Forty Years Since Chennai’s Historic Tied Test: Dean Jones’ Grit, Kapil Dev’s Counterattack And Greg Matthews’ Final Blow
Chennai: Forty years! Has it really been that long? And yet in my mind’s eye it could well have been yesterday for I remember the events of Tied Test II so vividly. Among all the memorable happenings as they unfolded over the five days from September 18 to 22 1986 I can recall best the climactic act of the Hitchcock-laced suspense drama – a tireless Greg Matthews, sleeves buttoned at the wrist,…
Forty years have passed since the historic Tied Test in Chennai. The events of the five-day match, held from September 18 to 22, 1986, remain vivid in the memory of those who witnessed it. The climax of the drama was the relentless performance of Greg Matthews, who, wearing the baggy green cap and buttoned sleeves, bowled tirelessly to Maninder Singh.
Singh was ruled out by an impassioned appeal from the umpire at 5:18 pm. The crowd, near capacity, erupted in celebration, recognizing the rare privilege of being part of cricket history. Dean Jones played a heroic role in the match, scoring one of the most impressive displays on a cricket field. He came in after the fall of Geoff Marsh's wicket and was seen out late on the first day after a second wicket partnership of 158 runs.
Jones pushed through the searing heat and dehydration, braving leg cramps, until he finally succumbed to 210. His eight-hour and 23-minute stay at the crease ensured India's victory, allowing for a tie after a total of 744 runs each. Kapil Dev demonstrated his prowess with a brilliant counterattack, hitting 119 runs off 177 balls, including 21 fours, and preventing a follow-on.
The match, held at the MA Chidambaram stadium, marked the second tied Test, after Brisbane in 1960, emphasizing the rarity of such a result.
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