Rare Video: First Ever Test Match Played in Independent India

It was an unofficial test match played at Ferozshah Kotla Stadium in Delhi between India and Commonwealth XI in 1948.

(Photo Courtesy: British Pathé)

After India got its independence in 1947, this was the first test match played between the Indian team and the Commonwealth XI. The match had an unofficial status. In spite of this, the then President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the match & it was viewed by politicians & the Chiefs of the various branches of India’s Armed Forces.

The Indian captain Vijay Merchant had won the toss and decided to bat first. Merchent had opened the innings with Mushtaq Ali. The Indian team lost its skipper who scored only 5 runs. India only managed to score 169 runs in their first innings.

In reply, Commonwealth put up a score of 272 runs, a lead of 103 runs over the Indian total. However, the Indian team came back strong in the second innings scoring 469/6, with Vijay Hazare scoring 144 runs.

The Commonwealth needed 327 runs for victory, however they were only able to score 214/1 at the end of the match and it ended in a draw.