Interesting Facts about Lala Amarnath

Lala Amarnath was undoubtedly one of the most charismatic characters of Indian cricket who had contibuted both on and off the field. Check out some interesting trivia and facts about this popular cricketer:

Interesting Facts about Lala Amarnath

# Lala Amarnath was born in Kapurthala, Punjab in 1911 and was raised in Lahore. He was born as Nanik Amarnath Bhardwaj.

# He was the first Indian to score a century in test cricket. He did it in the second innings of his debut test against England in 1933.

# He was also independent India's first Test captain, leading the team on a tour of Australia in 1947-1948.

# It was under his leadership that India won their first-ever Test series 2-1 against Pakistan in 1952.

# Lala Amarnath holds the unique distinction of being the only bowler to dismiss Don Bradman courtesy of a hit-wicket.

# He was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the M C C in 1960.

# He was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1991.

# He had received C K Nayudu Award for outstanding contribution to Indian Cricket, both on and off the field, instituted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 1994.

# His two sons - Mohinder Amarnath and Surinder Amarnath played Test cricket for India. His third Son, Rajinder Amarnath, played Ranji Trophy.

# He served as an expert commentator on All India Radio and Television for several years.

# Amarnath was controversially sent flipside from the 1936 visit of England by the skipper, the Maharajkumar of Vizianagram, for "disruptive behavior". Amarnath and others contend it was owing to political principles.

# He scored 878 runs at an average of 24.38 from 24 test matches. This includes 1 century, 4 half centuries and 45 wickets.