Albert Wensley’s historic record (Source: @eBay/x.com)
Every day in cricket is eventful as there is always something making and breaking in every second. From underdogs rising against the odds to giants cementing their legacy, the game’s true heartbeat lies in its domestic roots. India, too, has found some of its most glorious chapters written on these very fields.
Since the introduction of the Ranji Trophy in Indian cricket, the era has been marked as a revolutionary one. Much like other countries where overseas talents add depth to domestic contests, India’s premier red-ball tournament too has welcomed international stars.
In its early days, the Ranji Trophy wasn’t just a domestic tournament, it was a stage where global cricketing greats showcased their class. While recent seasons may have lacked such international flair, the past once saw a world-renowned star guiding Nawanagar to their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Let’s explore who was the iconic star to achieve glory.
Who becomes Ranji’s first global superstar to lift the trophy?
After cricket was introduced to the world long ago, domestic cricket in India bloomed years later in India. As a Test playing nation, India made their debut in international cricket in 1932 but domestic cricket was introduced to the Indian continent in 1934 as the name with ‘The Cricket Championship of India’. Later on, it was changed to Ranji Trophy in the 1935-36 edition.
Following that, there was no lookback as the tournament remained the biggest breeding ground of unreal cricket talents. Unlike many international domestic leagues that welcome overseas players, the Ranji Trophy has evolved into a pure test of homegrown skill. But there was a time when cricket icons across the globe graced the Indian soil.
Following this, in 1936-37, Ranji Trophy witnessed the first non-native captain to lift the prestigious trophy. The question must linger in your heart to know who the hero was? The answer is veteran English all-rounder Albert Frederick Wensley who lifted the Ranji Trophy in 1936-37 season for Nawanagar.
The final that continues to echo through time
Cricket is much more than just a simple game as the sport never fails to amaze cricket fans. Beyond some performances, some matches become historic with their own charm. In the 1936-37 season Albert Frederick Wensley came to India to coach the Nawanagar side but fate had other plans for the veteran England all-rounder. Coming as a coach, he ended up playing for the side, creating history.
In that season, Nawanagar met Bengal in the Ranji Trophy final in Gymkhana Ground in Bombay and cricket fans in India witnessed some classic red ball actions. While batting first, Nawanagar lost a quick wicket but Vinoo Mankad and Sorabji Colah’s 112-run partnership flipped the script.
After Colah was dismissed on 66 runs, Mankad smashed a brilliant century and played a knock of 185 runs. Ranvirsinhji’s 40-run knock and Yadavendrasinjhi’s unbeaten knock of 39 runs helped the side to put on a total of 424 runs.
While bowling in the first innings, Amar Singh and the captain Bert Wensley took the charge with a brilliant four-wicket haul. Restricting Bengal to 315 runs, Nawanagar came back to domination again as they put on a total of 383 runs.
When Bengal returned to bat, Wensley once again weaved his magic with another four-wicket haul, as the bowlers maintained relentless pressure. The result was emphatic, a thumping 256-run victory that etched Nawanagar’s name in Ranji Trophy history.
A move that creates a legacy for generations
What’s common today in European domestic cricket, overseas stars adding sparkle to local tournaments. The Ranji Trophy pioneered this tradition in its early years, opening its doors to international talent. After Albert Wensley won the prestigious Ranji Trophy title, it started a legacy that welcomed some other overseas stars to grace the big stage.
After Wensley, Dennis Compton, Roy Gilchrist, Conrad Powell Johnstone, George Abell, Kabir Ali, Vikram Solanki, Enamul Haque Jr, and Tanmay Mishra participated in the prestigious tournament as the country witnessed some unforgettable moments. As the tournament solely focus on nurturing domestic talents, the good old days remained forever special in the tournament’s history.
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