On December 15, 1932, a momentous occasion took place in the cricketing world. The Bombay Gymkhana, a colonial-era club in Mumbai, witnessed the first-ever Test match played on Indian soil. This historic clash pitted India, then known as the “All-India” team, against a formidable England side led by the controversial Douglas Jardine.
A Long-Awaited 1st Test Match Played on Indian Soil
India’s Test debut had been a long time coming. Cricket had been played in the country for decades, but it was only in 1927 that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formed. Even then, it took another six years for India to be granted Test status.
The excitement for the inaugural Test was palpable. Thousands of fans thronged the Bombay Gymkhana, eager to witness their national team take on the might of England. The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of anticipation and pride in the air.
“Today marks the 90th anniversary of the first-ever cricket Test match played on Indian soil, India vs England at the historic Bombay Gymkhana ground on 15 December 1933,”
Mr Shashi Tharoor .
A Match of Firsts
The first Test was a landmark event in many ways. It was not just The 1st Test Match Played on Indian Soil, but also the first time an Asian team had played in the longest format of the game. Additionally, it was the first Test match to be played outside of England and Australia.
The match itself was a thrilling affair. India, led by the charismatic CK Nayudu, put up a spirited fight against the English juggernaut. Nayudu himself scored a magnificent century, the first by an Indian in a Test match. However, England, with their superior experience and bowling prowess, eventually emerged victorious by an innings and 131 runs.
Today marks the 90th anniversary of the first-ever cricket Test match played on Indian soil, India vs England at the historic Bombay Gymkhana ground on 15 December 1933. [pic]
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 15, 2023
Since Indians (& dogs) were not allowed on the Gymkhana premises those days, the Maharaja of Patiala,… pic.twitter.com/1kCJP1M0MR
A Legacy that Endures
While India may have lost the first Test, the match marked a significant turning point in the history of Indian cricket. It proved that Indians could compete on the world stage and ignited a passion for the game that continues to burn brightly today.
The first Test on Indian soil is a reminder of the humble beginnings of Indian cricket. It is also a testament to the dedication and passion of the players who laid the foundation for the success that India enjoys today. As we celebrate the rich legacy of Indian cricket, let us not forget the historic encounter at the Bombay Gymkhana, where it all began.
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In addition to the above, here are some other interesting facts about the 1st Test match played on Indian soil:
- In their first Test, India started by batting first but fell short at 219, despite Lala Amarnath’s leading score.
- England responded strongly with a hefty 438, thanks to Bryan Valentine’s century.
- India’s pace attack, featuring the legendary Mohammad Nissar, fought back with Nissar taking five wickets.
- Nissar and Amar Singh formed a fearsome bowling duo, known for their speed. (Side note: Nissar later co-founded the Pakistan Cricket Board.)
- In the second innings, Lala Amarnath rose to the occasion, scoring a historic century, the first by an Indian in Tests. This made him India’s top Test scorer at the time. (His son, Mohinder, would continue the family legacy years later by playing a key role in India’s 1983 World Cup victory.)
- While England ultimately won the match by 9 wickets, the Test holds immense significance in Indian cricket history, marking the debut of the nation on the cricketing world stage.
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