Syed Abid Ali

Abid Ali was a fine all-rounder, who represented India in the late 1960s and 1970s. He bowled seam up, was known for collecting runs at a brisk pace and was a fine fielder, too. He started his Test career on a good note by taking a 6-wicket haul against Australia in Adelaide in 1967. In that series itself, he compiled twin fifties in Sydney.

Unfortunately, for the most part of his career, Abid had to play second fiddle to spinners. His game was also perhaps more suited to the abridged version of the game. Inspite of all that he continued to put up some fine performances in Tests.

In 1971 when India won their first ever series in England, he came up with a sterling show at Old Trafford by taking a four-for in the first innings. When India had a disastrous tour of England in 1974, it was again Abid who stood tall amidst the ruins, with a blazing knock in the second innings at his happy hunting ground, Old Trafford. The knock still went in vain as India lost.

In the few ODIs he played, Abid performed creditably. In the 1975 World Cup, he gave a good account of himself by scoring a 70 and prising out a couple of batsmen against New Zealand at Old Trafford. Now, that game turned out to be the last time he played for his country.

By Bharath Ramaraj