10th May 2002 would go into the history books for something remarkable. India were playing their fourth match of the five-match series, away to West Indies. The series was level after West Indies came back from 1-0 down to win the third test. The fourth match, thus held great importance.
The match didn’t just have huge perspective, it ended up as one of the most memorable matches in recent times. Not just did Anil Kumble bowl with a strapping after a broken jaw, and even dismissed the legendary Brian Lara, all of the 11 Indians bowled in that match. It was the third or fourth occasion where a team used all their bowlers for atleast an over in the match.
Anil Kumble was hit by a Mervyn Dillon delivery that caught his jaw, but the gritty cricketer wanted to continue and came out to bat the next day with strapping. He even bowled in such pain, making it one of the most unforgettable moment for Indian cricket fans.
While the match is etched in the minds of the fans for Anil Kumble’s heroics, the match also saw Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman take their maiden test wickets, while Wasim Jaffer picked up two wickets, dismissing Peter Collins and Mervyn Dillon. Rahul Dravid dismissed keeper Ridley Jacobs, while Laxman sent fast bowler Adam Sanford packing.
It was an intriguing incident when Saurav Ganguly decided to bowl Ajay Ratra and Rahul Dravid put his hand-up to take on the wicket-keeping gloves for that one game.
Reminiscing about the game, Ajay Ratra told Red Bull, “It was a memorable match for me. Every kid who has ever dreamt of being a cricketer has wanted to play Test cricket someday. And scoring a century after having fulfilled your dream, that early in your career was just the icing on the cake. I’ll cherish that moment for my entire life.”
“Another reason why I love to recall that match is the fact that I bowled despite being a wicketkeeper. I am proud that I have bowled at least one over in a Test match. I still love to tell people the story of that match.”
The match ended in a draw and the series remained level at 1-1 with the last match to be played.
Ajay Ratra was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ Award for a brilliant hundred and good work behind the stumps.
West Indies won the toss and put India in to bat. India lost Shiv Sunder Das early, but Rahul Dravid and Wasim Jaffer steadied the ship. However, India then lost two in quick succession with India losing Jaffer and Sachin Tendulkar on consecutive balls. But India, with fine contributions from VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Ajay Ratra managed to post a huge total of 513.
West Indies came in to bat and lost 4 wickets under 200, giving India hope of being able to enforce the follow-on and have a serious go at a win, however, hundreds from Carl Hooper, Ridley Jacobs and Shivnarine Chanderpaul ensured the game would be headed for a draw.
