IND vs SA, Fourth Test: Feroz Shah Kotla ground – records and statistics
India never lost a Test here since the 1987 debacle against the West Indies
New Delhi: After a lot of commotion and confusion, the Feroz Shah Kotla ground – of Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) – is finally the venue for the fourth Test between India and South Africa starting on Thursday.
The ground, established in 1883 and formerly called Willingdon Pavilion, is hosting a Test match after almost two-and-a half years.
The last Test played on this ground saw India emerge victorious against Australia by six wickets in March 2013. The late Philip Hughes (Australia) was seen in action too who scored 45 in the first innings.
Nonetheless, out of 32 Tests played here – they won 12, drew 14 and lost six. But the last time India lost a Test at Kotla was in 1987, against the mighty West Indies. While Courtney Walsh and Patrick Patterson ran through the Indian batting line-up with five wickets respectively in each innings, Sir Viv Richards slammed an unbeaten ton (109 off 111) to take the tourists home.
With pitch and spin stealing the limelight in the ongoing series, one must remember Kotla’s spinning past, remember Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul against Pakistan in 1999?
It is to be seen whether Virat Kohli and his boys can make it 3-0 against the South Africans in the last rubber of the ongoing Freedom Series.