Despite increasing doubts about its viability due to the surge in T20s, Test cricket remains the paramount format. The recent India-England and Australia-West Indies Tests reaffirmed the distinctive nature and enduring appeal of the five-day format. Dating back to 1877, Test cricket offers unparalleled drama and serves as the ultimate examination of a cricketer’s skills and character.
In the second Vizag game, England’s James Anderson achieved the milestone of becoming the fifth oldest player to participate in a Test match in India. Across his impressive 21-year career, Anderson has consistently given precedence to the red-ball format, displaying exceptional excellence. While most players typically retire in their late 30s, a few select individuals have managed to prolong their careers into their 40s.
Bowlers face a tougher challenge due to the elevated physical demands of their skill compared to batsmen. However, there have been occurrences where bowlers managed to take wickets even in their 40s.
Here are the top five oldest cricketers who have claimed a wicket in India:
#5 John Traicos – Age 45
The oldest cricketer to secure a Test wicket in India was the former Zimbabwean off-spinner, John Traicos. This achievement occurred during a one-off Test in Delhi in 1993. Born in Egypt in 1947, Traicos concluded his Test career at the age of 45 years and 10 months with this match.
In his final bowling spell, he took figures of 3/186, dismissing notable players such as Kapil Dev, Navjot Sidhu, and Vinod Kambli. Despite his efforts, Zimbabwe faced a significant defeat by an innings and 13 runs. Notably, Traicos initiated his Test career with South Africa before transitioning to play for Zimbabwe, finishing with a total of 18 wickets in seven Tests.
#4 Amir Elahi – Age 44
The ex-Pakistani bowler, Amir Elahi, achieved a Test wicket in India at the age of 44 during the 1952 five-Test series. Despite Pakistan trailing 1-2, Elahi secured his sole wicket in the competition by dismissing Indian opener Pankaj Roy.
The match concluded in a draw, resulting in India winning the series 2-1. Apart from the five Tests in this series against India, Elahi had only played one other Test almost five years prior against Australia.
Interestingly, in that 1947 match, he represented Team India. Elahi concluded his career with a total of seven wickets, which included a four-wicket haul earlier in the series against India.
#3 Vinoo Mankad – Age 41
Vinoo Mankad, a cricketing sensation in India from the late 1940s to the 1950s, is remembered for his world-record opening partnership of 413 runs with Pankaj Roy in 1956.
Originating from Gujarat, Mankad’s notable left-arm spin garnered him 162 wickets in 44 Tests. Despite not taking a wicket in his final Test against the West Indies, his penultimate Test featured a sensational bowling performance.
During the fourth Test in Chennai, Mankad secured figures of 4/95, notably dismissing Gary Sobers at the age of 41 years and nine months. Despite his commendable performance, India couldn’t clinch victory, and the West Indies emerged triumphant with a substantial 295-run win.
#2 James Anderson – Age 41
Currently, at 41 years and 187 days, England’s James Anderson remains a potent force in Tests. Dismissing Shubman Gill on Day 1 of the second Test in Vizag, Anderson, with 34 wickets in 13 games, stands out among pacers succeeding on Indian pitches.
Closing in on 700 wickets, he ranks third all-time behind Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. In his sixth tour to India, Anderson has claimed an impressive 140 wickets against the team, his highest tally against any opponent.
#1 Lala Amarnath – Age 41
Lala Amarnath, a revered figure in Indian cricket, was the first centurion for India on debut in 1933. Leading India to their inaugural Test and series win against Pakistan in 1952, he retired after taking his final Test wicket at 41 against Pakistan in 1952.
Although primarily a batsman, Amarnath’s right-arm medium pace earned him 45 wickets in his 24-Test career. In first-class cricket, he accumulated 10,426 runs and 463 wickets across 186 games. His sons, Mohinder and Surinder Amarnath, also represented India.
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