Thread by @ovshake42

On this day, 1978, Salim Durani taught a lesson Arun Lal never forgot.

Now India have produced greater cricketers than Durani, but few as charismatic.

*Literally* a filmstar, Durani was one of the most loved cricketers of the generation.
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His reputation as a six-hitter-on-demand had a recency bias to it. He hit 8 in his first 45 innings and 7 in his last 5.

But there is no doubt that he lofted the ball uninhibitedly.

And there was never any doubt regarding his tremendous talent.
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And here he was, playing his last First-Class match, for Rajasthan against Delhi.

Bishan Bedi declared at 522/9.

At 43, Durani, sent down 44 overs. He got one wicket, of Arun Lal.

Unbeaten on 100 overnight, Arun Lal had resumed on Day 2 with his eyes on a double ton.
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But Durani had other plans.

He stuck to a leg-stump line. One of his balls turned past the bat and hit off stump.

Arun Lal was not happy.

Rajasthan were bowled out for 223 (Durani 7). Bedi enforced the follow-on.

Durani emerged at 20/1.
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And now Arun Lal, at slip, decided to have a go.

Rakesh Shukla was bowling his leg-breaks.

"Come on Rocky, this guy's nervous, let's get him," quipped Arun Lal.

Durani calmly sliced the next ball past Arun Lal.
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He hit it hard enough to beat Arun Lal, but not hard enough to rush to the fence.

Arun Lal had to chase the ball to the ropes.

The next ball was a full toss. Durani did an encore.

Shukla, realising what was going on, pitched outside leg.

But Durani had anticipated this.
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He moved outside the line and sliced it once more to third man.

And then, a fourth time.

By then Arun Lal was left panting.

As the fielders crossed ends after the over, Durani had a few words for Arun Lal:

"Humko bhi thoda cricket aata hai."
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He scored 44 that day, in his last First-Class innings.

Prince for a reason.