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Sunday, 28 December 2014

Ind vs Aus (3rd Test Match, Chennai, 1986)

Venue: Chepauk Stadium, Madras (erstwhile)
Now: Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
 
Lets rewind the clock way back to 1986 ... rings a bell?
 
Yes, we're talking about second of the only two tied tests ever in the history of the game! 3rd Test Match.
 
A match that exploded to life on Day 5 partly due to bold declaration of innings by Australian skipper #AllanBorder and followed up by the Indians .. going for the target in sportingly!
 
Both teams fairly matched each other over the first four days but in search of victory Australia set up a target of 350+ on a deteriorating Day 5 pitch.
 
Indians started the chase cautiously. #SunilGavaskar and #MohinderAmarnath ensured no alarm bells would ring due to fall of early wickets. Once they negotiated the first session, India sensed a chance to go for the target. They changed batting orders to up the tempo as needed. Australia too kept chipping away at the wickets making it a very interesting for the commentators and nerve-jangling for spectators.
 
The last over equation read
6 Balls, 4 runs to win for India, 1 wicket to win for Australia
#RaviShastri on strike, #ManinderSingh the non-striker and #GregMatthews to bowl.
 
Ball 1 - Played defensively by Shastri
Ball 2 - Flicked towards deep square leg, misfield ensures he gets 2
2 to win from 4 balls

Ball 3 - Flicked to mid wicket for a single.
Scores level. India cannot lose. 

With Maninder Singh on strike the Aussies brought all their fielders closer to create pressure.
Ball 4 - Maninder manages to negotiate safely.

Ball 5 - Rapped on the pads, huge appeal and umpire #Dhotiwala raises his finger! Game tied.

Australians over the moon. Matthews jumping around. Maninder and Shastri distraught. Amazing scenes. Felt as if Australia won the game. Actually, they were let off the hook by India who should have won the game rather easily ...
 
Man of the match - #DeanJones for his superb 205 in the blistering Madras heat.
 
Still remember watching this game as a school going kid on #Doordarshan with friends and family. Exhilarating stuff! 

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