Anil Kumble’s Historic Ten-Wicket Haul: A Masterclass in Leg-Spin

Cricket is a game of moments—fleeting yet eternal, etched in history by acts of brilliance that defy probability. On February 7, 1999, at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, Anil Kumble orchestrated one such moment, inscribing his name alongside England’s Jim Laker as only the second bowler to claim all ten wickets in a Test innings. His figures of 10 for 74 in Pakistan’s second innings were the stuff of legend, a testament to relentless accuracy, unwavering resolve, and the intricate artistry of leg-spin bowling. 

This was more than just a personal milestone; it was a victory of immense significance for India. Not since the 1979-80 series had India triumphed over Pakistan in a Test match, and the win in Delhi allowed them to square the series. Yet, despite the broader context, it was Kumble’s spellbinding performance that dominated the narrative, transforming a routine Test match into an immortal chapter of cricketing folklore. 

The Setup: A Battle on a Treacherous Pitch 

The match itself unfolded on a pitch scarred by past events—vandalism by fundamentalists a month earlier had necessitated hasty repairs, leaving the surface unpredictable. Batting was a challenge, but India made the most of their first use of the wicket, posting 252 in their first innings, aided by Pakistan’s generosity in the field—four crucial catches went down, three of them reprieving India's top scorers. Kumble had already sensed the pitch's potential, teasing out hints of grip and turn that would later fuel his historic rampage. 

Pakistan’s reply was modest, a mere 172, with Kumble already exerting his influence. But India’s second innings ensured the visitors were left with a near-impossible target of 420. Opener Sadagoppan Ramesh’s composed 96 and a crucial 100-run stand between Sourav Ganguly and Javagal Srinath allowed India to stretch their lead significantly. Wasim Akram briefly stole the limelight by surpassing Imran Khan’s record of 362 Test wickets for Pakistan, but his milestone was soon eclipsed by the looming storm that was Kumble. 

The Collapse: Kumble’s Spell of a Lifetime 

Pakistan, needing only a draw to win the series, had started with promise. Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi negotiated the early overs effectively, guiding Pakistan to 101 without loss. The chase, however, was never a realistic prospect; survival was the goal. But survival, on this day, was an impossible dream. 

Kumble had bowled six wicketless overs in the morning, operating from the Football Stand End. It was after lunch, from the Pavilion End, that the magic began. 

Afridi was the first to go, caught behind attempting a hesitant dab outside off-stump. His reluctance to depart was evident, lingering in protest at what he deemed an erroneous decision by home umpire Jayaprakash. But there was no reprieve, and Pakistan’s collapse had begun. 

Ijaz Ahmed followed immediately, trapping lbw on the front foot. Inzamam-ul-Haq averted the hat-trick but soon succumbed, dragging an inside edge onto his stumps. In quick succession, Yousuf Youhana (lbw), Moin Khan (caught low in the slips), and Anwar (bat-pad at short leg) perished, reducing Pakistan to a dire 128 for six. In the span of 44 balls, Kumble had taken six wickets for just 15 runs. It was at this moment that he dared to believe in the improbable—taking all ten wickets in an innings. 

The dream, however, encountered resistance. Salim Malik and Wasim Akram held firm, stitching together a 58-run partnership that threatened to deny Kumble his place in history. But patience and persistence are the virtues of a great leg-spinner, and Kumble had both in abundance. 

The breakthrough came after tea. Malik, attempting a pull, misjudged the bounce and lost his stumps. Mushtaq Ahmed fended a rising delivery to gully. Saqlain Mushtaq was pinned lbw next ball, leaving just one wicket between Kumble and Eternity. 

Azharuddin, India’s captain, sensed history in the making and privately instructed Srinath to avoid taking a wicket, ensuring Kumble had every chance to claim the final scalp. The script played out perfectly. Wasim Akram, having defied India for 90 minutes, finally succumbed, top-edging a short-leg catch to VVS Laxman. The moment had arrived. Kumble, arms aloft, was swarmed by his teammates and carried off the field, the hero of an unforgettable day. 

Reflections: A Legacy Cemented 

Kumble, ever the humble statesman, downplayed his achievement. "No one dreams of taking ten wickets in an innings, because you can't," he admitted. Yet, he had done the impossible, executing his craft with precision on a deteriorating surface. He acknowledged the conditions had aided his cause—the variable bounce made pulling and cutting treacherous—but ultimately, it was his skill and consistency that had overwhelmed Pakistan’s batting. 

Even as Kumble basked in the adulation, another figure in the stands bore witness to a rare déjà vu. Richard Stokes, an English businessman, had seen Jim Laker claim all ten wickets at Old Trafford in 1956. Fate had conspired to gift him another slice of cricketing history—this time on his birthday. 

 For Indian cricket, the match was more than just a victory; it was a symbol of resilience, a reminder of the magic the sport can produce. And for Kumble, it was the defining moment of a career that would ultimately cement his place among the greatest spinners the game has ever known.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar