Syed Abid Ali: Former Indians Test Bowler, Passed Away At 83

Former Indian Test cricketer Syed Abid Ali, who was known for his versatility, died on March 12, 2025, at the age of 83. Abid Ali was born in Hyderabad, India, on September 9, 1941. His career in cricket was marked by his ability to play a variety of positions, including right-arm medium-fast bowler, right-handed batsman, and outstanding fielder.

Early Life and Domestic Career

During his time at All Saints High School and St. George's Grammar School in Hyderabad, Abid Ali's talent for cricket was made clear. His excellent fielding abilities gained him a spot on the Hyderabad Schools squad in 1956, where he won the best fielder's title after scoring 82 runs against Kerala. He started out as a wicketkeeper before turning to bowling. He was selected for the Hyderabad junior squad in 1958–59 and the state’s Ranji Trophy team the following year due to his solid performances.

Career Statistics

Abid Ali played 29 Test matches during his 1967–1975 international career, gaining 1,018 runs at an average of 20.36, including six half-centuries, with a peak score of 81. His highest bowling numbers were 6 for 55, and he claimed 47 wickets at an average of 42.12. He played five One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India, taking seven wickets with best bowling figures of 2 for 22 and scoring 93 runs with a top score of 70.

International Debut and Notable Performances

On December 23, 1967, Abid Ali played his first Test match in Adelaide against Australia. He put up an outstanding display in this game, recording six wickets for 55 runs, the most by any Indian debutant at the time. In both innings, he scored 33 runs as well. Promoted to open the batting in the third Test of the same series, he made 47 runs before going on to score 81 and 78 in the final Test.

India's 1971 tour of the West Indies was a turning point in his career. When India won the historic series thanks to Sunil Gavaskar's winning runs in the Port of Spain Test, Abid Ali was at the non-striker's end. He showed his bowling ability by removing Rohan Kanhai and Garry Sobers off consecutive deliveries in the last Test of that series. He scored the game-winning boundary in India's four-wicket win at The Oval later that year during their tour of England, helping the team achieve their first-ever Test victory on English soil.