The first Test between Australia and India in Chennai, held from September 18 to 22, 1986, was highly anticipated due to both teams’ recent performances and the intense rivalry that had developed between them. Australia was coming off a difficult period in international cricket, having struggled through the early 1980s.
Their most recent encounters with India had been competitive, but Australia had not secured a series win in India since 1969. India, on the other hand, had enjoyed a successful run at home, where they were known for their spin-friendly pitches and formidable batting lineup.
The most recent series between the two sides prior to this Test was in Australia during the 1985/86 season, which ended in a 0-0 draw after all three Tests were heavily rain-affected.
As both teams headed into the Chennai Test, Australia was looking to reverse its fortunes, while India aimed to assert its dominance at home. This Test was seen as a crucial moment for both sides to set the tone for the series.
Australia’s First Innings
Australia’s first innings of 7 declared for 574 was headlined by an extraordinary knock from Dean Jones, who scored a monumental 210 runs off 330 balls. This innings is remembered not only for the runs but for the sheer physical and mental endurance it required. Batting in the intense heat and humidity of Chennai, Jones faced severe dehydration, cramps, and exhaustion.
His condition deteriorated to the point where he vomited on the pitch and even considered retiring hurt.
However, spurred on by his determination and some choice words from his captain, Allan Border, Jones pushed through the pain to notch one of the most memorable double centuries in Test cricket.
Border’s sledge to Jones during a particularly tough moment is now the stuff of legend. When Jones was visibly struggling and contemplating coming off the field, Border reportedly told him, “If you can’t handle it, let’s get a Queenslander out here,” referring to next batsmen in, Greg Ritchie.
This remark ignited a fire in Jones, motivating him to continue despite his physical ailments. Jones later described this innings as one of the most challenging experiences of his life, both physically and mentally, but also one of the most rewarding.
What made this innings even the more remarkable was it was just Dean Jones’ third test, and his previous highest score in his first two tests was 48. Dean Jones would end up playing 52 tests, scoring 3631 runs at an average of 46.55, with 11 centuries. This score of 210 would only be beaten by the 216 he made against the West Indies in 1989.
Dean Jones wasn’t the lone scorer. Supporting him in this mammoth total were David Boon (122 off 258 balls) and Allan Border (106 off 172 balls).
The Indian bowlers toiled hard, but only Shivlal Yadav managed to make a significant impact, taking 4/142. Despite Yadav’s efforts, the Australian batsmen dominated the innings, putting India on the back foot as they headed into their first innings.
India’s First Innings
Early on the third day, India’s innings began. Responding to Australia’s mammoth score, India put up a spirited fight, scoring 397 runs, scoring quickly at 4.20 runs per over.
The standout performance came from Kapil Dev, who played a scintillating knock of 119 runs off just 138 balls. Known for his aggressive batting, Kapil Dev took the attack to the Australian bowlers, striking 21 boundaries in a counter-attacking innings that helped India stay in touch.
His century was not only vital for India’s total but also a display of his all-round abilities that made him one of the greatest players of his era.
Supporting Kapil Dev were Ravi Shastri and Mohammad Azharuddin. Shastri contributed a solid 62 off 106 deliveries, coming in at number 5, while Azharuddin added a quickfire 50 off 64 balls, showcasing his trademark wristy elegance. These contributions were crucial in building partnerships that kept India competitive.
Australia’s Greg Matthews was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 5/103. His off-spin proved effective on the turning Chennai pitch, and he played a key role in restricting India’s total. Despite India’s fightback, Australia maintained a healthy lead, setting the stage for a fascinating contest in the second innings.
Australia’s Second Innings
With a significant lead, Australia aimed to consolidate their position rather than take unnecessary risks. The innings ended with Australia at 5 for 170, before declaring to set India a challenging target.
David Boon was once again a key contributor, anchoring the innings with a patient 49 off 92 balls. His steady approach helped Australia build a solid foundation, though he fell just short of a half-century. Other batsmen like Dean Jones (24), Allan Border (27), Greg Ritchie (28) and Greg Matthews (27 not out) played small cameos, ensuring a Australia were always in charge.
