In a Test teetering on the edge, Azhar stepped up - wristy, wondrous, and wholly unshakable
August 1990. India arrived at Old Trafford nursing wounds from a heavy defeat at Lord's. England, buoyed by Graham Gooch's triple century in the first Test, entered the second match with confidence.
When England accumulated 519 runs batting first - thanks to centuries from Gooch (116), Atherton (131), and Robin Smith (121*) - it appeared India were again facing a difficult situation.
India's top order collapsed early. 57 for 3. Sidhu, Shastri, and Vengsarkar - all gone. The pitch offered movement. The bowlers were fired up. The follow-on was looming large.
And then walked in Mohammad Azharuddin, captain, fighting for pride, perhaps even legacy.
Credit: ESPN
What followed wasn't just a counterattack; it was a rescue mission wrapped in velvet. Azhar, renowned for his graceful wristwork, decided this wasn't a day for flair alone. With Sanjay Manjrekar (93) holding one end steady, Azhar took control with a masterful mix of aggression and composure.
The fourth-wicket stand of 189 runs pulled India from the abyss. When Manjrekar finally fell to Hemmings, the scoreboard had already started to tell a different story - one of fight, not defeat.
Azhar didn't halt there. He joined forces with a 17-year-old Sachin Tendulkar, who had only just begun to show signs of being a phenomenon in the making. Together, they built a 112-run partnership that not only delayed the follow-on but also eliminated the possibility entirely.
Credit: ESPN
Azhar's 179 off 243 deliveries came at a strike rate of 73.66 - a fluent, fearless innings amidst turmoil. He struck 21 fours and 1 six, danced down to spin, and drove through cover as if it were second nature. His dismissal of Fraser (who took 5/124) ended a glorious innings, but by then, the rescue act was complete.
India posted 432 in their first innings, narrowly trailing England by 87 runs. The follow-on was not just denied - it was effectively buried.
England resumed batting and relied on Allan Lamb's 109 to declare at 320/4, setting India a daunting target of 408. When India lost early wickets again - including Azhar, out for 11 - it looked likely they would face defeat.
However, Tendulkar, now the sole batter, stood firm. His 119 on the final day*, combined with Manoj Prabhakar's 67*, secured a remarkable escape. India finished on 343/6, earning a draw from a game they were never expected to survive.
Credit: Crictracker
The record books may list Sachin Tendulkar as Player of the Match - rightfully so, for his maiden Test century. But Azhar's innings was the one that turned the tide. From 57/3 to 432 all out, his 179 wasn't merely a number; it was leadership in motion.
In an era before ultra-defensive techniques and the introduction of third umpires, Azhar played on instinct, timing, and raw skill. He was elegant, yes - but on that Manchester pitch, he was iron-willed.
In hindsight, this was Azhar at his captaincy best - not in speeches or tactics, but with the bat. He didn't just walk the talk; he sprinted through it, dragging India along.
