Republic Day of India: Birth of Indian Cricket

On this day (26th Jan), in 1893 India played against Lord Hawke XI at Alfred Park (now popular as Madan Mohon Malabya Park) in Allahabad in the first ever unofficial test match of Indian cricket. Troop of Gloucestershire was the most regular first-class cricketer among the players who represented India in that match. He was born in Meerath. There are more seven British cricketers played for the Indian team in that match as débutante with Troop. Unfortunately, five players of these débutante players drew the ending of their first class career after this match.

Ian Douglas Campbel was a renowned face of that team and he breathed his last in India. His nephew Ian Percy Campbel used to play for Surrey. The debutante Sewell had played first-class cricket in Essex County later and French had played for W.G Grace's team London County. Captain of this Indian team, George Maclagaun Chesne was a wicketkeeper. Like Troop, he was born in Meerath. His father, the author of the book "Battle Of Dorking", George Tomkins Chesne was appointed in India as an officer during the 'Sepoy Mutiny'. His mother Anny Louisa, was the daughter of George Pamar - who lived in Purnia. Chesne had played cricket for Srwasberry school, where Nevil Cardus worked as a second Cricket coach in later days. This team had only three Percy members in the squad. But it is believed that the number should be more as Percy team had got two outright wins and manage to draw another in the four first-class matches which were played earlier in that season. Even the only match - which they lost by seven runs, was a close shave too! On the other hand, Europeans had lost two matches among the three matches they had played. But this incident had not affected the Percy team, rather they were very happy as it had shown their obedience towards the mighty British. We got evidence in support of this incident in the last chapter, named 'Cricket as an Imperial Policy', of Framzey Patel's book "Stray thoughts on Indian Cricket". He showed us, Chesne had written a letter to Patel requesting him to keel those three Percy Cricketers in the team. Among the Percy cricketers, N.C. Bapasola scored the first half-century in first-class cricket as an Indian. This team had a fast bowler like E.M Pavri. The rumor is that once in England, his ball has uprooted a wicket and threw it beyond 30 yards. By profession doctor, Pavri had played County and toured England twice with the team.

Though India had ended this unofficial test match as a losing side, the journey of Indian Cricket commenced here. Though Vernon was the only test player in Lord Hawke's team, others had the experiences of first-class cricket. Hawke himself skipped this match due to his illness. Later three player of this XI had represented their nation in test matches and no doubt Stanley Jackson was the most renowned name amongst them. Jackson captained England in 14 matches and later became the lieutenant governor general of Bengal.

Here Front Foot is Wishing a very happy 126th birthday to the top-ranked test team of the world.

Photo Source: Stray thoughts on Indian Cricket by Framzey Patel

Writer: Arpita Mishra (Informations- Sumit Ganguly)

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Have a healthy and prosperous Republic Day!   

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