Happy Birthday Ajit Agarkar: Six-fer against Australia and other top bowling spells by former India pacer

Ajit Agarkar celebrates his 46th birthday on 4 December, 2023. In a cricket career spanning well over a decade, Agarkar was quite the performer for India. From 1998 to 2007, he represented India in 191 ODIs, having scalped 288 wickets and scored 1269 runs. He featured in 26 matches Tests, taking 58 wickets. Agarkar was also part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, although he ended up playing just two matches in that tournament.

It is arguably one of the best spells by an Indian bowler in overseas conditions – Ajit Agarkar delivered a stellar bowling spell in Adelaide as India came from behind to beat Australia in a Test match in 2003.

A young Ajit Agarkar was instrumental in India’s landmark win in Adelaide in 2003! #20in2020 pic.twitter.com/rvLCpeycid

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 10, 2020

After trailing in the first innings, India needed their bowlers to step up and restrict Australia. This was when Agarkar rose to the occasion, claiming six crucial wickets in the second innings, bowling Australia out for 196 runs. He ripped through the top order, sending back Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and Simon Katich.

6/42 vs Australia, 2003 – Melbourne ODI

Agarkar was on song once again in 2003 against Australia, this time in the ODIs. He ran through the top and middle order as he sent back Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, and Damien Martyn to put Australia in a precarious position.

The pacer ended with figures of 6/42 as Australia posted 288 runs at the end of 50 overs. Sourav Ganguly kept India in the hunt in the chase, but the innings derailed when he was run out as Australia won this match by 18 runs.

4/35 vs New Zealand – Sharjah ODI

New Zealand posted a total of 205 all-out in 47.5 overs and their innings saw Stephen Fleming emerge as the top scorer with 75 runs off 97 balls, including seven boundaries. For India, Ajit Agarkar was India’s standout bowler, as he picked up 4 wickets for 35 runs, while Anil Kumble took 3 wickets.

India chased down this total with ease and Agarkar was named player of the match for his performance.

source : firstpost.com