On This Day In 1986: India and Australia Played Out the 2nd Tied Test in Cricket History

Nearly four decades back, India and Australia played out only the second tied in Test cricket history on September 22. The India versus Australia fixture in red-ball cricket has often delivered several memorable moments over the years. In a similar scenario, the world witnessed the two sides make history in 1986.

The Indian city of Madras (now Chennai) saw an epic encounter as the opening Test between India and Australia ended in a tie which was the format’s second such result. The first instance of a tied Test had occurred between the West Indies and Australia at the Brisbane Cricket Ground in 1960.

The second result of a tie occurred during the 1st Test of the 1986 Australia’s Tour of India.

The Aussies won the toss and elected to bat first. A few brilliant knocks from David Boon, Dean Jones and the then-skipper Allan Border saw the Aussies score 574 and declare their innings. They were able to take down the hosts at 397 and then added another 170 runs before declaring once again. India needed 348 runs to win but the hosts fell short by the narrowest of margins.

It looked like India were poised to win the fixture as they racked up 190 runs while losing just two wickets. With five overs remaining, India found themselves at 330/6. They needed 18 more runs to bag a victory. But Australia’s Ray Bright struck twice in the next over to end India’s chances of a victory.

Shivlal Yadav attempted to lift the pressure by thrashing Greg Matthews for a six. He eventually lost his wicket to Bright leaving India at 344/9.

India needed four runs from the last eight balls. Maninder Singh played out Ray Bright’s remaining two balls to leave Ravi Shastri on strike for the final over. The Indian all-rounder smashed the second ball for two runs before collecting a single off the third delivery. This meant that India would not lose, but Greg Matthews had three strikes at a hapless Maninder. It took the Aussie two deliveries to send the Indian bowler packing as the hosts were dismissed for 347.

The match also witnessed cricketers from both sides receiving Player of the Match awards. Kapil Dev was recognised from the Indian camp for adding 119 runs whereas Dean Jones took the award from the Australian side for his double-century in the game.