IND vs ENG 4th Test: 'Sent from the heavens just to play' - Ravi Shastri recalls the last time an Indian scored a century at Old Trafford
As India continue their fight in a must-win match at Old Trafford in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, memories of one of the most iconic innings in cricket history resurfaced.
The historic moment came in 1990 when a 17-year-old
Sachin Tendulkar
scored his first-ever international century at the venue. This innings, scored under pressure, marked the beginning of a legendary career, and it continues to be celebrated by those who witnessed it.
Ravi Shastri, speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, recalled Tendulkar's first Test century at Old Trafford, and the impact it had on everyone watching. Shastri was asked if he realised he was witnessing greatness when watching Tendulkar bat from the balcony.
"I certainly did, because I'd seen him from my days with Mumbai cricket, you know," Shastri said. "I remember doing an interview for Wisden in the summer of '89, playing for Glamorgan, and there's a quote there where I've said: he's been sent from upstairs to just play cricket, entertain, and go upstairs whenever he wants after that. The reason I said it—because what we saw of him at 16 was unreal—and you saw glimpses of that in that innings.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep
ResMed
Buy Now
Undo
"
Shastri, who had first-hand experience with Tendulkar's skills, spoke about the balance, power, and purity of his technique that stood out even at such a young age. 'The balance, the power he had even at that age, and the simplicity and purity of his technique, which never changed right through his career," he said. "He tinkered very little with his technique... and the signature shot—the straight drive—never changed.
He never had a problem against the short ball. A very pure player."
Shardul Thakur opens up on being under bowled, gives inside details on Rishabh Pant
The former India head coach's admiration for Tendulkar's game was echoed by England legend Michael Atherton, who also praised the Indian legend's unmatched consistency and versatility. "Most batters, obviously, are captained for a while in England, and you're looking at opposition players thinking: where's our little chink in the armour here? Where is he vulnerable? And with Sachin, it was very difficult," Atherton remarked.
Atherton pointed out how Tendulkar had no weaknesses in his game, even when facing some of the toughest bowlers in world cricket. "He played Shane Warne absolutely brilliantly, he got hundreds in Perth—so pace, spin—no weaknesses," he said, highlighting Tendulkar's ability to excel against all forms of bowling.
Poll
Who do you think is the greatest Indian cricketer of all time?
Sachin Tendulkar
Kapil Dev
Sourav Ganguly
The 1990 Test at Old Trafford was a special one for Tendulkar, as he displayed remarkable maturity and talent. Set a daunting target of 408 with a little more than a day's play left, India were four down for 109 when Tendulkar walked out to bat. The teenager, however, composed a brilliant knock of 119* off 189 balls, helping India reach 343/6 and salvaging a draw.
As India faces England in the current Test series, with a win crucial to stay alive in the contest, the team could certainly draw inspiration from Tendulkar's unforgettable century at Old Trafford in 1990.
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
7 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Dravid, Shastri identified Easwaran as Pujara's Test heir, but...: Father alleges BCCI's IPL bias cost him India cap
Cheteshwar Pujara might have played his last Test match in June 2023, during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. But the Indian team management had seemingly planned his exit two years earlier, with then-coach Ravi Shastri and successor Rahul Dravid reportedly identifying Abhimanyu Easwaran as his Test replacement. Abhimanyu Easwaran was identified to replace Cheteshwar Pujara in 2021 Easwaran backed their vision during the India A tour of South Africa in November 2021, where he was slotted at No. 3 — the same position Pujara held — and scored 103 in the first unofficial Test, followed by 55 in the second. Speaking to Vickey Lalwani on his YouTube channel, Easwaran's father, Ranganathan Parameshwaran Easwaran, revealed that the 'India coaches' had advised his son to bat one down on that tour, preparing him for Pujara's eventual role. Although he didn't name them, Shastri was India's head coach at the time, until he stepped down after the 2021 T20 World Cup, after which Dravid took over. "Abhimanyu was picked up for the India A side. He went to South Africa. With the advice of the Indian coaches at the time, Abhimanyu was asked to play one down, as Cheteshwar Pujara was leaving cricket. So he played at No. 3 and scored 103 against Marco Jansen and five other quality bowlers," the senior Easwaran said. Despite his performances, Easwaran was overlooked for the senior Test squad's tour of South Africa. His father alleged that the lack of an IPL profile had hurt his son's chances of selection. "By the time he came back from South Africa, Bengal lost in the quarterfinals to Karnataka. Karnataka played a pre-quarterfinal against Saurashtra. Bengal were out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy by then. So the talent scouts had nothing recent to show on paper. And this perception—along with the absence of an IPL record in my son's profile—is what I feel became a basic impediment to his India selection," he added. Easwaran did receive two call-ups from the BCCI selectors in 2021, albeit only as a standby — first for the home Test series against England, and then for the WTC final against New Zealand. His first official inclusion came in 2022 for the Test series in Bangladesh. Since then, he has been a regular part of the Test set-up as a back-up top-order batter but is yet to make his debut.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 minutes ago
- First Post
Greg Chappell makes big prediction for Washington Sundar after heroics in England: 'I will be surprised if...'
