On this day, 1933, the first Test match on Indian soil got underway.
BCCI had been founded in Delhi, but Bombay was the hub of Indian cricket, more so given the popularity of the Quadrangular.
So Bombay Gymkhana was a fair choice as venue.
The build-up was tremendous.
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BCCI had been founded in Delhi, but Bombay was the hub of Indian cricket, more so given the popularity of the Quadrangular.
So Bombay Gymkhana was a fair choice as venue.
The build-up was tremendous.
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India's had an impressive tour of England in 1932 (9 wins, 8 defeats).
Now people wanted to see these men live.
Twenty thousand people had attended the match between the MCC and Bombay Presidency at the same venue a week ago.
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Now people wanted to see these men live.
Twenty thousand people had attended the match between the MCC and Bombay Presidency at the same venue a week ago.
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Now, when Nayudu went out to toss with Jardine, about fifty thousand people had to be crammed together.
Temporary tents had been set up in anticipation.
Making his debut was Rustomji Jamshedji, still the oldest man to play for India.
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Temporary tents had been set up in anticipation.
Making his debut was Rustomji Jamshedji, still the oldest man to play for India.
https://twitter.com/ovshake42/status/1329092337285304320
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The estimate is unofficial: the ground was designed to accommodate nowhere close to that count.
Nichols bowled that historical first ball, to Wazir Ali.
India, 212/9 at stumps, were bowled out for 219 next morning.
Amarnath top-scored with 38.
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Nichols bowled that historical first ball, to Wazir Ali.
India, 212/9 at stumps, were bowled out for 219 next morning.
Amarnath top-scored with 38.
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Nichols, Verity and Langridge picked up three wickets apiece.
Nissar soon bowled Mitchell, but Walters (78), Jardine (60), and Valentine (136) took England to 438 on Day 3.
Exactly twice of what India had scored.
Nissar, who had taken 5/93 on debut, had 5/90 this time.
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Nissar soon bowled Mitchell, but Walters (78), Jardine (60), and Valentine (136) took England to 438 on Day 3.
Exactly twice of what India had scored.
Nissar, who had taken 5/93 on debut, had 5/90 this time.
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Trivia:
Day 3 was the first time in history was international cricket played on a Sunday, for India were the first non-Christian country to host Test cricket.
But let us return to the match, where India were soon reduced to 21/2.
Now Nayudu joined the debutant Amarnath.
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Day 3 was the first time in history was international cricket played on a Sunday, for India were the first non-Christian country to host Test cricket.
But let us return to the match, where India were soon reduced to 21/2.
Now Nayudu joined the debutant Amarnath.
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Both were aggressive batsmen, but they decided to put the head down to help avoid the innings defeat.
Nayudu played with caution, but Amarnath grew in confidence and the strokes kept flowing.
He had reached 83 in 78 minutes before understandably slowing down a bit.
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Nayudu played with caution, but Amarnath grew in confidence and the strokes kept flowing.
He had reached 83 in 78 minutes before understandably slowing down a bit.
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Just before stumps, he created history by becoming the first Indian to score a Test match hundred.
It had taken only 117 minutes, less than a session according to today's playing hours.
However, over rates used to be significantly better back then.
The crowd went ballistic.
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It had taken only 117 minutes, less than a session according to today's playing hours.
However, over rates used to be significantly better back then.
The crowd went ballistic.
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People hugged strangers. Two men rushed to the ground to garland Amarnath.
There was a band at the ground (who said franchise leagues introduced live music during cricket matches?).
Now they played "God save the king" – for, after all, India was still under British rule.
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There was a band at the ground (who said franchise leagues introduced live music during cricket matches?).
Now they played "God save the king" – for, after all, India was still under British rule.
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As Amarnath left the ground for the day, unbeaten on 102, the women tore off their jewellery and showered them on Amarnath.
Kings announced cash gifts for him.
At 159/2 India seemed all set for a fightback on Day 4.
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Kings announced cash gifts for him.
At 159/2 India seemed all set for a fightback on Day 4.
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As news of Amarnath's hundred spread, people took overnight trains to watch him in action. The crowd swelled even more.
It must have been really, really crowded.
India made it to 207/2 before Nayudu and Amarnath fell within the space of a run.
India collapsed to 258.
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It must have been really, really crowded.
India made it to 207/2 before Nayudu and Amarnath fell within the space of a run.
India collapsed to 258.
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The only resistance came from another debutant, who scored 30 of these runs.
This mane, Vijay Merchant, would have an outstanding record against English sides over years.
England won 9 wickets.
This mane, Vijay Merchant, would have an outstanding record against English sides over years.
England won 9 wickets.
Twitter really needs that edit button.
Jameshedji was the oldest *debutant, not the oldest cricketer, to play for India.
Jameshedji was the oldest *debutant, not the oldest cricketer, to play for India.
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