It had been 20 years since India made its Test debut in 1932 but the dream of winning their first match was far from achieved. This, however, changed in 1951-1952 when England toured India for a five test series. The first three tests ended in a draw and the English reigned supreme in the fourth test at Kanpur. The final test at Madras got etched in cricket folklore as the hosts decimated the English by an innings and eight runs, to register their maiden Test win.
A certain Mulvantrai Himmat Lal Mankad, popularly known by his nickname Vinoo, picked up 12 wickets and was the chief architect of this famous victory. A shrewd and thinking bowler, Mankad was a master in deceiving the batter through flight and variations. In a thundering all-rounded performance, he picked up 34 scalps and amassed 223 runs in the series, justifying his position of being a world-beating all-rounder. His fortunes were however going to change in the coming months.
India was to tour the land of former colonizers in the summer of 1952, not an easy assignment by any means. A player of Mankad's reputation was a certainty in the squad, given his stupendous performance in the previous tour of 1946. Or so he thought. When the trials of the English tour were being conducted in India, Mankad was in England and had received a lucrative contract from Haslingden club to play in the Lancashire League.
Also read: Miracle Men Book Review
In such circumstances, Mankad demanded an assurance from the BCCI that he would be guaranteed selection in all tests if he goes on to rescind his contract with the Haslingden Club. His request was left unheeded and Mankad signed the deal with Haslingden. The Board and the selection committee were left furious and chose not to include Mankad in the side, decreeing that India can produce a dozen spinners like him. Hence began the infamous chapter in the history of player-board conflict in Indian cricket history.
Vinoo’s absence was desperately felt in the Vijay Hazare-led side. In the first test, the fearsome duo of Alec Bedser and Fred Trueman baffled the Indian batters, reducing them to 0-4 in the second innings and handing the visitors a seven-wicket defeat. The humiliating loss and player injuries prompted the Indian captain and manager Pankaj Gupta to request the Haslingden Club to release Mankad.
The club was initially hesitant but later agreed to release Mankad for the rest of the series on the insistence of Sir Herbert Merrett, a Welsh businessman and the President of the Glamorgan County Cricket Club. Consequently, Mankad was included in the Indian side for the second Test at Lord’s, reportedly against the wishes of the BCCI.
Mankad stamped his authority with the bat, scoring a gritty 72 in the first innings and a majestic 184 out of team’s total of 378 in the second innings. He complimented it with a five-wicket haul in the first innings. His display of skill and character was so superlative that the test came to be famously known as 'Mankad's Test', only the one of it's kind in world cricket. Life came full circle for Vinoo Mankad who made his debut at the same venue six years ago.
However, his inclusion and solid performances could not change the fortunes of the team as India lost the test and also the series. Mankad continued to shine for the Haslingden Club. The treatment accorded to him by his own Board left him saddened and demoralized. But he continued to play a crucial role in the Indian team in years to come, carving a legacy of his own.
If my writing and research has captivated you, consider supporting Cricket Field Chronicles.
USE ANY OF THE LINKS BELOW TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION.
I dig cricket literature to bring you unheard and lesser-known cricket stories. I also review and recommend classic and contemporary cricket books. If you are a die hard cricket fan who wants to relive the golden days and memories of cricket, please consider supporting by making a contribution of your choice. You can start by sharing the profile/content. Thanks :)
.jpeg)
Write a comment ...