Former India coach Greg Chappell praised Mohammed Siraj's for his heroics against England and made a massive prediction regarding Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar. read more Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has earned high praise from former India coach and Australia captain Greg Chappell as the legendary cricketer made a massive prediction for the 25-year-old. The Chennai all-rounder was one of the main architects behind India's sensational 2-2 draw against England in the recently concluded five-match Test series. Sundar made 284 runs at an average of 47.33 in four matches and also took seven wickets. His consistent contribution from the lower-order, including a quick-fire fifty in the final Test at the Oval, played a major role behind India's win in the fifth match as they avoided a series defeat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chappell makes big prediction for Sundar In his column for ESPNCricinfo, Chappell, who coached the Indian team from 2005 to 2007, predicted that Sundar has a bright future and he should soon establish himself as India's 'premier all-rounder,' who can play more than 50 Tests. 'I will be surprised if Washington Sundar doesn't establish himself as the team's premier all-rounder, who I expect to play in excess of 50 Tests," Chappell wrote in his column. Sundar has played 13 Tests so far after making his debut in the famous Gabba win in January 2021. Overall, he has taken 32 wickets and scored 752 runs. Chappell hails Mohammed Siraj Chappell also hailed Mohammed Siraj for his 'heroic' performance in the England series, which he ended as the highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets and bowled 185.3 overs in total, guiding India to a memorable win at the Oval when the inspirational Jasprit Bumrah was injured. 'To bowl more than 185 overs in five Test matches over six weeks in any conditions is a physical, mental and emotional marathon. To do so with consistent intensity, while carrying the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah for stretches, is bordering on heroic. Siraj's final-innings spell at The Oval – culminating in nine wickets for the match – sealed the game. But it was what led to that moment that truly stood out," Chappell said. 'Siraj began the series tentatively. He lacked rhythm and confidence and bowled mixed lines and lengths. Questions were rightly asked about his readiness to lead the attack sans Bumrah. But with each Test, he grew. The body language changed. The shoulders didn't slump; they squared. The run-up lengthened, the wrist snap sharpened, and the eyes burned even brighter. He didn't just gain form – he grew in stature." 'By the final Test, he was no longer the support act. He was the main event. What impressed me most wasn't the effort – which was immense – but the evolution. He started as a bowler with passion. He ended as a bowler with passion and purpose. That's the difference between a player and a leader. I don't think it is unfair to say that, despite the many wonderful batting efforts, Siraj was the main reason that India was competitive in the series." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Hindustan Times
7 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Dinesh Karthik slams Jasprit Bumrah's critics, says ‘when he doesn't play, India does not win. It's not his mistake'
Despite India managing to win the fifth and final Test against England, Jasprit Bumrah has fallen victim to criticism after the pacer missed the fixture at the Oval. It was reported that Bumrah wasn't included in the playing XI due to workload management. Meanwhile, some critics have also pointed out that India won the matches that Bumrah didn't play in the tour. Dinesh Karthik rushed to Jasprit Bumrah's defence. Bumrah only played three Tests in the England series, and reports also suggest that he sustained a knee injury, which ruled him out of the final Test. But there has been no official confirmation of the injury. Dinesh Karthik defends Jasprit Bumrah Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik rushed to Bumrah's defence and spoke about the veteran pacer's importance to the Indian cricket team. 'You have to look at it from Jasprit Bumrah's point of view. I think that these kinds of wins, the way the series has panned out, the way the young team has fought will actually help him in his career. I believe Jasprit Bumrah will be very proud of this young bowling attack and knowing him, he is not someone who shies away from pressure, big matches. Boss, he is in the ground, as a captain, any big moment, you go to Jasprit Bumrah, you want a wicket, go to Jasprit Bumrah, you want a 5-an over in a T20 match, you go to Jasprit Bumrah. If you are bowling with a bad, old ball which is 25 overs old in a ODI and want a wicket, go to Jasprit Bumrah. That is the name he has earned and he rightly deserves to be called that,' he said. 'Now this stat of when he doesn't play, India does not win. It's not his mistake. He is so impactful that otherd pale in comparison at times which is understandable. He is a world champion. When he finishes cricket, he will be spoken in the same parlance as a Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Dale Steyn. And I hope he will have a longer career knowing that I can pick and choose matches when I feel I am ready because there is no more pressure that I am the only one and at every match, I9 have to play. And at times, it's unfair. It's a body, he knows what he has gone through. 2 back injuries, one nasty ACL he had in 2014. It's not easy and sometimes I feel we have to cut him some slack as well,' he added. Ahead of the series, Bumrah had also spoken about workload management, which he was implementing to avoid injuries. After some sensational displays at the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah suffered a back injury and only returned midway through IPL 2025.
