Cricket becomes even more intriguing and difficult with red ball format in English conditions. Just like many other countries, England have made sure that teams visiting do not have an easy time. Moreover, England have been fortunate to have high-class bowlers over the years with the likes of Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Simon Jones passing the legacy onto James Anderson and Stuart Broad who have also done wonders for the English side. They will face yet another challenge with Indian batsmen waiting to prove their worth away from home. The first of the five-match Test series which promises to be a high voltage series begins on August 1.
As we are aware that it is difficult for a batsman to stand their ground against such a gruesome bowling attack in English conditions but history has seen some superhumans who had perfect technique and skill in order to tackle the swinging ball in England. Today, we take a look at the top five Indian batsmen who not only scored heavy against the home side but also managed to help their side produce a positive outcome.
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1. Sunil Gavaskar (1979)
India needed 438 runs to win the Test match and with the poor display of batting in first innings, the result seemed inevitable. Against all odds, the visitors were hoping that their batting unit gets together and puts up a fighting show and that is what exactly happened. Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan scored 213 runs for the opening partnership before Chauhan was dismissed. Gavaskar went onto make 221 runs hitting 21 fours but fell agonisingly close to the target at end of the days play.
2. Sachin Tendulkar (1990)
Test cricket is a difficult place for an inexperienced batsman that too in English conditions. Sachin Tendulkar who was 17 years of age when he found himself in a situation where he had to perform to save his side. He scored 68 in the first innings and while chasing a target of 408 runs, he displayed a commendable effort by scoring an unbeaten 119 runs. The world saw the transition of a boy turning into a man in just one inning. David Lloyd humorously said that he should be given “Boy of the match” award.
3. Sourav Ganguly (1996)
A controversial exit by Navjot Singh Sidhu citing uncanny encounter with captain Mohammad Azharuddin made way for Sourav Ganguly who was itching to walk on the field for his Test debut. It was a huge occasion for the youngster and he pounced on the opportunity by scoring a century at Lord’s against an all-round attack. He looked aggressive from the word go and scored 21 boundaries for his 131 runs playing at the crucial number three position.
4. Rahul Dravid (2002)
In the third Test match at Headingley, the wall had to walk in early after Sehwag’s dismissal in swinging conditions. Rahul Dravid spent 429 minutes at the crease scoring a praiseworthy 148 hitting 23 boundaries. This was the same match where the little master scored 193 runs but Man of the Match award was given to Rahul Dravid as he faced the difficult initial overs that could have been fatal for batsman walking in.
5. Sachin Tendulkar (2002)
Sachin Tendulkar scored 193 runs in tough conditions that were suitable for swing bowling. He played with patience and resilience as India went onto score a mammoth 628/8 in the first innings. It was master blaster’s 30th Test century and was truly magnificent. India won the match by an innings and 46 runs.