One of the most successful skippers ever to lead the Indian cricket team, Mohammed Azharuddin scored his maiden Test hundred on this day back in 1985. Azhar registered his first-ever international ton during a Test against England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Azhar could not have asked for a better way to announce his arrival as it was also his debut in international cricket.
The former India captain carried forward his brilliance and became the only cricketer to notch centuries in his first three Test matches. Apart from his spectacular leadership, Azhar enthralled fans with his beautiful wristwork and elegant timing.
I was happy to score a century on my test debut. I went beyond my own expectations I must say. This ton gave me the confidence to score two more in the consecutive matches..On This Day in 1985: Mohammad Azharuddin Scores Hundred on Test Debut https://t.co/TII5Q7mi1L— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 3, 2022
Winning the toss, the then-India skipper Sunil Gavaskar opted to bat first and the decision proved to be accurate. The hosts got off to a jaded start and lost their opening batters—Gavaskar and Anshuman Gaekwad—at 35. Mohinder Amarnath looked promising, along with Dilip Vengsarkar, but India were watchful.
India’s scoring rate improved after Ravi Shastri and debutant Mohammed Azharuddin started building a partnership. India scored 168 runs losing four wickets on day one. Rain halted the second day’s proceedings and only 20 minutes of play could occur. India managed to add just eight runs— all scored by Azharuddin—to their overnight tally.
Azharuddin finally got a chance to showcase his skills on the third day of the game. Azhar brought up his century and forged a vital partnership with Ravi Shastri. Azhar’s majestic batting delighted fans at the Eden Gardens, but Team India’s strategy bemused the home crowd. The hosts kept scoring runs at under two an over.
With this bat, I made a world record of three consecutive hundreds in my first three tests against England in 84-85.In a season I scored more than 800 runs with this very bat, chosen by my grandfather. #FondMemories pic.twitter.com/ci8dkc5tzz— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) May 22, 2021
Norman Cowans was the man who broke the stand having dismissed Mohammed Azharuddin for 110 off 322 deliveries. Azhar’s knock comprised 10 boundaries. The India debutant was eventually caught by David Gower.
Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri, who went on to bat on all five days of the fixture, was dismissed for 111 in the first innings. It was again Cowans who picked up the wicket of Shastri. Powered by Azhar and Shastri’s centuries, India posted a mammoth total of 437/7 (declared).
England, in response, folded for 276. Shivlal Yadav and Chetan Sharma picked up four wickets each for India. The Sunil Gavaskar-led side could score 29 runs losing one wicket in the second innings and the Test match ended in a draw.
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