How Jaisimha almost helped India pull-off its first ever win abroad
By News Desk| Updated: 28th January 2021 11:06 am IST
By A. Joseph Antony
Hyderabad: Until recently, the Covid-19 clouds of uncertainty had hung heavy over the last cricket test match at Brisbane (Australia), now okayed to start on Friday. Over half a century ago, a flamboyant Hyderabadi’s (cricketer) inclusion in the national team was a certainty for the tour Down Under. His exclusion however left him so disillusioned that he gave away his cricket kit, even penning a poignant note on his bat before handing it over.
Summoned shortly before the third test from January 19 to 24, 1968 (rest day included), his determination displaced despair that the denial had driven him into. Hopping several flights, crossing continents, warding-off jet lag, fighting fatigue and shaking off shortage of sleep, a 28-year-old M.L. Jaisimha with knocks of 74 and 101 brought India 39 runs short of what would have been its first