From Tendulkar to Shastri: Former AUS cricketer-turned-lawyer recalls heroics of AUS Prime Minister’s XI in 1991

Last update:November 30, 2024, 1:32 p.m. IST

Greg Rowell during his first-class career represented New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.

Sachin Tendulkar retired as the most prolific batter in international cricket history. (AFP Photo)

As the Indian team currently prepares for a two-day practice match against the Prime Minister’s 11, a former Australian first-class cricketer recalled the days when he represented the Prime Minister’s XI and got the wickets of some of the greatest legends of Indian cricket at the time. .

Greg Rowell during his first-class career represented New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania where he accumulated a total of 46 FC matches and 27 List A matches during his career which spanned extended over the 90s.

According to a report from Indian Expresshe is now a successful lawyer and also a Cricket Australia official when he recalled the 11th India v Prime Minister match at the Manuka Oval in 1991.

A fairly young prospect at the time, he was looking to make his point and he certainly shone finishing with figures of 7/27 which included the wickets of some of the biggest names in Indian cricket like Ravi Shastri and a youngster. Sachin Tendulkar.

Reflecting on post-match thoughts, he recalled: “I remember Shastri speaking warmly at the end of the match. And Prime Minister Hawke, back from the days when politicians were popular, came into the box to chat. It was a thrill.”

India and the PM’s 11 members have a chance to make a good impression when the two teams clash. Both teams have a good share of young talent eager to make their mark.

But the most important thing, especially for India, is to get used to playing with the pink ball. This presents a whole new challenge and, given the day and night conditions, it could be a whole different ball game.

India will be keen to extend its lead and accumulate misery against the Australians. With Rohit Sharma back in the team, the momentum is with the Indian team heading into the Adelaide Test. But the Australians could be desperate to make a comeback as they aim to end their decade-long losing streak to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.