Who was the first Indian cricketer to score a hundred on debut in an overseas Test? (19 August 2002)

Abbas Ali Baig's international career was a brief one but that could not prevent him from being involved in some of the most romantic moments of Indian cricket history. We choose the adjective with care; the Oxford-educated Baig was not only the first Indian to score a hundred on debut in an overseas Test but also the first to be kissed in the Test arena by a lady admirer. The latter event occurred in Mumbai where Baig made two half- centuries against Richie Benaud's Australians in the third Test of the 1959-60 series involving the two sides.

Baig's dramatic entry into international cricket in the fourth Test of the preceding series against England in England had earlier clinched him his heart-throb status. With his team India trailing by 547 runs and in danger of slumping to a fourth consecutive defeat, the debutant decided to take matters into his own hand. Batting with great assurance on a belter of a batting wicket, Baig, in the course of an unbeaten 86, proved that he was indeed a worthy replacement for the injured Vijay Manjrekar. But, then, he had to retire hurt after being hit on his head by a bouncer from English quick Dusty Rhodes.

The final morning, however, was to witness the return of Baig. With Polly Umrigar in fine form at the other end, the Hyderabadi had time on his hands. After spending nearly half an hour on 96, he finally reached his ton with a boundary off Rhodes. In one memorable moment, he had become both the first Indian cricketer to score a hundred on debut in an overseas Test as well as India's youngest Test centurion, a record which was to stay with him until Sachin Tendulkar overhauled it in the early 90s.

Baig eventually made 112 before being run out. His ton and a 118 from Umrigar, though, could not save India from a 171-run thrashing at the hands of the home team.

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