When the stage is set for a thrilling series of test cricket in India and the competing teams are India and England it’s a big prize. When two giants of world cricket collide, the world shifts its attention to the contest. But the question that arises is what do they take field for? They go head-to-head for nothing but The Anthony De Mello trophy.
Anthony De Mello trophy is presented exclusively in the test series between India and England held in India. The trophy is named after the late great visionary who also was one among the founding members of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Marking its special significance Anthony De Mello Trophy was incorporated in 1951 when England toured India for the first time after independence for thrilling five match test series.
A special feat
Unlike the other trophies named after renowned cricketers this trophy pays tribute to Anthony De Mello who played a significant role in establishing the cricket infrastructure in India and launching Indias premier domestic cricket tournament in Ranji Trophy. Not being a cricketer himself Anthony De Mello played a crucial role to mark Indias presence in world cricket.
Anthony’s significant role in establishing BCCI was the ultimate part that saw him serve as the first secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Rivalry
Through the years the trophy has evidenced many instances of rivalry that sets this series apart from any other series. A hardly fought battle over a period of five days on a cricket field. Players put in their heart and soul to earn the pride that trophy holds. India and England have faced off each other in the trophy for fourteen times and India leading the trophies chart with eight trophies under their belt. England have been able to turn the tables around three times out of fourteen to grab the trophy.
But folks when trophy takes the center stage it’s all about the hard-fought battle that has its own excitement. Over the years the trophy has seen the contests that would make cricket fans take the edge of their seat.
One of the finest games that took place was way back in 2006. England and India were set to face off each other in three tests and seven ODIs. The venue for the first test was Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Nagpur. England, after winning the toss, decided to bat first. Debutant English opener Alister Coock made a promising start with his 60. England, with the help of Paul Collingwood’s scintillating ton of 134, saw England post a monumental total of 391. India in reply lost their opener early. The early loss of wicket saw Wasim Jaffer and Rahul Dravid take charge for home side.
This Partnership saw India into a good position. But folks Matthew Hoggard had other plans as he produced one of the greatest spells of the series. India saw a huge collapse as India were 140/1 and later found themselves at 190/7.
Mohamed Kaif fought hard with his 91 to see India post 323 in reply to England’s 393. England came out firing in the second inning with Alister coock smashing a well compiled century and Kevin Pietersen scoring an attacking 87 setting up a huge total of 368 for India to win the game.
India in response lost their opener early again. Jaffer took the charge and scored a brilliant ton to see India reply strong to England’s Total. India was in control to take the game away from England, but bad light came to rescue and somehow England held on to force a draw.
Another instance where series proves why it is one of the most exciting series that everyone eagerly waits for. It was England’s tour to India for a five-match series. The place was Ranchi, and the game was one of the best test games to take place. England were 2-1 down in the series. They had come here to Ranchi with the hope of remaining alive in the series.
England didn’t have the best of starts. They lost their opener in Ben Ducket early on and Ollie Pope fell soon after. But it was time for some Joe Root masterclass as he notched up a highly accomplished test match hundred to put England on top. With the help of his century and Ollie Robinsons attacking 58 helped England post a huge total of 353 in the first innings.
Replying to England’s Total India saw a terrible fumble in the middle after Jaiswal notched up yet another fifty in the series.
With India in trouble, it was time for Dhruv Jurel to step up and show the critics that he belongs here. And guess what, he rose up to the occasion with a solid partnership of 76 with Kuldeep Yadav. Dhruv’s 90 saw India claw their way back into the contest.
Indias exceptional bowling display in the second innings saw them take control over the game. Zak Crawley (60) was the alone warrior in the second inning for England. England set a target of 192 for India to chase.
Replying to England’s total India started the chase on a good note. Skipper Rohit Sharma was toying with the English bowlers. After a solid start India were in a good position to win the game. But English spinners were up for a fight as India saw a small fumble in the Middle. But the fumble didn’t affect the strong determined Shubman Gill. He stitched an unbeaten partnership of 72 with Dhruv Jurel to seal the game and series for the host.
To sum up, the rivalry between England and India in India serves as a tribute to the passion and dedication to all of those who have contributed to the legacy of this beautiful sports. India and England will Continue to serve the cricket loving fraternity with many more thrilling and exciting contest in between them. As time goes on, the beautiful legacy of this rivalry promises to serve us with new chapters that will make a mark in the chapters of history of this wonderful game.
