September 11 in history: Birth of Lala, and a historic day for Lanka

Tags: Lala Amarnath, September 11 in history, Murali Kartik, Sri Lanka, Kandy Test 1999

Published on: Sep 11, 2016

Here’s a look at some significant developments in cricket history on September 11

Here’s a look at some significant developments in cricket history on September 11.

Birth of Lala: One of India’s greatest cricketers, Lala Amarnath was born on this day in 1911. Lala hit a century on debut against England at Mumbai in 1933. It was also first ever century by an Indian in Test cricket. He also led India to victory during the tour to Pakistan in 1952-53. In all he played 24 Tests, and scored one hundred and four fifties. With the ball, he claimed 45 wickets, with two five-wicket hauls. The numbers don’t tell the entire story though. His contribution to Indian cricket went much beyond. His two sons, Mohinder and Surinder, also played for India, the former being the hero of the 1983 World Cup triumph.

Sri Lanka’s first Test win: Playing only their 14th Test, the Lankans registered their maiden Test win, against the Indians at Colombo. Rumesh Ratnayake claimed a five-for in the second innings to add to his four in the first as India’s strong batting line up collapsed to 244 and 198 in the two innings. Ashantha de Mel also chipped in with five wickets in the match. For Sri Lanka, Amal Silva made a hundred in the first innings while Roy Dias narrowly missed out on one. In the second innings, Aravinda de Silva contributed 75 and Dias 60. Sri Lanka declared their second inning on 206 for 3, setting India a target of 348.

Murali Kartik was born: The left-arm spinner impressed on his Test debut against South Africa at home in 2000, but Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh at their peak, opportunities were few and far in between for Kartik. He finished his Test career with 24 wickets in eight Tests, the highlight being the seven-for he claimed at Mumbai in 2004 to bowl India to victory over Australia. His best ODI figures also came against the same opponent, at the same venue, in 2007. He claimed 6 for 27 with the ball, and scored an unbeaten 21, as India held on to win by two wickets, despite a batting collapse chasing 194.

Sri Lanka’s Kandy magic: The Lankans recently thrashed Australia 3-0. Until then, their only Test victory against the Aussies had come in September 1999. Batting first, Australia were cleaned up for 188 in the first innings, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Zoysa combining to claim all ten wickets. Ricky Ponting was the only one stand tall with 96. Sri Lanka themselves were held to 234 as Shane Warne picked five, but Australia collapsed to 140 all out in the second innings, with Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie being unable to bat owing to their famous collision. Lanka went on to win by six wickets, their first ever against Australia.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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