India’s first ever test victory recalled after seventy two years
February 10, 1952 happens to be the red letter day in the history of Indian cricket. It was on this day, India registered its first test victory in tests. India trounced England by an innings and eight runs. The test was played at Madras on February 6, 8, 9 and 10, 1952. India was led by VS Hazare while DB Carr captained England. BJ Mohoni and MG Vijayasarathy officiated this test as umpires.
This is what 1951-52 edition of Indian Cricket wrote about this memorable test match. {Page NO 151}
A Memorable match was this, in which India gained their first Test victory. The handsome margin of their victory accurately reflects the disparity between the two teams. It was the result of a memorable piece of bowling by Mankad, who claimed twelve wickets for 108 runs. Apart from Graveney and Robertson the English batsmen had no counter to his acute spin and cunning flight. He received good support from the field, especially Sen behind the wicket. India were able to raise a big total thanks mainly to Roy and Umrigar both of whom scored centuries. Roy’s was an immaculate effort, while Umrigar’s was more restrained than is customary with him. With Phadkar the latter added 104 runs for the sixth wicket. England collapsed in the last innings against Mankad again and Ghulam Ahmed. When Statham lifted the former into the safe hands of Gopinath at long-on, India had secured a historic victory.
India was granted test status inn 1932 and had played its first test against England on June 25, 26 and 27 of 1932.
This is what Bill Frindall notes/comments on this memorable test in his book “The Wisden Book of Test Cricket – Volume 1 {1876 to 1977}”
After waiting for almost 20 years India gained a most emphatic test victory in their 25th Test Match. Mankad’s innings and match analysis were the best in any Test at Madras and remain the records for India against England. Umrigar was omitted from the selection in favout of Adhikari. When the latter damaged his wrist in a fall the reinstated Umrigar seized a last opportunity to score his maiden test hundred. Because of the death of King George VI on 6 February the following day was made the rest day.
{Mankad’s match figures of 12 for 108 was bettered by Narendra Hirwani who took 16 for 136 at Madras against West Indies in Jan 1988}
Today is 10th February 2024. Hence the recall of India’s first ever test victory after 72 years
The score card link is furnished below – courtesy espncricinfo.com