Former India all-rounder Syed Abid Ali, who was identified for his versatility and sharp fielding expertise, died on Wednesday after a protracted sickness. He was 83. He was a part of an illustrious group of Hyderabad cricketers that included MAK Pataudi, ML Jaisimha, and Abbas Ali Baig. He died in the USA. The information of Abid Ali’s passing was shared by the North America Cricket League (NACL). “It’s with profound reverence and a coronary heart filled with admiration that I share with you the passing of uncle Syed Abid Ali a cricketing legend from India who made Tracy, California, his residence, and whose exceptional legacy continues to encourage us to try for excellence,” NACL posted in its Fb web page.
“The North America Cricket League (NACL) and the expansion of cricket within the Bay Space owe a debt of gratitude to his tireless efforts and contributions to the Northern California Cricket Affiliation (NCCA), a testomony to his enduring impression.
“Allow us to keep in mind him in our prayers and have a good time his exceptional legacy, honouring his reminiscence by persevering with to pursue our passions with dedication and perseverance.” Ali made his Take a look at debut in December 1967 in opposition to Australia in Adelaide, marking the event with a sensational 6/55 within the first innings — his career-best bowling figures.
His batting prowess was on show later in the identical collection when he scored 78 and 81 within the Sydney Take a look at, proving his all-round capabilities.
Between 1967 and 1974, he performed 29 Checks for India, tallying 1,018 runs and taking 47 wickets.
He was forward of his time and was identified for his work ethic.
His was lightning-quick whereas working between the wickets and was one of many most interesting fielders of his time.
Ali additionally had a uncommon distinction — he opened each the batting and bowling for India in a number of matches, together with two in opposition to New Zealand in 1968, three at residence in 1969, and two on the 1971 tour of the West Indies.
His ODI profession was transient however historic.
He was a part of the Ajit Wadekar-led Indian crew that performed its first-ever ODI in 1974 in opposition to England at Headingley, a 55-over-a-side match that India misplaced.
Within the first recreation, he batted at No. 8, scoring 17, and opened the bowling, conceding 51 runs in 9 overs.
Within the second ODI at The Oval, that additionally India misplaced, Ali batted at No 10 and picked up his first wicket whereas returning figures of 1/21 from 11 overs.
Ali additionally performed within the inaugural ODI World Cup in 1975, that includes in three matches.
His finest efficiency within the format got here in opposition to New Zealand, the place he scored a 98-ball 70.
In his 5 ODI appearances, he accrued 93 runs and took seven wickets.
On the home stage, Ali performed 212 first-class matches, scoring 8,732 runs, together with a highest rating of 173 not out, and picked up 397 wickets, with finest figures of 6/23.
Heartfelt tributes poured in from the cricketing fraternity who remembered him as a devoted mentor, a crew participant and a exceptional human being.
“Unhappy information Abid Ali isn’t any extra. He was nice crew man and good human being. Heartfelt condolences to the household. OM Shanti,” posted World Cup successful India all-rounder Madan Lal.
Former chief Nationwide selector and wicketkeeper MSK Prasad remembered Ali’s days as Andhra coach.
“It is extremely unlucky that Abid Sir has handed away. He had been unwell for fairly a while.
“One factor I can proudly say is that in his tenure as Andhra’s coach, he instilled in us the artwork of successful — reworking us from mere individuals into true opponents,” Prasad acknowledged in his condolence message shared with PTI.
“By means of his relentless efforts, each bodily and mentally, he formed our crew right into a dominant pressure in home cricket for a decade. He developed a successful tradition and mentality that stayed with us.
“His contributions to Andhra cricket will at all times be remembered.”
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