OTD| Richard Hadlee became the first bowler to take 400 Test wickets

On This Day | Richard Hadlee became the first bowler to take 400 Test wickets. Richard Hadlee is arguably the greatest cricketer that New Zealand has ever produced. He is regarded as one of the best all-rounders to have ever graced this game. He was an indomitable force with both bat and ball. However, he is predominantly remembered for his bowling records. On this day he became the first bowler to take 400 Test wickets.

History at Christchurch

New Zealand played a 3-match Test series against India in 1990 that started in Christchurch. The home team batted first and scored 459 runs to take an advantage in the crucial encounter. Captain John Wright led the team from the front with a 185-run knock. This batting performance from the skipper pushed India on the back foot. 

The real blow was yet to come for the visitors. New Zealand demolished India with the ball as the touring side had no clue as to what was happening. The Kiwis were right on top from the first ball. Richard Hadlee started with a wicket to set the tone for New Zealand. The pressure continued to mount and India got bowled out for 164 runs in the first innings. New Zealand imposed a follow-on after this shambolic batting display from India. 

The second innings became memorable for the great Richard Hadlee as he completed his 400 wickets in Test cricket and became the first-ever to do so. India started positively in the second innings with an 80-run opening partnership between Manoj Prabhakar and W Raman. Prabhakar was then dismissed by Snedden with a great delivery. Then Sanjay Manjrekar walked in at No.3 but his stay was cut short by the veteran Hadlee. Stumps were uprooted by Hadlee when Manjrekar only had four runs to his name. This was Hadlee’s 400th wicket and that carved his name in the history books forever. New Zealand went on to win the match in a comprehensive fashion, by 10 wickets.