SK Flashback: Australia’s first tour of India in 1956

#5 Colin McDonald’s unique record

McDonald’s unique record is unlikely to be broken

Unlike the Australian tours to India in the 21st century which capture the attention of the entire cricket world, the 1956 series was a low key event and with the exception of Richie Benaud, there weren’t too many talking points. As the articulate Benaud himself wrote, “This 1956 series in India, consisting of only three Tests, produced remarkably little attractive cricket.”

There is, however, an interesting anecdote from the series – a record which may not be broken in cricket any time in the near future. Colin McDonald, while facing the first delivery of Australia’s innings (off Gulabrai Ramchand) in the first Test, became the first batsman to face the first ball bowled to a country’s player in three different countries – having faced Australia’s first ball in West Indies and Pakistan as well.

With the likelihood of new teams achieving Test status unlikely in the near future, it is possible that McDonald’s unique feat will be secure for a long time.