Dean Jones & the Second Tied Test

“That is the gutsiest effort I have ever seen.” Bob Simpson.

After 50 years of tentative contact, cultural confusion and controversy, Indo-Australian cricket sprang to life and international relevance when the 43rd Test match ended in a tie at Madras (now Chennai) in September 1986.

Players of distinction overcame oppressive and enervating heat and humidity to enact just the second tied match in 1052 Tests since 1877.

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The images in this story are from the Bradman Museum's Holman Fairfax Collection. The photograms in original condition, most never before seen, of the historic second Tied Test. Photograms were printed quickly and cheaply throughout the 1980s by photo-journalists, to be sent and received by facsimilie to news outlets. The paper used would quickly absorb any moisture in the air, which would lead to rapid later deterioration of the original image.

An original ticket to the Australia vs India Test match, Second Tied Test, at Chennai (Madras), 18-22 September 1986.

Indestructible Australian Captain, Allan Border and incomparable Indian batsman, Sunil Gavaskar - who 10 years later gave their names to the trophy which signifies competition between the two countries - were especially conspicuous.

Border scored the 19th of his 27 career centuries and Gavaskar, playing his 100th consecutive Test match, a thrilling 90 as India gamely pursued an improbable 348 for victory after Border had made his second bold declaration for the match.

In the Indian opener, Sunil Gavaskar is caught and bowled by Greg Matthews for 8 runs.

It was, however, irrepressible Dean Jones, recalled to the Australian team after 2½ years, who carried all before him with an unforgettable double century that instantly became a part of the rich lore of the game.

At the age of 25 and in only his third Test, Jones, affected by the heat and humidity, disregarded bouts of vomiting and the pain of severe stomach and leg cramps to bat for 8 hours and 24 minutes. From 330 deliveries he scored 210 with 27 boundaries and two sixes.

Australian opener David Boon sweeps the ball for 4 during the first innings. He made 122 and 49 runs in the match.

Greg Matthews celebrates taking a wicket in India's first innings. Matthews chose to bowl in a sweater in stifling heat throughout the match. In his mind, it intimidated the Indian batsmen. He took 10 wickets in the game.

Fast bowler Bruce Reid has Chetan Sharma caught behind by Tim Zoehrer for 30. Sharma was Reid's sole wicket in the Test.

An exhausted Greg Matthews celebrates after taking the final wicket. Matthews bowled a marathon 39.5 overs in stifling heat, returning 5-146 In the second innings. Image: Tim Zoehrer, Allan Border, Greg Matthews, Dean Jones

The end of the match, Maninder Singh LBW (leg before wicket) 0 to Greg Matthews.

The ball used in the second Indian innings, which was souvenired by Greg Matthews after his marathon 40 over bowling effort.