NEW DELHI: The second tied Test between India and Australia took place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 18 to 22, 1986. It remains one of the most thrilling and historic encounters in cricket history.
This match was only the second time a Test ended in a tie, the first being in 1960 between Australia and the West Indies in Brisbane.
Batting first, Australia, under Allan Border’s captaincy, posted a formidable 574 for 7 declared.
Dean Jones was the star of the innings, scoring a heroic 210 off 330 balls despite suffering from severe dehydration and heat exhaustion. His knock, regarded as one of the finest under such grueling conditions, was supported by centuries from David Boon (122) and Border himself (106).

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In response, India showed resilience, with Kapil Dev leading the charge with a brilliant 119. Contributions from Kris Srikkanth (53), Mohammad Azharuddin (50), and Ravi Shastri (62) helped India reach 397, but they still conceded a substantial 177-run lead.
Australia, looking to set a challenging target, declared their second innings at 170 for 5, leaving India to chase 348.
The final day’s play turned into an unforgettable drama. Sunil Gavaskar (90), Mohinder Amarnath (51), and other Indian batsmen kept the chase alive, but it was Ravi Shastri who stood firm as wickets tumbled around him.
Shastri didn’t get support from the other end and remained unbeaten on 48 off 40 balls, inclduing three fours and two sixes.

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With India needing just four runs and only one wicket remaining, Maninder Singh joined Shastri at the crease.
In a nail-biting finish, off-spinner Greg Matthews, who bowled tirelessly in the oppressive heat, trapped Maninder LBW with the scores level, ending the match in a historic tie.
Both Kapil Dev and Dean Jones were named Players of the Match.