Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: Recalling the First-Ever Clash in 1955

A historic rivalry rekindled as India faces New Zealand again!

Rohit Sharma-led Indian men's cricket team is gearing up to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting on October 16. The series opener will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, followed by matches at Pune's MCA Stadium (October 24-28) and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai (November 1-5). A 3-0 whitewash for India would almost guarantee their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, a major goal for the Men in Blue.

India enters this series on a high after dominating Bangladesh 2-0 in a recent two-match series. Meanwhile, New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, is reeling from a 0-2 defeat in Sri Lanka. To add to their woes, the Kiwis are without their star player, Kane Williamson, for the opening match in Bengaluru. His availability for the second and third matches is still uncertain. New Zealand will be eager to put up a strong fight, but facing India on home turf, especially without Williamson, will be daunting.

However, before the first game begins, let us recall the first-ever Test class between India and New Zealand which took place 69 years ago i.e., in 1955. 

The historic first test in 1955

The history between India and New Zealand dates back to 1955, when the two teams faced off for the first time in Hyderabad. This high-scoring encounter turned into a memorable run-fest. India, under the captaincy of Ghulam Ahmed, was declared at a massive 498/4, thanks to a brilliant 223 by Polly Umrigar and 118 by Vijay Manjrekar. New Zealand, led by an unbeaten century from Bert Sutcliffe, managed to avoid defeat and secured a draw after being forced to follow on.

India's dominance with the bat

In that first Test, India's top order was delivered with finesse. Umrigar's 223 remains one of the iconic performances, supported by Manjrekar's 118 and a century from AG Kripal Singh (100*). Despite losing early wickets, India cruised to a commanding total. New Zealand's bowlers struggled, with Johnny Hayes (3/91) and Tony MacGibbon (1/102) unable to stop the Indian charge. It was a stellar start to a Test series that would go on to produce some captivating cricket over the years.

New Zealand's gritty response

New Zealand responded with 326 in their first innings, featuring a patient 102 by John Guy. He was well-supported by John Reid's brisk 54 and Tony MacGibbon's 59. However, the rest of the lineup failed to cope with India's spin attack. Subhash Gupte spun his magic, claiming 7 wickets for 128 runs in a marathon spell that put India firmly in control. Despite trailing, New Zealand avoided disaster by putting up a better show in the second innings.

Bert Sutcliffe saves the day for New Zealand

Bert Sutcliffe was the hero of New Zealand's second innings, playing a calm and composed knock of 137*. Along with John Reid (45*), he steered New Zealand to 212/2 by the end of the match, securing a well-earned draw. India's spinners, Gupte and Vinoo Mankad, once again took a wicket each, but Sutcliffe's resilience ensured New Zealand would not crumble under pressure, showcasing the determination that would define future encounters between these two teams.

A historic series ends in India's favour

The 1955 series concluded with India winning two matches and drawing three. India's victory in Bombay was spearheaded by Mankad's 223 and Gupte's 8 wickets. The final match in Madras saw India triumph again, thanks to a record-breaking 413-run opening stand between Mankad and Pankaj Roy and another fine display of spin bowling from Gupte and Mankad. This historic series laid the foundation for a competitive rivalry between India and New Zealand that has continued to grow over the decades.