On This Day In 1973: Sunil Gavaskar, The Opening Bowler, Makes Debut
On This Day In 1973: Sunil Gavaskar opened India’s attack against England, conceding six runs. That went on to be the only over he bowled during the 1973 Chennai Test.
On This Day In 1973: Over four decades ago, India’s legendary Test batter Sunil Gavaskar shocked the world by opening India’s bowling against England. One of the finest cricketers to play the sport, Gavaskar led his side’s bowling attack during the 1973 England’s Tour of India.
It continues to be one of the most bizarre yet memorable moments in Indian cricket history.
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On this day, the fixture began with England batting first in Chennai. Barry Wood and Dennis Amiss opened the innings for the visitors at the Madras Cricket Club Ground in Chennai. Wood and Amiss were ready to take on the host team’s best bowlers but what followed next shocked the world.
Sunil Gavaskar opened India’s attack, conceding six runs. That went on to be the only over Gavaskar bowled during the 1973 Chennai Test.
Following Sunil Gavaskar’s spell, Bishan Singh Bedi and Bhagwath Chandrasekhar tested the England batters throughout the first innings. England lost seven wickets after adding a mere 110 runs.
A 97-run knock from Keith Fletcher helped England put up a total of 242. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi led India’s response, scoring 73 runs. With a joint effort from the team’s middle order, India ended the innings with 316 runs.
Bishan Singh Bedi continued his stellar form during India’s second bowling display, taking four wickets. Another four-wicket hall for Erapalli Prasanna restricted the Englishmen to 159.
In the fourth innings, India struggled chasing a target of 86 runs. Chetan Chauhan and Farokh Engineer opened the batting in Sunil Gavaskar’s absence. He was nursing a finger injury.
A firm batting display from Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi saw India home. Gavaskar was on the non-striker’s end who remained unbeaten after 11 balls.
India went on to beat England 2-1 in the five-match Test series.
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