In cricket’s rich history, few players have managed to redefine the game with their approach. Syed Mushtaq Ali, with his aggressive batting and flamboyance in an era dominated by cautious play, was one such icon.
Syed Mushtaq Ali made history as the first Indian to score a Test century overseas, a feat he achieved in 1936 against England at Old Trafford. His 112 in the second innings, laced with 17 fours, helped India salvage a draw after trailing by 368 runs.
His attacking approach made Syed Mushtaq Ali a crowd favourite but his international career was limited to just 11 Test matches between 1934 to 1952, during which he scored 612 runs, including two centuries and three fifties.
The right-handed opener cemented his legacy through his phenomenal first-class career, where he played 226 matches, scored 13,213 runs and struck 30 centuries and 63 fifties. He also picked up 162 wickets with his left-arm spin.
Syed Mushtaq Ali’s philosophy of cricket is best captured in his autobiography Cricket Delightful, where he wrote: “I still believe that cricket played with joie de vivre, tempered with skill and caution, can normally lead to victory. Stoic resistance can avert defeat but seldom contribute to a win.”
Australian legend Keith Miller described Mushtaq Ali as, “the (Hollywood actor) Errol Flynn of cricket, dashing, flamboyant, swashbuckling and immensely popular wherever he played.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honoured Syed Mushtaq Ali’s legacy by naming one of its top domestic T20 cricket tournaments after him – the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Syed Mushtaq Ali’s early days
Syed Mushtaq Ali was born on December 17, 1914, in Indore. His father Khan Saheb Sayed Yacub Ali was an Inspector in the Central India Agency Police.
Mushtaq Ali was known for his bowling before becoming one of the best batters of his generation.
In 1930, he was 15 years old when he travelled to Delhi to play in the All India Roshan Ara Cricket Tournament as a part of CK Nayudu’s team. His sharp bowling and fielding caught the attention of Maharajkumar of Vizianagram (Vizzy), who then took Ali under his care in Benaras (Varanasi).
Mushtaq enrolled in the Bengalitola High School and practised on the ground inside the Vizianagram Palace.
He travelled with Vizzy for first-class matches in India and abroad and made a name for himself with his all-round abilities.
Syed Mushtaq Ali’s cricket career
Syed Mushtaq Ali made his first-class debut in the 1930-31 season and represented India in Test cricket for the first time in January 1934.
On his debut against England at iconic Eden Gardens, Syed Mushtaq Ali picked up the wicket of English captain Douglas Jardine, who was well-set and batting on 61.
In the second innings, Mushtaq Ali stepped in as an opener as Dilawar Hussain was hurt by a bouncer in the first innings. In the next Test match, Mushtaq Ali was once again called upon to open the innings. Mushtaq did not score beyond 20 but his technique caught the eye of the team management.
Mushtaq Ali formed a formidable partnership with Vijay Merchant at the top for the next few years.
His top score of 112 against England at Old Trafford in 1936 is remembered for several reasons. It was the first Test century by an Indian batter in overseas conditions and played a pivotal role in helping India secure an improbable draw.
After bowling out India for 203 in the first innings, England declared at 573/8, taking a massive 368-run lead. Mushtaq’s 112 included 17 fours and combined with Vijay Merchant’s 114, helped India end at 390/5.
Lala Amarnath was India’s first centurion in Test cricket when he struck 118 in a losing cause against the same opponent in 1933.
Mushtaq Ali’s second century came against the West Indies in 1948.
His last Test match also turned out to be a special occasion. Up against another formidable English side in February of 1952, India registered their first-ever victory in Test cricket when they defeated England by an innings and eight runs in Chennai.
Mushtaq Ali contributed 22 at the top of the order in a total of 457/9. Pankaj Roy (111) and Polly Umrigar (130*) scored a century each while Vinoo Mankad, with 8/55 in the first innings and 4/53 in the second, was the top performer with the ball.
In 1964, Mushtaq Ali was honoured with the Padma Shri – India’s highest civilian award. He died on June 18, 2005, at the age of 90. His son Gulrez Ali and grandson Abbas Ali also turned out to be first-class cricketers.
The BCCI renamed India’s Inter-State Twenty-20 Tournament as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of its second edition in 2009.
