Indian Cricket Landmark Moments: First Ever ODI Match

There is always a first for everything. When the first time an event happens on a global stage, it becomes a landmark moment that is forever remembered. Indian cricket had its landmark moment when it played its first-ever ODI match. 

It was against England at Headingley, Leeds, on 13th July 1974. India's first-ever ODI match, led by Ajit Wadekar against Mike Denness' England. 

England was ahead in the list with countries having played an ODI before. It had played against Australia in 1971 - the first-ever ODI, 3.5 years before India had the opportunity. India was the sixth team to play the ODIs, after them, six more countries got their One-Day status. 

India was having a forgettable tour of England in 1974 having lost all three tests before being made to play a format it had no clue about. A win was a long call, India wasn't even expected to compete well. 

England put India to bat first. Although it was an ODI, the kits and ball were still white and red. The ball was expected to swing miles as it happens in England in test cricket, and India hadn't had a memorable test series. 

Sunil Gavaskar opened with Sudhir Naik and added 44 runs for the first wicket. Naik scored 18 from 29 balls before he got out. Gavaskar followed him after making 28 runs in 35 balls with the help of three fours and a six. 

Captain Ajit Wadekar led from the front and scored India's first ODI fifty. Wadekar made 67 in 82 balls with the help of ten fours before Robin Jackman bowled him. However, it was Brijesh Patel that continued where Wadekar left and smashed 82 in just 78 balls - a strike rate of 105.12. Patel hit eight fours and two sixes and helped India reach a competitive total of 265 in the 55 per-side over game. 

However, England was experienced. John Edrich led England's charge as he scored 90 off 97 balls to set up the run chase for Keith Fletcher, Tony Greig, and Alan Knott to run around and get to the total with four overs to spare. 

Interestingly, in the last few overs, it was raining heavily but the match continued. Neither India nor England complained about it. 

Decades after the first-ever ODI, Gavaskar on being asked by VVS Laxman and Deep Dasgupta about the strategy and planning going into the match, the legendary opener said, "What is planning?"

Gavaskar went on to say that there was no planning for ODIs in those days. There used to be proper plans for Test cricket but the atmosphere was quite relaxed when it came to ODIs. He further said that proper planning for ODIs began only in the 1980s.

Brief Scorecard: 

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22 - England vs Australia Schedule and Squads

India - 265/10 in 53.5 overs (Brijesh Patel - 82, Ajit Wadekar - 67; Chris Old - 3/43)
England - 266/6 in 51.1 overs (John Edrich - 90, Tony Greig - 40; Eknath Solkar - 2/31)