The 2014 Test series between India and England saw a dramatic turn at Old Trafford, where MS Dhoni delivered a remarkable innings after India’s top-order collapsed, and a bouncer from Varun Aaron left Stuart Broad with a fractured nose.
A Series of Tumultuous Swings
India’s 2014 Test tour to England began promisingly with a draw at Trent Bridge and a memorable victory at Lord’s under MS Dhoni. However, the momentum shifted significantly after England leveled the series in Southampton.
The fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, marked India’s first appearance at the historic ground since 1990. It was a match that would etch itself into memory for various dramatic moments, both with bat and ball.
India’s Batting Nightmare Unfolds
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India’s innings got off to a catastrophic start. England’s pace duo, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, tore through the top order in just 31 balls.
Openers Murali Vijay and Gautam Gambhir, along with star batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli, fell quickly. Vijay, Pujara, and Kohli all departed for ducks, leaving India reeling at a shocking 8 runs for 4 wickets.
Dhoni’s Valiant Stand
Walking into an absolute crisis, captain MS Dhoni showcased his characteristic resilience. He embarked on a counter-attacking knock, trying to steady the ship and pull India out of deep trouble.
Dhoni remained at the crease for 200 minutes, hitting 15 boundaries on his way to a fighting 71 runs off 133 balls. Only Ajinkya Rahane (24) and Ravichandran Ashwin (40) managed to reach double digits alongside him.
Despite Dhoni’s efforts, India was eventually bowled out for a mere 152 runs in just 46.4 overs. Stuart Broad was the chief destroyer, claiming exceptional figures of 6 wickets for 25 runs.
The Fateful Bouncer to Broad
While England built a substantial 215-run lead, their batting innings featured a chilling incident involving Stuart Broad. Batting at number 8, Broad had just smashed two consecutive sixes off Indian pacer Varun Aaron.
On the very next delivery, a searing bouncer from Aaron crashed into Broad’s helmet, striking him directly on the face. The blow resulted in a fractured nose and a black eye, requiring immediate surgery.
Broad courageously returned for the next Test, sporting a protective face mask, but the impact of that bouncer went far beyond the physical injury.
Lingering Impact on Stuart Broad
The incident had a profound and lasting psychological effect on Stuart Broad. He later revealed experiencing nightmares where he would feel the ball hitting his face, even waking up with the sensation.
Broad’s jaw continued to click as a result of the injury, and he sought help from a psychologist to cope with the mental scars. He also noted a significant drop in his batting average, by nearly 10 runs, for the remainder of his career after that specific injury.
- MS Dhoni’s 71-run innings was a rare moment of defiance in an otherwise disastrous Indian batting display.
- Stuart Broad’s fractured nose from Varun Aaron’s bouncer was a stark reminder of the sport’s physical risks.
- The injury profoundly affected Broad, impacting his future batting performance and mental well-being.
This match at Old Trafford remains a poignant chapter in the 2014 series, highlighting moments of both individual brilliance and career-altering events.
