OTD | India was bowled out for 58 runs in their first-ever Test clash against Australia in 1947

The Indian cricket team had been slated to play Sir Donald Bradman’s renowned “Invincibles” in 1947–48, while the nation was still recovering from the effects of Partition. However, the tour encountered significant challenges before it was able to begin because of the nation’s division and the highest level of communal tensions ever. Despite the chaos, India’s 16-man team defied the odds and set out on a quest that would establish one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.

As the squad was ready to take on the formidable Australians, captained by the renowned Sir Donald Bradman, whose “Invincibles” had returned unbeaten following their 1948 England tour, excitement swiftly grew in Indian cricket circles. However, owing to medical concerns, Vijay Merchant as well as Rusi Modi were forced to withdraw soon before the tour. An unforgettable journey was set in motion when Lala Amarnath as well as Vijay Hazare got the titles of the new skipper and deputy, respectively, in their absence.

From the beginning, the Australian top order efficiently formed partnerships and had complete control of the game. Don Bradman amassed 185 runs, adding to the despair of the Indian bowlers who laboured in vain on an unsupportive ground. By using punishing techniques that produced runs at an incredible rate, he thoroughly demoralized the bowlers and solidified partnerships alongside the other batters.  Bradman was undefeated at 160 as Australia’s scoreboard read 273/3 at the close of the first day. At 382 for 8, Bradman had already been removed after a 285-minute vigil that had produced 185 runs, putting Australia in a secure position.

The Indian batters battled to keep up the aggressive Australian bowling, particularly against Ernie Toshack, who took advantage of the circumstances in a variety of ways and recorded impressive statistics of five wickets for a single run in a remarkably brief nineteen-ball performance. At 58 all out, the Indians fell apart.

The Indians were down 324 and required scaling a mountain to avoid a crushing innings loss, but they couldn’t because Chandu Sarwate was the only batsman who put up any fight. Sarwate grafted a resolute 26 after two hours and forty minutes of batting.

Read More: Don Bradman’s Debut: A Historic First Test Appearance

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