At 36 years and 297 days, he made history as the oldest Indian to score a first Test century
Seventeen years ago, an everlasting breakthrough emerged in the world of cricket. Anil Kumble, the former legendary Indian spinner, achieved notable achievements in his long and distinguished career. In the final Test of a gripping series against England, Kumble scored his first and only century. This momentous innings came during a time when India was ahead in the series, having clinched victory in the second Test by seven wickets.
James Anderson celebrates the wicket of Rahul Dravid // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo
The third Test at the Oval in London saw India win the toss and opt to bat. The inning began solidly with Dinesh Karthik and Wasim Jaffer putting on an opening stand of 62 runs. Jaffer was sent back by pacer James Anderson with a score of 35. Thereafter, captain Rahul Dravid associated with Karthik in a big second-wicket partnership of 127 runs. Dravid bowed out with an individual score of 55, bowled by Anderson in the 49th over.
Sourav Ganguly executes a classic on-side shot with elegance // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo
Following Dravid's departure, Karthik also made his exit. He was caught behind by Matt Prior off the bowling of Ryan Sidebottom, having scored a solid 91 runs with 10 fours and a six. Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly then took charge, steering the team past 250 with a 77-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ganguly was out after making 37. VVS Laxman joined Tendulkar, and together they built a steady partnership, pushing the total beyond 350 runs.
Sachin Tendulkar walks off after scoring 82 runs // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo
Laxman contributed 51 runs before Chris Tremlett dismissed him. MS Dhoni then partnered with Tendulkar, adding 63 runs for the sixth wicket. Tendulkar, having scored 82, was bowled out by Anderson. Anil Kumble entered at number eight and joined Dhoni on the second day, just before lunch, with a score of 417. Together, they formed a 91-run partnership for the eighth wicket, with Dhoni's aggressive innings playing a key role.
Anil Kumble raises his bat after reaching his maiden century // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo
Dhoni dazzled with a knock of 92 runs off 81 balls, featuring nine boundaries and four sixes. However, the magical moment of the match took place when Kumble stepped up, contributing significantly to the team's total. He forged useful partnerships with tailenders Zaheer Khan (11), RP Singh (11), and S. Sreesanth (35) as he approached his century. Kumble's unbeaten 110 runs, including 16 boundaries and one six, helped India set an imposing first-innings total of 664 runs before being bowled out.
Kumble crouches and cracks a drive on the on-side // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo
Kumble shifted from a cautious approach to a more aggressive one, showcasing his adaptability at the crease. At 36 years and 297 days old, he made history as the oldest Indian to score a first Test century. This milestone came on his 118th Test, surpassing Chaminda Vaas's previous record of 97 runs.
Anil Kumble is appealing for an LBW // Picture Courtesy -- ESPN Cricinfo
Despite India’s decision not to enforce the follow-on, England managed to hold firm, resulting in a draw. India emerged victorious in the three-match series with a 1-0 win. Kumble was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, contributing a century and taking five wickets in the game. He took three wickets in the first innings and delivered a determined effort to claim two more in the second.
