The growing importance of India-Australia cricket
Boria Majumdar, writing in espnstar.com , tracks the evolution of Indo-Australian cricketing relations since Indian-born KS Ranjitsinhji’s successful tour of Australia as a part of the England team in 1897-98
Siddhartha Talya
25-Feb-2013
Boria Majumdar, writing in espnstar.com, tracks the evolution of Indo-Australian cricketing relations since Indian-born KS Ranjitsinhji’s successful tour of Australia as a part of the England team in 1897-98
Despite being handicapped by frequent bouts of asthma, Ranji scored 189 in his first match of the tour, and 175 in his first Test in Australia. Ranji, thus, had achieved the unique distinction of scoring a century on debut against Australia both in England as well as in Australia. His performance down under had a multi layered impact. In Australia it was a triumphant tour for him. He became the darling of the people and created what has been called the "Ranji fever". There were Ranjithsinghji sandwiches, Ranjitsinghji hair-restorers, bats and chairs". In India, Ranji's batting was perceived as a triumph of nationalism on the sporting field.
Meanwhile, Neeru Bhatia, in the Week, pays tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, who Indians would be hoping will live up to his stellar record against Australia.
Siddhartha Talya is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo