India cricket great Sunil Gavaskar is confident of Virat Kohli-led side's series victory in England. He recalled India's historic first-ever Test win in England under Ajit Waderkar's captaincy in 1971 on the 50th anniversary.
Speaking in a video posted on his Instagram account, Gavaskar said the atmosphere at The Oval after defeating England by four wickets was similar to their 1983 World Cup win. He called it an unforgettable day and added that the current Indian side would repeat the history.
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"50 years ago, on August 24th, India won a Test in England for the first time and with it the Test series. What a day it was... It was truly unforgettable. The crowds that lined up the Oval were something similar to what happened in 1983.
"Of course, 1983 was much bigger because the whole of Lord's cricket ground seemed to be taken by Indian supporters. But it was truly unforgettable(India's first Test win), truly memorable.
"Ajit Wadekar led the side superbly and there was some tremendous batting by Farokh Engineer, Gundappa Viswanath, