The Unbelievable Upset!

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'That dismissal was the turning point'

Eknath Solkar on the catch of his life Alan Knott, England's wicket-keeper batsman, had played the spinners well right through that series and got runs in every innings.

Eknath Solkar taking the catch of Keith Here, Venkatraghavan was bowling really well. Farokh (Engineer, the wicket-keeper) suggested I come two steps closer at short leg, which I did. I had noticed that Knott tends to play off spin with the forward defensive style. So, anticipating the shot, I just dived and stuck my hand out in front almost as soon as the ball was bowled, and ended up taking it centimeters off the ground.

I think that dismissal was the turning point of the match, and of the series. Another catch that I remember very well, from that match, was off Keith Fletcher.

Chandra bowled a peach of a delivery that came up from the good length spot. Keith had no chance of avoiding it, he just sort of fended at it (On right is the photograph of that catch). I dived, and managed to get my fingers under it. Those were golden days for Indian cricket.

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As spoken to: Faisal Shariff
Chandrasekhar | Eknath Solkar | Dilip Sardesai | Ajit Wadekar | Ray Illingworth