The new year of 1960 saw India hosting Australia at the historic Brabourne Stadium in Bombay for the third Test of their 1959–60 five-match series. With the series finely poised, this match proved to be a gritty contest that ended in a draw, showcasing thrilling individual performances from both sides and spirited resistance from the home team. ESPN Cricinfo
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs Australia, 3rd Test |
| Dates | 1–6 January 1960 |
| Venue | Brabourne Stadium, Bombay |
| Toss | India won the toss and elected to bat |
| Result | Match drawn |
| Match Format | 5-day Test Match |
| Umpires | H. E. Choudhury & N. D. Nagarwala |
| Significance | Third Test of the 1959–60 Australia tour of India |
Series after this match: Australia led the 5-Test series 1-1. ESPN Cricinfo
Team Lineups
| India (Playing XI) | Australia (Playing XI) |
|---|---|
| Pankaj Roy | Wally Grout (wk) |
| Nari Contractor | Ian Meckiff |
| Polly Umrigar | Richie Benaud (c) |
| Abbas Ali Baig | Colin McDonald |
| Chandu Borde | Gavin Stevens |
| Gulabrai Ramchand (c) | Neil Harvey |
| Ramnath Kenny | Norm O’Neill |
| †Budhi Kunderan | Les Favell |
| Bapu Nadkarni | Ray Lindwall |
| Salim Durani | Ken Mackay |
| Ghulam Guard | Alan Davidson |
India 1st Innings – 289 all out
India piled up a competitive first-innings total, thanks largely to a commanding century from Nari Contractor (108) and a solid 50 from Abbas Ali Baig. After a promising start, Australia’s bowlers, led by Alan Davidson and Ian Meckiff, struck back to dismiss India for 289.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Pankaj Roy | 6 | b Davidson |
| Nari Contractor | 108 | c Benaud b Meckiff |
| Polly Umrigar | 0 | c Harvey b Davidson |
| Abbas Ali Baig | 50 | c Grout b Davidson |
| Chandu Borde | 26 | b Meckiff |
| Gulabrai Ramchand | 0 | lbw b Meckiff |
| Ramnath Kenny | 20 | b Meckiff |
| †Budhi Kunderan | 19 | lbw b Lindwall |
| Bapu Nadkarni | 18* | not out |
| Salim Durani | 18 | c Stevens b Benaud |
| Ghulam Guard | 7 | c Benaud b Davidson |
| Extras | 17 | |
| Total | 289 all out |
Australia Bowling: Davidson 4/62 (34.5 ov), Meckiff 4/79 (38 ov), Lindwall 1/56 (23 ov).
Australia 1st Innings – 387/8 declared
Australia responded strongly with a big total. Neil Harvey scored a fluent 102, while Norm O’Neill dominated with a big 163, steering the visitors to 387/8 declared. Indian bowlers were kept busy throughout.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Colin McDonald | 36 | b Nadkarni |
| Gavin Stevens | 22 | b Nadkarni |
| Neil Harvey | 102 | b Nadkarni |
| Norm O’Neill | 163 | c sub b Borde |
| Les Favell | 1 | b Nadkarni |
| †Wally Grout | 31 | b Nadkarni |
| Richie Benaud | 14 | lbw b Nadkarni |
| Alan Davidson | 9* | not out |
| Ken Mackay | 1 | b Borde |
| Ray Lindwall | 1* | not out |
| Ian Meckiff | ||
| Extras | 7 | |
| Total | 387/8 declared |
India Bowling: Nadkarni 6/105 (51 ov), Borde 2/78 (13 ov).
India 2nd Innings – 226/5 declared
In their second effort, India again showed resilience. Pankaj Roy scored a solid 5,7 and Abbas Ali Baig backed it up with 58 as India declared at 226/5 to set a competitive tone.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Pankaj Roy | 57 | b Meckiff |
| Nari Contractor | 43 | b Lindwall |
| †Budhi Kunderan | 2 | hit wicket b Meckiff |
| Chandu Borde | 1 | b Meckiff |
| Abbas Ali Baig | 58 | c Mackay b Lindwall |
| Ramnath Kenny | 55* | not out |
| Bapu Nadkarni | 1* | not out |
| Others | ||
| Extras | 9 | |
| Total | 226/5 declared |
Australia Bowling: Meckiff 3/67 (28 ov), Lindwall 2/56 (23 ov).
Australia 2nd Innings – 34/1
With time running out and a draw assured, Australia reached 34/1 in their second innings by the close of play.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| †Wally Grout | 22* | not out |
| Ian Meckiff | 0 | b Roy |
| Others | ||
| Extras | 0 | |
| Total | 34/1 (8 ov) |
Highlights of the Match
- India’s first-innings century by Nari Contractor (108) anchored their total.
- Norm O’Neill’s commanding 163 was the standout performance of the match.
- Australia declared both innings, but India’s batting depth ensured the match remained in balance.
- India’s spin duo of Bapu Nadkarni and Chandu Borde impressed with tight bowling.
- The match ultimately ended in a draw, preserving excitement in the 5-Test series. ESPN Cricinfo