On September 22, 1986, Test cricket made history with just its second tied match as India and Australia faced off at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As Day 5 began, Australia captain Allan Border declared their second innings at 170/5, setting India a challenging target of 348 runs in 87 overs.
Indian openers Sunil Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth rose to the occasion, with Srikkanth scoring 39 runs aggressively, while Gavaskar played a masterful innings of 90. Mohinder Amarnath also contributed with a solid 51. However, just when India seemed in control, Ray Bright’s outstanding bowling turned the tide, taking three quick wickets.
With India at 344/9, the match was delicately poised, with all outcomes possible. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as India, needing just 4 runs to win, saw their hopes dashed in a thrilling finale. The match ended in a dramatic tie, marking it as one of the greatest encounters in the 109-year history of Test cricket.
