Cricket in India is a cult, religion, an emotion, a feeling, etc etc. and people are willing to give their lives for the love of this game. Such is the impact of the game on our lives. But, there must have been a moment that must have begun the change. Don’t you think? There must have been a moment in Indian history that inspired a lot of us to take this game more seriously and passionately. Today, on the 37 years of India’s first World Cup triumph, we will take a look back at the moment which revolutionized the entire arena of cricket in India and inspired the many future generations that would take up this game as a rather serious profession.
25th June is a very special day for Indian cricket not only because of Kapil Dev’s squad of 83 during India vs West Indies but also because on this day only, India played its 1st ever test match against England at Lord’s in the year 1932. Who knew at that time that on the same turf, these rookies who got test status for the first time will end up making history on the very same venue.
West Indies Win The Toss
The ruthless bowling machinery of West Indies was ready to face the underdog India and after winning the toss, Clive Lloyd didn’t hesitate to take the decision of bowling first. West Indies were power-packed with the likes of Marshall, Holding, Roberts, Garner & Gomes in those days who used to breath fire through their bowling. In those times, there was no limit to the number of bouncers you can hit the batsman within a single over. The Caribbeans very well knew how to capitalize on that
Srikanth & Amarnath Stable the Indian Ship but not for Very Long
Srikanth amassed 38 runs with Mohinder (26) that helped India to overcome the loss of an early wicket. Along with Amarnath, he was able to stabilize the early wreck of the West Indian bowling line up but not for long. Soon the West Indies bowlers started picking up wickets and rolled up the entire batting unit of India at a meagre score of 183 all out in less than 60 overs. A target that was close to almost nothing to the then World Champions.
The Vivian Storm
Vivian Richards was a master of the chase and a quick one at it. He made 33 runs quick fired at a strike rate of 117+. In his trademark style, he made his way to the crease at number 3 and smashed seven boundaries giving India nightmares as the Indian crowd from the stands started going back to their homes in the feeling of losing the finale.
The Turning Point & The Triumph
Madan Lal’s delivery and Viv tries to hook it, Kapil Dev runs backwards and takes one of the most historic and spectacular screamers of the times. After that, Mohinder Amarnath comes in and takes 3 vital wickets. The losing hopes of the Indians arise as the game turns on its head in favour of the visitors. At the score of 140, Amarnath finds Michael Holding plumb in front and the umpire raises the finger. The crowds come out as Amarnath picks up the stumps as the match memory. People start running and celebrating all over Lord’s. Mohinder Amarnath bagged the man of the series award and Kapil Paaji lifted that trophy in that iconic moment at Lord’s. Indian Cricket was then, all set to welcome a future Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Yuvraj, Harbhajan and many more legends who got inspired from this incident.
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