The early years of Test cricket posed numerous challenges for India, marked by a string of defeats despite occasional glimpses of promise. However, the tide turned, one radiant February morning in 1952, on this very day, when the India Cricket Team clinched their maiden Test victory in Madras.
In the fifth and final match of the series, India found themselves trailing after England secured a win in Kanpur, following three draws. With the series on the line, England opted to bat first after winning the toss, but their batting fell short of expectations, managing only 266 runs in the first innings despite promising starts from Jack Robertson and Dick Spooner. Vinoo Mankad’s exceptional bowling, claiming 8 wickets, shattered England’s hopes of a substantial total.
India’s response was emphatic, with Polly Umrigar and Pankaj Roy crafting centuries to propel the team to a commanding total of 457 runs before declaring. This stellar batting performance gave India a significant lead.
In the second innings, England faltered, collapsing for 183 runs. Ghulam Ahmed and Vinoo Mankad starred with 4 wickets each, sealing India’s historic victory by an innings and 8 runs. This triumph, overshadowed by an unexpected rest day, stands as a testament to India’s prowess and resilience, etching a memorable chapter in cricket history.
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