The former India head coach and ex-star all-rounder Ravi Shastri was known for his flamboyance in the cricket field. The cricketer-turned-commentator turns 60 on Friday (May 27). On Shastri's special day let's take a deep dive into mavericks career-best knock that came on late Australia spin wizard Shane Warne's debut match.
In a foreign nation like Australia, who have dominated in world cricket for the longest time, Indian batters have always struggled to get going. But the prolific batter of his times had enjoyed a terrific run. Shastri became the first Indian to clobber a double ton Down Under during India's Australia tour of 1992.
When sensational Shastri struck a marvellous double ton against Australian lethal bowling attack
Team India got off to a patchy start in the five-match Test series in Australia. With two match down already in the series, it was mandatory for the visitors put up a strong show coming into the third fixture in order to stay afloat in the series. The responsibility was on Shastri's back to step up and with a line-up studded with Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengasarkar and Mohammad Azharuddin, Indai had a strong chance of staging a turnaround. The Australian team posted an impressive total of 313 in the first innings, and the Indian batting order also put up a spectacle in response.
Fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground were in for a treat as Ravi Shastri looked in scintillating form. The right-hander batted confidently against a potent Australian bowling attack and was timing that ball fabulously. The player raked in his 11th Test century in the match and showed no signs of slowing down post that as well. Ravi Shastri batted exceedingly well and piled up a stunning double century. Apart from Shastri, Sachin Tendulkar also contributed significantly and slammed 148 runs.
Ravi Shastri ultimately perished after a spectacular 206 to Shane Warne. Interestingly, this was also the first Test wicket for the legendary leg-spinner. Despite the batting brilliance, India failed to clinch the match, and it ultimately was drawn after a hard-fought battle between the two nations. The memories of the knock will still be fresh in the minds of Ravi Shastri as he returns to the venue as the coach of the Indian team for the India vs Australia 2020 series.
