohar Gavaskar, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin

Published on: Aug 07, 2014

As India and England battle it out in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, we look back at some wonderful performances by Indians at the venue over the years.

As India and England battle it out in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, we look back at some wonderful performances by Indians at the venue over the years.


Sunil Gavaskar (101 and 55): Looking back at the 70s, any flashback would be incomplete without a mention of Sunil Gavaskar’s performance. In the 1974 Test, he made 101 from 251 balls in India’s first innings as they replied to England’s 328 for 9. Gavaskar batted for 308 minutes during which he hit eight boundaries, even as India managed only 246. India were chasing a tough 296 to win, and again, Gavaskar top scored with a fighting 58. This time, he batted for 163 minutes and 140 balls, with five fours. India however succumbed to 182 all out.


Dilip Doshi (6 for 102): India had a couple of heroes in this Test in 1982 which was drawn, and Doshi was one of them. The spinner finished with figures of 6 for 102. His dismissals included those of openers Geoff Cook, Chris Tavare, Derek Randall, Geoff Miller and Derek Pringle. Most of the other bowlers struggled in the game, as a result of which England managed to get to 425. It was one of Doshi’s better efforts during his career.


Sandeep Patil (129 not out): Thiswas the same Test in which Doshi claimed six wickets. India had to reply well if they had to stay alive. They were struggling at 173 for 6 at one stage before Patil played one of his finest ever knocks. Those who saw Patil smash 129 from 196 balls with 18 fours and 2 sixes often why he never achieved more in international cricket. It was a truly dominating knock as India replied with 379 for 8 and saved the Test.


Mohammad Azharuddin (179): Azhar has done very well in England and, on the 1990 tour, he was in splendid form. England batted first at Old Trafford and posted a massive 519. India were under pressure, and Azhar responded in fine manner. He scored a superb 179 from only 243 balls with 21 fours and 1 six. The 281-minute vigil ensured that India were good in reply. They finished with an impressive 432, as Azhar played one of his best knocks.


Sachin Tendulkar (119 not out): In spite of Azhar’s brilliance, India were still under pressure to save the match as, chasing 408, they collapsed to 127 for 5. This is when a youngster named Sachin Tendulkar stood up, and registered his maiden Test century. His unbeaten 119 was compiled in 225 minutes, during which he faced 189 balls and hit 17 fours. Thanks to Tendulkar, and his partnership with Manoj Prabhakar (67 not out), India managed to escape with a draw.


--By A Cricket Analyst

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