Lala Amarnath, man behind some of Indian cricket’s most important ‘firsts’ | Cricket News – Times of India

In his Test career, Amarnath played 24 Tests, scoring 878 runs at an average of 24.38. He has scored one century and four half-centuries in a career that lasted over two decades. He was also an effective bowler, having taken 45 wickets, with best bowling figures of 5/96.
He also had an envious first-class record for his time, scoring 10,426 runs at an average of 41.37 in 186 matches, across 286 innings. 31 centuries and 39 half-centuries were scored by him, with best individual score of 262.
He also went on to become the first-ever captain of the cricket team of an independent India between 1947-1952. He captained India in 15 Tests, winning two, losing six and drawing seven. Amarnath went on to captain India to its first-ever Test series win against Pakistan by 2-1.
Amarnath was also the first-ever bowler to dismiss legendary Australian batter Don Bradman by hit-wicket. It happened during a Test against Australia in November 1947, when he dismissed Bradman for 185 runs.
His sons Mohinder and Surinder Amarnath also served India in the sport, with the former being a vital part of India’s World-Cup winning team in 1983.