Abbas Ali Baig’s Test debut in 1959 at Old Trafford was an extraordinary story of an Oxford student called upon in an emergency, leading to a historic century.
A Surprise Call-Up
Much like the recent anticipation surrounding Anshul Kamboj’s potential Test debut, Abbas Ali Baig’s entry into the Indian team in 1959 was entirely unexpected. A mere 20 years old, Baig was studying at Oxford University and certainly not on the touring squad’s radar.
However, a crucial injury to veteran batsman Vijay Manjrekar before the fourth Test against England in Manchester created an urgent need. Baig, despite his youth, had already shown immense promise, including an Oxford record-breaking First-Class score of 308 runs (221 and 87).
A Debut for the Ages
Stepping onto the historic Old Trafford ground, Baig faced a challenging situation. England had posted a formidable 490 in their first innings. India struggled in response, managing only 208 runs, with Baig contributing a nimble 26.
The hosts then set an daunting target of 548 for India to chase. Under immense pressure in his very first Test match, Baig rose to the occasion. He crafted a magnificent century in the second innings, displaying remarkable composure and skill.
Aged just 20 years and 151 days, Abbas Ali Baig became the fourth Indian to score a century on Test debut, and at the time, the youngest ever to achieve this feat. His valiant hundred also marked another first: it was the inaugural Test century by a debutant in the fourth innings of a match.
Beyond the Debut Hundred
Baig’s stunning debut instantly made him a hero, earning him the prestigious Indian Cricketer of the Year award for 1959. Despite such a memorable start, his international career saw a gradual decline.
He went on to play only nine more Tests over the next eight years, adding just two more half-centuries. Baig’s career also famously included an unprecedented on-field incident during a 1960 Test against Australia in Mumbai.
While walking off for tea after scoring a fighting half-century, a female fan jumped the fence and kissed him, creating a stir that became part of cricketing lore.
A Legacy in First-Class and Coaching
After his international appearances tapered off, Baig became a stalwart in Indian First-Class cricket. He played for Hyderabad for two decades, until the 1975-76 season, accumulating an impressive 12,367 runs with 21 centuries at an average of 34.16.
His deep understanding of the game later led him to a leadership role within the national setup. Baig served as the head coach for India during their 1991-92 tour of Australia and the subsequent 1992 World Cup.
- Abbas Ali Baig made an emergency Test debut in Manchester in 1959 while studying at Oxford University.
- He scored a historic century in his second innings, becoming the youngest Indian debut centurion at the time and the first to do so in the fourth innings.
- His career later saw a famous on-field “kiss” incident.
- Baig had a long and successful First-Class career and later coached the Indian team.
As another young talent potentially steps onto the same Manchester ground for his debut, Abbas Ali Baig’s unique and unforgettable initiation into Test cricket remains a testament to seizing unexpected opportunities.