The Indian bowlers, led by Maninder Singh, applied pressure throughout the innings. Maninder Singh was the standout performer for India, taking 3/60 with his left-arm spin. He troubled the Australian batsmen, finding turn and bounce on the Chennai pitch.
Australia declared at their overnight score at the beginning of day 5, giving India a formidable target of 348 and 1 day to get it. This declaration set the stage for a tense and dramatic conclusion to what had already been an enthralling Test match.
India’s Second Innings
Chasing a challenging target set by Australia, India’s second innings in the Chennai Test was a dramatic and tense affair. India started quickly, with Kris Srikkanth scoring 39 off 49 balls in a partnership of 55 for the first wicket.
Sunil Gavaskar, 2012 Bollywood Hungama, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
But then Sunil Gavaskar, playing his 100th successive test (a record for most successive test matches), began to calm things down. With Mohinder Amarnath (51 off 113), thy combined for a second wicket partnership of 103, and when Sunil Gavaskar was 3rd out for 90 off 168 balls, the score was 204.
Both teams were still in the hunt for the result.
Mohammad Azharuddin (42 off 77) and Chandrakant Pandit (a quickfire 39 off 37), put on 47 runs, but then Kapil Dev, the first innings hero, could only manage 1 in the second innings.
The double strike meant that India were 5/253, half of the wickets down with 95 runs still to score.
Pandit was next out, bowled by Matthews, with the score at 291, and then Chetan Sharma was 7th out for 23, with the score on 331.
Three wickets remaining, 17 runs to get.
It was really getting down to the wire, but with Ravi Shastri at the other end scoring quickly (he would end up with 48 not out off 40 balls), India would have felt confident of achieving an incredible last day chase.
Kiran More was 8th out, lbw first ball to Ray Bright, with the score now 334.
Shivlal Yadav hit a six, but was bowled by Bright for 8, with India still needing 4 runs to win, but down to their last wicket.
And if that wasn’t enough to ratchet the tension to stratospheric levels, there was now only one over remaining in the test.
Ravi Shastri began that last over on strike. The bowler was Greg Matthews, a right arm spinner, who had already taken 9 wickets for the match.
Ball one was a dot ball, and ball two went for two runs, leaving India needing two runs from the last 4 balls.
On ball three, Shastri scored a single, and with scores tied, number 11 batsman Maninder Singh was facing.
Ball four was another dot ball, and then ball five hit Singh on the back leg. The umpire, V Vikramraju, gave it out.
The match ended in a tie, only the second time in Test cricket history that such a result had occurred. The thrilling finish left both teams with mixed emotions—Australia relieved to avoid defeat, and India left wondering what could have been. The Chennai Test of 1986 is remembered as one of the greatest and most dramatic matches in cricket history, a true testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.
Reactions and Controversy
The Chennai Test of 1986 between Australia and India, ending in a dramatic tie, sparked numerous reactions and became one of the most discussed matches in cricket history. The match’s conclusion, with the last Indian batsman Maninder Singh given out LBW by umpire V. Vikramraju, was particularly controversial.
Many felt that the ball might have been missing leg stump, and the decision was hotly debated. The controversy surrounding this final decision added to the drama of the match, and it was significant that umpire Vikramraju never officiated in a Test match again after this game, leaving a cloud over his career.
The legacy of this match is profound. For Australia, it marked a moment of resilience and character, epitomized by the heroic efforts of Dean Jones, who overcame severe physical distress to score a double century, and Greg Matthews, who took ten wickets in the match, including the crucial final wicket.
This performance for Matthews’ was the pinnacle of his career. His two five-fors were the only two he would take in his career. He would play a total of 33 matches, taking 61 wickets at an average of 48.22.
For India, despite the disappointment of not securing a win, the match showcased the grit and determination of their players, with Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev leading by example. The tie added a unique chapter to the India-Australia rivalry, setting the stage for future contests filled with competitive spirit and mutual respect.
This Test also left a lasting impact on the sport itself, illustrating the unpredictable nature of cricket and the thin margins between victory and defeat. The match remains a classic example of cricket at its most intense and memorable, influencing how the game is approached and celebrated by players and fans alike.