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