The Inception of India's Historic Cricket Tour to Australia: A Tale of Trials and Triumphs

The inaugural cricket tour of Australia by India in 1947-48 stands as a testament to resilience, overcome by players amidst the unrest following independence and partition. While facing the formidable Don Bradman and his team, India grappled with personal losses and national turmoil, ultimately embarking on a journey that would shape cricketing history.

 

In 1947, as India geared up for its first-ever cricket tour to Australia, the nation was engulfed in chaos following its independence and partition which had sparked widespread violence and one of the largest migrations in history. This turbulent environment set a daunting stage for India's cricket team, who were preparing to face the legendary Don Bradman and his celebrated Australian squad, humorously dubbed "Bradman's Invincibles."

The team, comprising 16 players, was selected amidst the national turmoil that accompanied the painful migration, with millions moving across newly drawn borders. Many cricketers within the squad were moving through their own personal challenges, battling the uncertainty surrounding their homes, families, and the future. The President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Anthony De Mello, announced the team on a large canvas, proudly highlighting a map of undivided India, emphasizing it represented all Indians.

Before this momentous tour, the Indian cricket team had only contested three official Test matches in England between 1932 and 1946, suffering defeats in each. However, a turning point came in 1946 when Australian captain Lindsay Hassett and a Services team traveled to India as a gesture of goodwill, following the Allies’ victory in World War II. India excelled during this series, defeating the Australians 1-0 in matches that were classified as unofficial, subsequently paving their way to an official Test series.

With anticipation mounting, the Indian team faced several setbacks as prominent players had to withdraw. Vijay Merchant and Rusi Modi cited medical conditions, while Mushtaq Ali was compelled to forgo the tour due to the death of his brother. Consequently, Lala Amarnath was appointed captain, with Vijay Hazare stepping in as vice-captain.

The violence following partition almost thwarted Amarnath's travel plans, with harrowing accounts reported by his son in a subsequent biography. Lala Amarnath narrowly avoided confrontation with a sectarian mob in Patiala, Punjab; his identification by a police officer who recognized him led to a narrow escape. Meanwhile, fast bowler Fazal Mahmood faced a deadly mob on a train, only to be protected by former captain CK Nayudu brandishing a bat.

Despite the grave unrest, Mahmood reached Poona for the pre-tour training camp, albeit being suspended from further participation after witnessing the brutality back in his home city of Lahore. As tensions escalated, eventually leading to three more squad members transferring to Pakistan and representing the national team against India years later, the tour moved ahead with a weakened roster. Ultimately, India lost the series 4-0.

Reflecting upon this inaugural tour in retrospect highlights the resilience and determination of a team that ventured into history under dire circumstances. Today, the rivalry between India and Australia remains robust, as the nations face each other approximately every two years, an evolution of their intertwined cricketing destinies that began amidst turmoil.