M Chinnaswamy Stadium first Test history

Fifty-one years ago, Indian cricket witnessed the birth of an iconic venue and, at the same time, the arrival of two young West Indian cricketers who would go on to change world cricket forever. On 22 November 1974, M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore hosted its first Test, and West Indies introduced Gordon Greenidge and Vivian Richards, two future giants of the sport. Their debut marked the beginning of a Caribbean era that would soon dominate world cricket and claim multiple World Cup victories. So let’s know about M Chinnaswamy Stadium first Test history.

The Legacy of M Chinnaswamy Stadium

The Test between India and West Indies was the first international match ever played at what is now known as the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Initially named the Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium, it was renamed after BCCI President Mangalam Chinnaswamy, who served from 1977 to 1980.

Over the decades, the ground has become one of Indian cricket’s most famous stages:

  • Hosted 50+ international matches

  • Venue for the 1996 Cricket World Cup quarterfinal between India and Pakistan

  • Home to the dramatic tied India vs England match in the 2011 World Cup

  • Home ground of Royal Challengers Bangalore, the only IPL franchise to win both Men’s and Women’s IPL titles

The venue’s debut Test would also be remembered for the arrival of two Caribbean superstars.

West Indies Unleash Their Future Greats

West Indies, led by Clive Lloyd, handed international debuts to:

  • Gordon Greenidge (Barbados)

  • Vivian Richards (Antigua)

India won the toss and bowled first, giving both debutants a chance to bat on Day One. With Bishan Singh Bedi missing, India relied heavily on Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, and S. Venkataraghavan.

Greenidge Impresses on Debut; Richards Starts Quietly

Gordon Greenidge opened the innings alongside Roy Fredericks. After Fredericks retired hurt at 38/0, Alvin Kalicharan joined Greenidge, and the pair settled confidently as India struggled to find breakthroughs.

Even on debut, Greenidge showed tremendous composure:

  • Timed the ball confidently

  • Handled Indian spinners expertly

  • Looked set for a century

He was eventually run out for 93, a brilliant innings featuring 13 fours and 3 sixes—a performance that signaled the arrival of a future Test great.

Viv Richards began his career with a boundary but was dismissed soon after for 4, caught by Prasanna off Chandrasekhar. West Indies ended the innings at 289, with Kalicharan top-scoring with 124. India responded with 260, trailing by 29.

Caribbean Storm in the Second Innings

West Indies accelerated in the second innings, and Greenidge again stole the show. While Richards fell early for just 3, Greenidge partnered with Clive Lloyd to form a 207-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Key highlights:

  • Clive Lloyd smashed 163 at a rapid pace

  • Greenidge scored his maiden Test century, becoming the first West Indian to score a debut hundred overseas

India’s batting collapsed on Day Five, managing just 118, with both captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Farokh Engineer absent hurt. The visitors comfortably claimed victory.

Richards Responds with a Statement

Although Richards’ debut was modest, he refused to let the first match define him. Just one Test later, in Delhi, he responded with:

  • Unbeaten 192, a commanding innings that announced his arrival in world cricket

It was the start of something special—he and Greenidge would soon become the pillars of a cricketing empire.

Legends in the Making

Over the next decade and beyond:

  • Both played more than 100 Tests and ODIs

  • Greenidge scored over 12,000 international runs

  • Richards crossed 15,000 international runs

Together, they powered the West Indies’ golden era of the 1970s and 80s, producing unforgettable performances and contributing to one of cricket’s greatest dynasties.

A Historic Day in Cricket’s Journey

The first Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium was more than just the inauguration of a venue—it was the day the world witnessed:

  • The rise of two future all-time greats

  • The beginning of a Caribbean powerhouse

  • A moment that cricket folklore will never forget

The match stands as a reminder of how cricketing legends can emerge from the very first moment they set foot on the international stage.

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