40th anniversary of classic test at Leeds betwen England and Pakistan

[Harsh Thakor]

Today we commemorate 40th anniversary of conclusion of one of test cricket's classics,between England and Pakistan at Leeds.Few tests had more twists and tuns ,fluctuations or ebb and flow .The series was tied at one all,with this game being the decider.Few games better illustrated why test cricket had no equal.

 

Imran Khan possibly gave the best all-round performance ever in a losing cause.Imran 's blistering spell of 5-49 and calculating unbeaten 75 took all-round cricketing prowess to scales rarely transcended.In that series he proved that at that time he wast he best allrounder in the world,overshadowing Ina Botham.Even his 2nd innings 46 and bowling spell on the end of the 4th day scale cricketing determination at it's zenith.I can't forget how he thundered in to trap both Mike Gatting and Derek Randall.,His intensity was reminiscent of a coal furnace.In that test .Imran single handedley weathered a storm for his nation,ressurecting his team from precarious situations.

Bad umpiring robbed Pakistan of a famous win and series victory.The negating of caught behind of David Gower in the 1st innings and wrongly adjudging Sikander Bhakt caught at short leg in the 2nd,gave England the upper hand.

 

Chasing 219 runs to win England were cruising home at 168-1 before Mudassar Nazar and Imran Khan created a sensational twist and turn ,and placing England on the razor's edge at 190-6 at the end of the penultimate day.

 

On this very day 40 years ago,after Botham was dismissed playing an extravagant shot,Bob Taylor and Geoff Miller steered England home to win by 3 wickets.Till the last day the game was tantalizingly poised.When in the drivers seat,Pakistan simply let the game slip away.Sill I am certain that had Sarfraz Nawaz not missed the game due to injury ,Pakistan would have won the test.

Imran 's blistering spell of 5-49 and calculating unbeaten 75 took all-round cricketing prowess to scales rarely transcended.In that series he proved that at that time he wast he best allrounder in the world,overshadowing Ina Botham.Even his 2nd innings 46 and bowling spell on the end of the 4th day scale cricketing determination at it's zenith.I can't forget how he thundered in to trap both Mike Gatting and Derek Randall.,His intensity was reminiscent of a coal furnace.In that test .Even Botham's belligerent 57 in the 1st inning and 5 wickets in the 2nd,could not compare with Imran's contribution.

 

Javed Miandad proved hos prowess in seaming conditions and green tops,executing 2 fifties.

Edited August 31, 2022 by Harsh Thakor

[Norman]

 

 

[vvvslaxman]

This match was as classic as India's first test against Bangladesh.

[speed_thrills]

Shame on Immy, he let Engaland chase 219 despite bottle cap by his side.

[Laaloo]

 

OP

[AuxiliA]

1 hour ago, Harsh Thakor said:

Chasing 219 runs to win England were cruising home at 168-1 before Mudassar Nazar and Imran Khan created a sensational twist and turn ,and placing England on the razor's edge at 190-6 at the end of the penultimate day.

 

 

You sure Pakistan didn't place something else on the razor's edge? 

[zen]

If one looks at batting, bowling, and captaincy, Imran is probably the best test cricketer to come out of Asia. 
 

Nice to read about a now forgotten game.

Edited August 31, 2022 by zen

[TheWall]

Pak has played 441 test matches till date expect this OP from the green ghetto to open 441 threads...

 

[Lord]

How did Majid Khan do in that game?

[raki05]

OP