THE BEST OF LITTLE MASTER

 

Image Credit- ICC.

Venue- The Oval, London [September, 1979].

India's 1979 tour of England came right after the West Indies' victory in the second Prudential World Cup. It was a challenging summer for India, as they lost all three matches in the tournament, including a defeat to Sri Lanka, who were not yet a Test nation. In the 16 first-class tour matches, they managed only one win. Despite a heavy defeat in the first of the four Tests, India drew the remaining three, nearly pulling off a historic run chase in the final Test. Rain helped India secure a draw in the second Test at Lord's, and the third Test was also affected by weather, making the final Test at The Oval in late August critical for India's chance to draw the series.

In a summer marked by wet and cold weather, the sun finally appeared during the final Test. The first four days saw England build a 103-run lead. After struggling in their second innings, England's Geoff Boycott scored a measured hundred, and debutant David Bairstow's late hitting allowed Mike Brearley to declare, setting India a target of 438 runs. Few believed India could achieve this record target, with the focus shifting to whether they could manage a draw. Some members of the English media even criticized Brearley for his cautious approach. On the fourth day, Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan made steady progress, finishing the day at 76 for 0 and needing 362 runs on the final day. Scoring 300 runs in a single day was unusual in the 1970s, making the target appear almost unreachable. However, Gavaskar was optimistic due to the good wicket.

A small crowd gathered on the fifth day, expecting an easy victory for England. Gavaskar and Chauhan added 93 more runs in the morning, reaching 169 for 0. A draw seemed likely, especially after Mike Hendrick suffered a shoulder injury. Peter Willey and Phil Edmonds took over the majority of the bowling, with Ian Botham and Bob Willis resting between spells. By afternoon, India was 213 for 0, halfway to their target. Gavaskar played aggressively while Chauhan was more cautious. Willis broke the partnership by dismissing Chauhan for 80. Vengsarkar came in with an attacking approach, and by tea, India was 304 for 1, with a larger crowd growing as a historic win seemed possible.

In the final session, England slowed the over rate. India began the last 20 overs at 328 for 1, needing 110 runs. When Vengsarkar was out for 52, India adjusted their batting order, promoting Kapil Dev, who failed to make an impact. It can also be said that Viswanath's late entry may have cost India the win. Furthermore just as we reached closer to the target, Gavaskar's innings ended at 221 with Botham picking up crucial wickets in his final spell. Despite some late resistance, India fell nine runs short, with the captains agreeing to a draw with one ball remaining.

Years later, Gavaskar's 221 is still celebrated as a remarkable effort in what could have been a historic victory for India. Despite the early setbacks, the tour concluded with a memorable match that highlighted India's resilience.

REFERENCE-

1. When Sunny made 438 look gettable- Martin Williamson [ESPN CricInfo].

2. Batting masterclass: How Gavaskar’s 4rth innings genius got India close to victory in England- Kush Singh [The Print].

3. On This Day – Sunil Gavaskar almost pulls off a miracle against England in 1979- DNA Web Team. 

4. When Sunil Gavaskar's Dogged Innings Almost Helped India Chase Down 438- Somak Adhikari [India Times].

To watch the knock of Sunil Gavaskar, Click Here.