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While the India-Australia Test series has evolved into one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries, the inaugural series between the two countries nearly didn’t take place.
India’s squad was captained by Vijay Merchant. (Photo Credit: X)
Did you know that India’s first-ever tour of Australia nearly never happened? In 1947-48, as the country was still reeling from the scars of Partition, the Indian cricket team was set to face Sir Donald Bradman’s legendary ‘Invincibles.’ But with a nation divided and communal tensions at an all-time high, the tour faced serious obstacles before it could even begin. Despite the turmoil, India’s 16-member squad braved the odds and embarked on a journey that would lay the foundation for one of cricket’s most intense rivalries — one that continues to captivate fans even today in the form of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The birth of a fierce cricket rivalry
In 1946, Australia’s then captain Lindsay Hassett brought an Australian Services team to India to celebrate the Allies’ victory in World War II, the BBC reported. India stunned everyone by winning that unofficial series 1-0, prompting Hassett to report back to Australian cricket authorities that the Indian team was ready for an official Test series.
Excitement quickly built in Indian cricket circles as the team prepared to face the mighty Aussies, led by the legendary Sir Donald Bradman, whose ‘Invincibles’ had returned undefeated from their 1948 England tour.
India’s squad was captained by Vijay Merchant. His trusted opening partner, Mushtaq Ali, served as the deputy. Both had proven themselves on the English tours of 1936 and 1946. The Indian squad also boasted elegant batter Rusi Modi and promising fast bowler Fazal Mahmood.
But just before the tour, Vijay Merchant and Rusi Modi had to withdraw due to medical reasons. Mushtaq Ali also had to drop out after the death of his elder brother. In their absence, Lala Amarnath and Vijay Hazare were appointed as the new captain and deputy, respectively, setting the stage for an iconic tour.
Struggles before the tour
The violence following Partition nearly derailed Lala Amarnath’s journey to Australia, as he narrowly escaped a mob in Punjab. Pace bowler Fazal Mahmood too faced a deadly mob on a train, but made it to Pune for the training camp. Upon returning to Lahore and witnessing the bloodshed, Mahmood decided to stay in Pakistan, forfeiting the tour. India’s Gul Mohammad and Amir Elahi also later moved to Pakistan, playing against India in the 1952-53 series.
Despite these challenges, India pressed on with the Australia tour, although the absence of four key players left them significantly weakened, resulting in a 4-0 loss in the series.
