Ravi Shastri Cracks Everyone Up With Wholesome Jab At Farokh Engineer; Nasser Hussain Joins In: WATCH
News18.com
Last Updated: July 23, 2025, 20:30 IST
Ravi Shastri with Farokh Engineer (PTI Photo)
Cricket often transcends the boundary ropes, and the first day of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford in Manchester was a perfect example. While the on-field action drew attention, it was a legendary off-field presence—Farokh Engineer—that truly lit up the day.
Old Trafford witnessed a historic moment as Engineer, the iconic Indian wicketkeeper and Lancashire stalwart, became the first Indian cricketer to have a stand named after him in England. His name now adorns a stand at the ground alongside another celebrating West Indies legend Sir Clive Lloyd—marking a proud moment for Indian cricket history.
Now 87 years old and recently recovered from aortic valve replacement surgery in June, Engineer has returned to his routine and made a high-profile appearance as a VIP guest during the ongoing Lord's Test. His presence at Old Trafford during the Manchester Test added a nostalgic layer to the day's events.
As the broadcast camera caught Engineer in the stands on Day 1, the commentary box lit up with warmth and humor. Ravi Shastri, spotting the former gloveman on screen, couldn't resist sharing a fond and cheeky tribute.
'Farokh (Engineer). A real pin-up boy in the '60s and '70s. Hugely popular, and he's not changed over the years. A great storyteller and a voracious eater even now. At lunch, his plate will be full," Shastri quipped, clearly speaking with nothing but affection and admiration.
Not one to miss a beat, Nasser Hussain jumped in with a perfectly timed joke that sent the commentary team into laughter. 'He'll be just behind you in that all-day buffet queue, Ravi," Hussain said, poking fun at Shastri's own famously hearty appetite.
It was a moment of levity and camaraderie—reminiscent of the spirit that has made cricket more than just a game for fans around the world.
India In Control During Initial Stages of Fourth Test
Back on the pitch, India made a solid start to the fourth Test. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul safely negotiated a probing spell from Chris Woakes, guiding India to 78 without loss at lunch on a cloudy Wednesday morning.
Despite the fact that no team has ever won at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first, England captain Ben Stokes opted to send India in on a pitch with early movement.
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The strategy seemed to pay off shortly after the lunch break as both Indian openers were dismissed in quick succession, allowing Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan to take center stage.
With the momentum in India's favor early on, the middle-order pair will aim to consolidate and build on the platform laid by the openers. Siddarth Sriram
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term... Read More view comments News cricket Ravi Shastri Cracks Everyone Up With Wholesome Jab At Farokh Engineer; Nasser Hussain Joins In: WATCH Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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