The summer of 1952 brought India back to The Home of Cricket, Lord’s, London, for the opening Test of a challenging England tour. Played from June 19 to 24, 1952, this Test remains memorable not for the result, but for the emergence of Indian resilience during one of their toughest cricketing eras.
Led by Vijay Hazare, India faced an England team brimming with experience: Len Hutton, Denis Compton, Peter May, and the fearsome pace duo Fred Trueman and Alec Bedser. The contrast between the sides was stark; England were in their golden era, while India were still shaping their Test identity.
Despite the talent in India’s lineup, including Vinoo Mankad, Polly Umrigar, and Pankaj Roy, the English attack proved too strong. India suffered two collapses, bowled out cheaply in both innings, and England secured victory by 8 wickets.
Yet, amid the struggle, this Test produced unforgettable moments: Vinoo Mankad’s fighting all-round display and Umrigar’s brave fifty that showcased rare defiance in swinging English conditions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | England vs. India – 1st Test |
| Dates | 19–24 June 1952 |
| Venue | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London |
| Toss | England won the toss and elected to field |
| Result | England won by 8 wickets |
| Match Format | 5-day Test |
| Umpires | F. Chester, A. Fagg |
| Significance | Opening Test of India’s 1952 England tour |
Team Lineups
| India (Playing XI) | England (Playing XI) |
|---|---|
| Vijay Hazare (c) | Len Hutton (c) |
| Pankaj Roy | Reg Simpson |
| Vinoo Mankad | Peter May |
| Polly Umrigar | Denis Compton |
| Dattu Phadkar | Tom Graveney |
| Gul Mohammad | Godfrey Evans (wk) |
| Rusi Modi | Alec Bedser |
| Ghulam Ahmed | Fred Trueman |
| Probir Sen (wk) | Jim Laker |
| Ramchand | Trevor Bailey |
| CD Gopinath | Doug Wright |
India 1st Innings – 235 all out
India were put in to bat under overcast skies, and England were quick to exploit conditions. Fred Trueman’s fiery spell broke through the top order, but Polly Umrigar (57) resisted courageously with compact footwork and confident strokes.
Vinoo Mankad (72) played the innings of the day, patient, technically correct, and defiant, steering India to a respectable total after early setbacks.
Still, Trueman’s hostile bowling (4/53) ensured England had the upper hand.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Pankaj Roy | 16 | c Evans b Trueman |
| Vijay Hazare (c) | 17 | c May b Bedser |
| Vinoo Mankad | 72 | c Compton b Bailey |
| Polly Umrigar | 57 | lbw Trueman |
| Rusi Modi | 5 | b Bedser |
| Dattu Phadkar | 24 | c Compton b Laker |
| Gul Mohammad | 18 | b Laker |
| CD Gopinath | 7 | c Evans b Trueman |
| Ghulam Ahmed | 5 | c Wright b Bedser |
| Ramchand | 3 | b Wright |
| Probir Sen (wk) | 2* | Not out |
| Total | 235 all out |
England 1st Innings – 537/3 declared
England replied with a towering batting display. Captain Len Hutton (150) anchored the innings with trademark discipline, while Denis Compton (135) dazzled with elegance and flair.
Even more impressive was Peter May (138), who dominated India’s bowlers with authority. Their partnerships ensured India spent nearly two days in the field.
None of the Indian bowlers had much impact, though Mankad bowled tirelessly.
England 1st Innings Scorecard
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Len Hutton (c) | 150 | c Phadkar b Mankad |
| Reg Simpson | 60 | b Ghulam Ahmed |
| Peter May | 138* | Not out |
| Denis Compton | 135 | c Sen b Mankad |
| Tom Graveney | 28* | Not out |
| Extras | 26 | |
| Total | 537/3 declared |
India 2nd Innings – 165 all out
Facing a massive deficit of 302 runs, India needed a miracle. Instead, Trueman produced one of the most famous spells of his early career. Swinging the ball both ways at high pace, he claimed 5/48, dismantling India again.
Mankad (30) and Hazare (38) tried to stem the collapse, but England’s bowlers were relentless.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Pankaj Roy | 2 | b Trueman |
| Vijay Hazare | 38 | c Evans b Bedser |
| Vinoo Mankad | 30 | c Bailey b Trueman |
| Polly Umrigar | 12 | c Laker b Wright |
| Rusi Modi | 10 | b Bedser |
| Dattu Phadkar | 22 | b Trueman |
| Gul Mohammad | 6 | c Compton b Bailey |
| Ghulam Ahmed | 8 | c Evans b Trueman |
| CD Gopinath | 14 | c Graveney b Laker |
| Ramchand | 9 | b Trueman |
| Probir Sen | 2* | Not out |
| Total | 165 all out |
England 2nd Innings – 64/2
Chasing only 64, England wrapped up the match comfortably.
Hutton and Simpson guided England home, securing victory by 8 wickets and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
England won by 8 wickets
Highlights of the Match
- England’s world-class batting lineup posted 537/3 declared, dominating India’s bowling.
- Len Hutton, Denis Compton, and Peter May all scored centuries.
- Vinoo Mankad’s all-round effort (72 & 30, 2 wickets) stood out as India’s biggest positive.
- Polly Umrigar’s fighting 57 showcased resistance in difficult conditions.
- Fred Trueman’s match-winning figures: 9 wickets (4/53 & 5/48).
- The match highlighted India’s growing potential but exposed gaps against elite pace bowling.
- Lord’s reaffirmed itself as one of the toughest overseas challenges for India in the early years.