Vijay Merchant - Career highlights India's Bradman
Vijay Merchant
Vijay Merchant was considered India’s finest opening batsman of his era. World War II meant he only played 10 Tests for India. But he dominated domestic cricket in India, averaging 71.64 - second highest first-class average in history, second only to Sir Don Bradman.
Merchant is regarded as the founder of the Bombay school of batsmanship, that placed greater importance on right technique, steely temperament and conservative approach rather than free flow of the bat.
His penchant for scoring big prompted England great CB Fry to remark, “Let us paint him white and take him with us to Australia as an opener.”
In 18 years he represented India in 10 Tests and averaged 47.72. World War II prevented him from playing more Tests.
Merchant was appointed captain for India’s historic tour of Australia in 1947-48, but a groin injury forced him to withdraw from the squad.
The series had already created excitement with Merchant clashing with run-machine Bradman. On Merchant missing on the tour, Bradman had to say this, "We were denied the sight of Vijay Merchant, who must surely have claims to be the greatest of all Indian players." He also missed the home series against West Indies again due to poor health.
Full story http://talkyuhcricket.net/forum/viewtop ... f=24&t=460