5 performances by Ranjitsinhji that will make every Indian Cricket fan proud

#2 Answering Australian critics with style

Ranji scored a brilliant 175 despite falling ill in Australia

Earlier, Ranji had expressed doubts on the legality of Australia’s fast bowler Ernie Jones' bowling action. The Australian public and media thus accused Ranji of cowardice and claimed Ranji’s lack of courage to be the reason for him missing out from the first Test.

In 1897, Ranji was chosen in England’s team that toured Australia for a five-match Test series. The Indian Prince was disturbed by the bout of asthma and despite his stellar performances against Australian state teams, it became clear that he would miss the first Test.

However, the pouring rain postponed the beginning of the first Test at Sydney and Ranji decided to play in the match, despite his ill-health. Coming out to bat at number seven, Ranji scored a brilliant 175, then the highest score for England in Test cricket, leading England to a nine-wicket win. The spectacular innings included a severe treatment of the same Ernie Jones thus converting Australian critics into his proudest admirers.