Isn’t it quite hard to believe that India had its first Test victory 74 years after India achieved its freedom?
India celebrates its 79th year as a sovereign and democratic country this August. To mark the occasion, we look back at unique stories and achievements made by India in the field of sports, a sector that isn’t celebrated on Independence Day. In fact, in this article, let us enlighten you about India's first Test victory that the nation achieved after 74 years of freedom.
Confused? Read on to get the catch.
India’s cricket team, both male and female, has played over 1,000 matches across formats, i.e., ODI, Test, and T20I. However, you may be surprised to know that India has played seven Test matches on or around Independence Day since 1947, specifically on August 15. Five out of seven were played by the men’s team, whereas the women played two matches.
(Credit- India Today)
What’s further surprising is the fact that India’s male team won its first game played on August 15, 2021, i.e., 74 years after achieving freedom. On the other hand, the women’s team won its first game on August 15, 2014.
Held between August 12 and 16, India played against England at Lord’s on Independence Day – one of the five games ever played. This match turned out to be historic for India, as the team scripted a victory at Lord’s by a massive 151 runs.
KL Rahul stole the show with his 129 runs in the first innings, supported by Rohit Sharma’s 83. In the bowling department, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj picked three and four wickets, respectively, in the first innings. The second innings also saw Siraj go bombastic, picking four wickets as England were wrapped up in 120 runs.
(Credit- ESPN Cricinfo)
Out of all five cricket matches India has played on or around August 15, this was India’s only victory from the men.
The match also gave birth to iconic moments and incidents. For example, Jasprit Bumrah bowled a 10-ball over to James Anderson. The over was heavily intimidating for Anderson, and it was one of the moments that turned the game in India’s favour. Anderson will forever remember the bouncers and blows Bumrah bowled at him that day.
(Credit- NDTV Sports)
On the other hand, former captain Virat Kohli’s message grabbed the headlines and went viral on social media platforms. Before India took to the field in the fourth innings, Kohli addressed the team and said, “For the next 60 overs, they should feel like hell out there,” which became a war cry for the team.
Last but not least, one cannot overlook the 89-run batting partnership between Bumrah and Shami, who counterattacked England on the fifth day. Mohammed Shami scored 56 runs, whereas Bumrah added 34 runs.
(Credit- DNA India)
The team played together to script the historic victory on India’s 74th Independence Day, as was evident from the words of KL Rahul, who had summed up the game by stating, “If you go after one of our guys, you are going after the whole team. All XI of us will come right back.”
