The Unlikely Beginings of India's Historic Cricket Rivalry with Australia

The inaugural cricket tour of Australia in 1947-48 was marked by both personal and national challenges for India's players, set against the harrowing backdrop of independence. Despite significant obstacles, the team persevered, paving the way for a fierce cricketing rivalry.

India's journey to its first Test cricket tour of Australia in 1947-48 was fraught with challenges that echoed the tumultuous backdrop of its recent independence and the painful partition from Pakistan. As the newly independent nation faced one of the largest migrations in history, marked by widespread violence and upheaval, its cricketing aspirations were simultaneously taking shape.

In 1947, as India geared up for its inaugural tour, the country was gripped by chaos, with millions displaced and communities divided along religious lines. Amidst this national turmoil, the 16-member cricket squad emerged to challenge the Australian team, captained by the legendary Don Bradman, known for their remarkable undefeated streak.

The president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Anthony De Mello, announced the team before a map of undivided India, asserting that it represented the entire nation. Until this point, the Indian team had only participated in unofficial tours, struggling against England in three previous Test series. However, a successful series against an Australian Services team in 1946 had hinted at India's potential on the global cricket stage.

The excitement surrounding the series grew as fans anticipated a showdown against Bradman's "Invincibles," who had recently returned undefeated from England. Leading the Indian squad was ace opener Vijay Merchant, alongside his wicketkeeper Mushtaq Ali, both seasoned players who had performed admirably in earlier tours. The squad was rounded out by promising talents like Rusi Modi and Fazal Mahmood, creating a delicate balance of experience and youth.

Yet, as tensions rose, both Merchant and Modi withdrew from the tour due to medical issues, and Ali left unexpectedly due to his brother's death, resulting in Lala Amarnath stepping in as captain. The violence following partition threatened to derail Amarnath's journey to Australia entirely. A harrowing account relayed by his son detailed Amarnath's narrow escape from a violent mob in Patiala and an encounter with danger during a train journey, where a police official's recognition and a symbolic gift—a kada—saved him.

Meanwhile, speedster Fazal Mahmood faced his own perils, with an intimidating mob forcing him to reconsider his commitment to the tour. Ultimately, he opted to return to Pakistan, where he would later contribute to their national cricket team. Two more squad members, Gul Mohammad and Amir Elahi, followed suit after partition, shifting their cricketing loyalties.

Despite these setbacks, India's tour proceeded with a shorthanded squad, leading to a challenging series against Australia, ultimately ending in a 4-0 defeat. The journey showcased not just the spirit of the players but also the sheer determination to continue cricketing traditions in a time of strife, laying the foundation for a deep-seated rivalry that continues to thrive today.