Remembering India’s first victory on English soil

50 years ago this day, Abid Ali’s winning shot crafted an Indian cricket history. The 80-year-old cricketer recalls the historic moment

India’s former all-rounder Syed Abid Ali has to his credit an unforgettable date — 24 August 1971. Exactly 50 years ago, on 24 August, India won the Test match at the Oval, London. It would be India’s first Test and Test series victory against England in England.

In an exclusive over-the-telephone interview from the USA, where he resides now, Abid Ali, nearing 80 years, shared his memories of the proud moment. “Yes, how can I forget this historic day? Now Team India has made a habit of winning on foreign soil, but it was our team’s first win in England,” he tells us.

What makes the win particularly special to Abid Ali was that the winning run came from his bat. Recalling the incident, Abid says, “Wicket-keeper batsman Farokh Engineer was at the other end. He had asked me to take a single off Luckhurst. But I had other things in my mind, and I square-cut the ball to the boundary, and history was written in golden letters.” Incidentally, it was also the day of Ganesh Chathurthi. The then captain of the team, Ajit Wadekar and the team were given a red-carpet welcome from the airport to the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Unfortunately, however, Abid Ali could not be part of those victorious celebrations. “After the first series win in England, I headed on a pilgrimage visit to Iraq after seeking special permission from the Indian cricket board. I was on this visit with my wife and our then-threeyear old daughter,” Abid adds. Another interesting trivia is that Indian stumper Kirmani’s daughter Nishad is married to Abid Ali’s son Fakhar Ali, and the family lives in the USA. While Abid Ali is keen on returning to India, the COVID restrictions have made it difficult for his return. Abid Ali, who’s been watching India’s matches on TV, is impressed by Team India today. “The way Virat Kohli’s Indian team is playing is remarkable. Kohli is very well captaining the side and handling the bowling combination successfully. I am proud of the Indian team,” he adds as we sign out.

“Farokh Engineer was at the other end. He had asked me to take a single off Luckhurst. But I had other things in my mind, and I squarecut the ball to the boundary, and history was written in golden letters,” he says