Barely three months after gaining independence, India embarked on their historic first cricket tour as a free nation. The setting was the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba), where they faced a formidable Australian side led by the legendary Don Bradman. For India, under Lala Amarnath’s captaincy, this was more than just a cricket series – it was the dawn of a new identity on the world stage.
The match, played from November 28 to December 1, 1947, marked the beginning of India’s post-independence cricket journey. Despite the one-sided result, it remains a landmark event in Indian cricket history, representing the spirit of resilience and aspiration that defined a young nation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Australia vs. India |
| Dates | 28 November – 1 December 1947 |
| Venue | Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba |
| Toss | Australia won the toss and elected to bat |
| Result | Australia won by an innings and 226 runs |
| Match Format | 4-day Test Match |
| Umpires | R. M. Crockett & G. B. Legge |
| Significance | India’s first Test as an independent nation; the beginning of the 1947–48 Australia tour |
Team Lineups
| India (Playing XI) | Australia (Playing XI) |
|---|---|
| Lala Amarnath (Captain) | Don Bradman (Captain) |
| Vijay Merchant | Sid Barnes |
| Vinoo Mankad | Arthur Morris |
| Vijay Hazare | Don Bradman |
| Rusi Modi | Keith Miller |
| Gul Mohammad | Lindsay Hassett |
| Hemu Adhikari | Ron Hamence |
| Dattu Phadkar | Don Tallon (wk) |
| Amir Elahi | Ray Lindwall |
| D. S. Gujaral (wk) | Bill Johnston |
| Lala Amarnath | Ernie Toshack |
Australia 1st Innings – 382 all out
Winning the toss, Don Bradman chose to bat first on a lively Brisbane pitch. Despite early breakthroughs from Vinoo Mankad, who dismissed both openers, Australia’s middle order soon took control. Bradman, in characteristic fashion, compiled a fluent 185, blending elegance with ruthless efficiency. Lindsay Hassett added a steady 132, anchoring the innings through crucial partnerships.
India’s bowlers, though disciplined, found little help from the wicket. Mankad bowled tirelessly to finish with 4 wickets, while Dattu Phadkar chipped in with two. Yet the Aussies’ total of 382 was imposing, especially against a visiting team still adjusting to Australian conditions.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Sid Barnes | 12 | b Mankad |
| Arthur Morris | 24 | b Mankad |
| Don Bradman (c) | 185 | c Hazare b Phadkar |
| Lindsay Hassett | 132 | b Mankad |
| Keith Miller | 19 | b Sohoni |
| Ray Lindwall | 12 | b Banerjee |
| Don Tallon (wk) | 12 | c Amarnath b Mankad |
| Ian Johnson | 8 | c Sen b Phadkar |
| Ernie Toshack | 0 | b Banerjee |
| Bill Johnston | 2 | Not out |
| Extras | 6 | |
| Total | 382 all out (146.3 overs) |
India 1st Innings – 58 all out
If Australia’s innings showcased dominance, India’s reply exposed the vast gap between the two sides. The fiery duo of Ray Lindwall and Ernie Toshack unleashed relentless pace and swing, dismantling India’s top order within the first hour.
Lindwall’s sheer pace and late movement proved unplayable as he took 7 wickets for just 38 runs. Only Vijay Hazare (10) and Rusi Modi (14) reached double figures, as the visitors were bowled out for a mere 58, one of their lowest totals in Test history.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Vijay Merchant | 2 | b Lindwall |
| Lala Amarnath (c) | 0 | b Lindwall |
| Vijay Hazare | 10 | b Lindwall |
| Rusi Modi | 14 | c Bradman b Toshack |
| P. Sen | 5 | b Lindwall |
| Vinoo Mankad | 7 | b Lindwall |
| Gul Mohammad | 6 | b Toshack |
| Dattu Phadkar | 4 | b Lindwall |
| Ranga Sohoni | 2 | b Toshack |
| Amarnath Singh | 3 | b Lindwall |
| Shute Banerjee | 0* | Not out |
| Extras | 5 | |
| Total | 58 all out (21.3 overs) |
India 2nd Innings – 98 all out (Following On)
Following on with a 324-run deficit, India’s batting once again failed to withstand the Australian attack. Though Vijay Hazare and Vinoo Mankad tried to resist with brief partnerships, the outcome was inevitable.
Lindwall continued his rampage, picking up another 3 wickets, while spinner Ian Johnson claimed 4 as India folded for 98, giving Australia victory by an innings and 226 runs.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Vijay Merchant | 11 | b Toshack |
| Lala Amarnath (c) | 13 | c Tallon b Lindwall |
| Vijay Hazare | 33 | c Morris b Lindwall |
| Rusi Modi | 15 | b Johnson |
| P. Sen | 2 | b Johnson |
| Vinoo Mankad | 11 | b Lindwall |
| Gul Mohammad | 4 | b Johnson |
| Dattu Phadkar | 3 | b Johnson |
| Ranga Sohoni | 0 | b Toshack |
| Amarnath Singh | 1 | b Toshack |
| Shute Banerjee | 0* | Not out |
| Extras | 5 | |
| Total | 98 all out (33 overs) |
Highlights of The Match
- India’s First-Ever Test on Australian Soil.
- Bradman’s Dominance on Return: 185 with a knock of pure class and control on the bat.
- Supporting his captain, Lindsay Hassett crafted a graceful 132, forming the backbone of Australia’s innings and consolidating their commanding position in the match.
- Vinoo Mankad’s Tireless Effort with the Ball: Mankad’s determined spell of 4/111 showcased his skill and endurance against a dominant Australian batting lineup.
- Ray Lindwall’s Devastating Spell: Lindwall’s fiery pace earned him 10 wickets in the match, including a sensational 7/38 in the first innings.
- India’s Struggles with the Bat: India’s batting faltered under the relentless pace, managing only 58 and 98 despite Hazare’s brief resistance.
- A Harsh Introduction to Australian Conditions: India suffered an innings defeat, gaining hard lessons about pace, bounce, and adaptability.
- The Beginning of a Storied Rivalry: This one-sided clash marked the birth of the enduring and iconic India–Australia Test rivalry.
