India’s historic win against England on 10 February 1952 at Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, was the country’s first-ever Test victory. Led by Vijay Hazare, the Indian team defeated England by an innings and 8 runs in the fifth and final match of the 1951-52 Test series, leveling the series 1-1.
Best Indian bowler: Vinoo Mankad (8/55) – a brilliant bowling performance that dismantled the English batting lineup.
Polly Umrigar (130 not out) – first Indian to score a century in a Test victory.
Pankaj Roy (111) – solid opening contribution.
England’s best bowler: Brian Statham (3/99)
Best Indian bowler: Vinoo Mankad (4/53), taking 12 wickets in the match
Ghulam Ahmed (4/77) also played a crucial role
India registered their first-ever Test win since gaining Test status in 1932, after nearly 20 years.
Vinoo Mankad’s 12-wicket haul (8/55 & 4/53) was a defining factor in India’s dominant performance.
Polly Umrigar’s unbeaten 130 ensured India gained a massive first-innings lead.
The win was a turning point in Indian cricket, boosting confidence and setting the stage for future successes.
The 1-1 series draw was a remarkable achievement, as England was a formidable cricketing power at the time. This victory laid the foundation for India’s rise in Test cricket.
