The england test

Indian Cricket History By Abhishek Mukherjee

In 1926, the ICC (Imperial Cricket Conference at that time) awarded membership to India, West Indies and New Zealand. However, India did not play their first Test match immediately. Despite the occasional victory against touring sides, the illustrious career of Ranji, and the rise of Duleep, Indian cricket was yet to earn respect outside India.

Arthur Gilligan brought an English side to India in 1926/27. They were a very strong side that did not lose a single match on the tour. Their match against the Hindus at Bombay Gymkhana was one of the most significant in the history of Indian cricket.

Gilligan's men scored 363. CK Nayudu walked out at 67/2 and scored 153 in 100 minutes with 13 fours and 11 sixes. The 11 sixes were a world record at this point. As news spread, hundreds of people arrived at the ground to watch Nayudu bat. When he got out, even the umpires applauded him.

Soon afterwards, the tourists played an All-India side, again at Bombay Gymkhana. This time DB Deodhar, a 53-year-old Sanskrit professor, carved out 148 in four hours.

Gilligan was convinced that India had enough cricketing talent for the next level. Two months later, he met the Maharaja of Patiala (organiser of the tour), Grant Govan (a Delhi-based businessman), and Anthony de Mello (an employee of Govan) at the Roshanara Club in Delhi. He promised to talk to MCC about a tour.