OTD| Former India spinner Jasubhai Patel took 9-69 in a Test innings against Australia in 1959

On this day the cricket-loving crowd in Kanpur saw the off-spin masterclass from Jasubhai Patel which forced the Australians to surrender in the first innings of the test match. India managed to accumulate only 152 runs in the first innings and gave a huge advantage to Australia. However, Jasubhai Patel gave his best to neutralize that advantage as much as he could and his 9 wickets proved to be crucial for India at the end of the match. 

First Innings 

India won the toss and opted to bat but their decision was wronged by Alan Davidson and Richie Benaud who picked up 9 wickets in a combined effort to wrap the Indian innings cheaply. Bapu Nadkarni was the highest run scorer for India who could only score 25 runs which reflects the poor batting effort from India. 

Australia got off to a good start with 71 runs by the openers but as soon as Jasubhai Patel came in the attack it was all about him. He picked up 9 wickets to restrict Australia to 219 runs in the first innings. 

Second Innings

Australia registered a decent lead at the end of the first innings but the Indian batting unit stepped up to elevate their game. India made 291 runs in the second innings to give Australia a tough job in the run chase on a turning track in India. Chasing 225 runs the kangaroos once again fell to the spin mastery of Jasubhai Patel who picked up 5 wickets and was assisted by Polly Umrigar with 4 wickets. Australia got all out for a low total of 105 runs and lost the match by 119 runs which levelled the series for India. This match would be remembered for Jasubhai Patel’s heroics who picked up 14 wickets against a strong team like Australia to give the Indian team a chance to win the series. 

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