At 77 years old, Syed Abid Ali exemplifies the spirit of a true fighter, both in his playing days and today. His remarkable skills as a cricketer included exceptional fielding, fearless batting across positions, and astute medium pace bowling featuring a notable outswinger. Additionally, he was capable of keeping wickets when needed. Abid Ali was part of the pioneering Indian teams that secured Test series victories overseas in 1968 against New Zealand, 1971 against the West Indies, and 1971 in England. I had the opportunity to meet him in Hyderabad in early 2019 during a cricket match at the T.K.R. Engineering College grounds, where we discussed his career, the sport of cricket, and some of his fellow players.

What made you stand out as a fielder?

From a young age, I was drawn to physical activity, engaging in Hockey, Football, and Cricket. I initially took on the role of wicket-keeper in cricket, but I also developed a passion for fielding, backed by a strong arm and reliable hands.

How did your fielding contribute to your career advancement?

Throughout my career, my fielding abilities often tipped the scales in my favor whenever a spot became available on the team. This proved true at every level of my journey.

How did you debut in the Ranji Trophy?

As the 1958-59 Ranji Trophy season approached, many regular state players were called to participate in the All-India University tournament, creating openings on the Hyderabad team. Noor Abassi, the Coordinator of the State Selection Committee, advocated for my selection, believing my fielding capabilities would significantly benefit the team. I made my Ranji debut against Andhra, scoring 55 runs.

What led to your selection for the Indian team during the tours of Australia and New Zealand in 1967-68?

I had delivered impressive performances for Hyderabad and the South Zone. After being named a reserve for the Indian team during the England tour in 1967, I earned my chance when the fast bowlers struggled.

Can you share your thoughts on your exceptional debut against Australia in the first Test at Adelaide?

I feel truly blessed to have had such a memorable debut. In the first innings of that Test, Australia scored 335, and I claimed 6 wickets for 55 runs as a medium pacer. Among my wickets were Bob Simpson, Bill Lawry, Bob Cowper, Barry Jarman, Graham McKenzie, and Gleeson. Simpson fell to a leading edge off an outswinger, leading to a caught and bowled. Lawry and Cowper were both caught behind, and I also contributed with scores of 33 in each innings as a middle-order batsman.

Which other match from that series stands out for you in terms of your contributions?

The fourth and final Test at Sydney is unforgettable. I scored 78 runs in the first innings and 81 in the second, batting for 124 minutes off 123 balls and 164 minutes off 165 balls, respectively. After a solid opening partnership with Engineer, India unfortunately collapsed for 197.

It seems you were on the cusp of a Test hundred in that match. What happened?

While I was in good form and felt encouraged to play aggressively, some senior players advised me to adopt a more cautious approach to safeguard my wicket, which ultimately led to my dismissal.

What are some other memorable experiences from the Indian tour of Australia?

I’ll always remember our captain, Nawab of Pataudi (Jr.), who played two outstanding innings of 75 and 85 in the second Test at Melbourne, despite enduring significant pain. Another unforgettable moment was Jaisimha’s remarkable innings of 74 and 101 in the third Test at Brisbane, having only arrived a day prior to the match.

Can you recount your significant bowling performance against New Zealand in the first Test at Dunedin?

Everything went my way in that Test. In the first innings, I took four wickets—Graham Dowling, Vic Pollard, Bruce Taylor, and Alabaster—with figures of 15-6-26-4. In the second innings, my figures were 19-9-22-0.

India triumphed 3-1 in the four-Test series against New Zealand in 1968. What led to that victory?

A key factor was our captain, Nawab of Pataudi (Jr.), who instilled in us a sense of unity as a team playing for India. His emphasis on fielding was crucial, and our batsmen contributed significantly, particularly the spinners, whose sharp performances were bolstered by an exceptional close-in cordon.

You were part of the Indian team that claimed its first-ever Test win against the West Indies in 1971. How did that victory come about?

The West Indies bowling attack was less formidable during that series, and we had a mix of experienced players alongside promising newcomers like Sunil Gavaskar. Our batsmen performed admirably, while our bowlers and fielders kept us on top throughout.

The first Test of a series is crucial. How did India leverage this during the first Test in Jamaica?

After rain washed out the first day’s play, we batted first and recovered from 75 for 5, thanks to a partnership of 137 between Sardesai and Solkar (212), ultimately reaching 387 all out. Remarkably, this was the first time India managed to make the West Indies follow on in a Test match.

Besides debutant Sunil Gavaskar, who was instrumental in our series win?

The entire team played cohesively, but Dilip Sardesai was fundamental to our batting success, scoring 642 runs, including significant partnerships. Notably, he and Solkar prevented us from following on in the fourth Test at Barbados. Jaisimha and Salim Durani also made crucial contributions, with Durani’s wickets during the second Test being particularly impactful.

Reflecting on our first series win against England, many recall Chandra’s remarkable performance in the third Test at The Oval. Can you describe it?

When Chandra is in form, he becomes nearly unplayable. In England’s second innings, he took 6 wickets for 38 runs, leading to their total of 101. We successfully chased a target of 173, winning the match and series. I was present alongside Engineer when we achieved this significant milestone.

Are there any other notable moments from your Test career that stand out?

Absolutely. In the first Test of the 1974 series against England, we were 143 for 7 when I partnered with Sunil Gavaskar, who scored a century. We combined for an 85-run partnership for the eighth wicket, after which I was out for 71. Additionally, I remember taking 4 of the top five English wickets in the second Test of 1971, dismissing Jameson, Edrich, Fletcher, and D’Oliveira.

You represented India in the 1975 Prudential World Cup in England. How did you perform?

Our team was relatively inexperienced, leading to subpar performances overall. However, I managed to score 70 runs against New Zealand, contributing to partnerships of 55 for the seventh wicket and 60 for the ninth wicket. I also took two wickets in each match against England, East Africa, and New Zealand.

Lastly, what does it take to become a successful Test player?

Consistency, hard work, and self-belief are essential ingredients for achieving success in Test cricket.