Historic Tied Test: India vs. Australia, 1986

On September 22, 1986, Test cricket witnessed only its second tied match in history as India and Australia faced off in a thrilling encounter at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This unforgettable match not only showcased extraordinary cricketing talent but also laid the groundwork for a fierce rivalry that would develop between the two nations in the years to come.

As the match entered Day 5, Australia’s captain, Allan Border, declared their second innings at 170/5, setting India a daunting target of 348 runs to chase within a minimum of 87 overs. The stage was set for a dramatic finish.

Indian openers Sunil Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth began confidently. Srikkanth, exhibiting an aggressive batting style, scored 39 runs off 49 balls. Gavaskar, on the other hand, displayed his legendary technique and patience, contributing a magnificent 90 runs off 168 balls. Their efforts helped India surpass the 200-run mark, laying a solid foundation for the chase.

Key contributions came from Mohinder Amarnath (51), Mohammad Azharuddin (42), and Chandrakant Pandit (39), pushing India to a promising position at 291/6. With only 57 runs required to win, the team appeared well on course to secure victory.

Just as India looked set for a comfortable win, Australia’s Ray Bright delivered a remarkable spell, claiming three quick wickets that turned the match on its head. With the score at 344/9, the tension in the packed stadium was palpable, as every possible outcome—win, loss, or tie—remained on the cards.

As the last over began, India needed four runs to clinch victory. Ravi Shastri, unbeaten on 48, managed to score three runs off the first three balls, ensuring India would not lose. However, the match was still on a knife’s edge, with Maninder Singh, India’s number 11, facing Greg Matthews.

In a heart-stopping moment, Matthews trapped Maninder in front of the stumps on the penultimate ball of the match. Umpire V Vikramraju raised his finger, signalling the wicket and sealing the fate of the match as a tie.

This match marked the second tie in Test cricket history, occurring 26 years after the first tied Test between Australia and West Indies in Brisbane in 1960. The dramatic conclusion left fans on the edge of their seats and firmly established this encounter as one of the greatest in the format’s 109-year history.

Dean Jones was named Player of the Match for his hard-fought double century in Australia’s first innings, a performance that eventually led to his hospitalisation. Additionally, Kapil Dev received accolades for his courageous hundred in the first innings. The subsequent two matches of the series ended in draws, resulting in a 0-0 finish for the tightly contested series.

The 1986 tied Test not only highlighted the skills and determination of both teams but also showcased the spirit of competition that defines Test cricket. It set the stage for an enduring rivalry between India and Australia, making this match a significant chapter in cricket history.

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