Hanuma Vihari Joins Elite List of India Batsmen in His Debut Test Innings in England

Hanuma Vihari made a memorable Test debut at The Oval in London, as he joined the elite list of India batsmen with 50-plus scores owing to debut innings in England.

Vihari looked in great touch and could’ve have gone on to become the first Indian after Sourav Ganguly to score a debut test century in England. But it didn’t happen this time around.

All and sundry criticised Vihari’s selection ahead of Karun Nair. Former legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar and Harbhajan Singh were bewildered to see Vihari playing ahead of Nair who has been with the team since the opening Test in Edgbaston.

However, nothing can be done with the selection process. Hence Gavaskar wished Vihari all the very best ahead of his debut Test match.

Vihari survived a few close shaves to begin his innings. He was given out on the field by the umpire. However, the review saved him. Vihari smashed a six as his first scoring shot of Test cricket. He added another lucky boundary.

Hanuma Vihari scores impressive half-century:

The middle-order batsman started settling down well, and from there on, he looked in control of proceedings. He played some delightful shots to race off to a brilliant half-century. He registered a solid partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.

Vihari in his innings has struck six fours and a six in his innings so far. A century might well be on the cards. Meanwhile, Jadeja is also looking in great touch and has scored 38.

Meanwhile, the only three other Indian batsmen to score 50-plus in their respective debut innings in England include Rusi Modi, and former Indian skippers Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.

While Rusi achieved the feat before India’s independence back in 1946, Ganguly and Dravid achieved the feat in the same match way back in 1996. Southpaw Ganguly scored a century, Dravid returned to the pavilion on 93.