September 22, 1986 witnessed the ultimate conclusion as the cricketing world saw the second-ever tied Test with the India vs Australia Test ending in drama in Chennai.
Follow Us
In the 2433 Test history of cricket for 144 years, there have been only two instances of Test matches being tied. That means, there is only one in 1215 chances of a Test being tied. There have been several unique instances during the tied Test. Australia is the only team to have featured in both the tied Tests. One player, Bob Simpson, has featured in both tied Tests. One was as a player and the other as the manager of the side. The first tied Test match was in 1960 between West Indies and Australia in Brisbane. 26 years later, there was yet another tied Test. This was between India and Australia in the cauldron of Chennai.
Test No.1052 witnessed an absolute classic in the history of the game. Australia chose to bat and they were boosted by some brilliant knocks from Dean Jones, Allan Border, and David Boon. While Boon and Border scored centuries, Jones went one step ahead and scored one of the best double centuries the game had ever seen.
The weather in Chennai was unbearable for many of the Australian players. It was hot, humid and there was a stench that came across from the nearby canal. Jones was dehydrated terribly and he wanted to retire hurt. But, Border angrily rebuked Jones by stating, “You weak Victorian, I want to see a strong Queenslander out there.” Spurred by that comment, Jones batted on instinct and blasted a double century. After the knock, he was sent to the hospital where he recovered.
Australia ended on 574/7 declared. India, though, was boosted by the brilliance of Kapil Dev who blasted 119. Aided by fifties from Kris Srikanth, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Ravi Shastri, India tried to come close to the Australian total but they were dismissed for 397. Armed with a lead of 177, Australia looked to increase the advantage.
Australia scored at close to four runs per over as they notched up 170/5 declared, setting India a target of 348.
In those days, chasing a total close to 350 was deemed almost impossible. But, India was determined to get one over the Australians. On the fifth day, the Australian pacers did not have much to do. It was the spin dup of Ray Bright and Greg Matthews who shouldered the majority of the burden. They bowled a total of 64 overs. Matthews had taken five wickets in the first innings. He was unwell but he still played the match. In the hot and humid conditions, the sight of Matthews bowling with a sweater on was a sight for sore eyes.
Sunil Gavaskar, playing in his 100th consecutive Test match, got India off to a flying start. He got good support from Srikkanth as India reached 94/1 at the lunch break. Gavaskar and Amarnath shared a 103-run stand for the second wicket, with Amarnath scoring a gritty fifty. Azharuddin and Chandrakant Pandit kept the scoreboard ticking as Gavaskar neared his century.
But, India lost crucial wickets towards the final session. Gavaskar was dismissed for 90 while Azharuddin, Kapil Dev, and Pandit all fell at vital times. Ravi Shastri was in fine form as he blasted three fours and two sixes in a rapid knock of 48. When Shivpal Yadav hit a six, India needed just four runs for a win. But, he fell and all hopes were on Shastri.
With four runs needed off the last over, Shastri was on strike with Matthews bowling. He hit a couple and then took a single off the third ball as the scores were level. India was not going to lose the match. But, with only one wicket remaining, Australia could still tie this. Maninder Singh was not known much for his batting and Australia sensed an opening. With three balls remaining, Matthews bowled to Maninder.
After blocking the fourth ball, Matthews trapped Maninder Singh LBW for 0. The batsman was incensed. He pointed out to the umpire that he had gotten an inside edge. But, umpire V Vikramraju, the official who gave him out, stood by his decision. The match was tied in dramatic circumstances. India and Australia’s three-Test series ended 0-0.
However, 35 years later, the marvels of THAT Test match still remain fresh. Dean Jones, who sadly died recently, recalled how he batted on instinct after he passed 120. “I didn’t drink water overnight. One hour into day two I knew I was in trouble. I didn’t drink anything apart from a cup of tea or coffee. We didn’t know anything about dehydration and rehydration back then. Then I just batted from memory basically. I can’t remember much. I know nearly every shot in every innings I played but I can’t remember a thing after 120 in that innings,” Jones had told ESPNCricinfo.
For as long as cricket remains, the tied Test in Chennai in 1986 will forever be the day India and Australia’s cricketing relationship changed forever.
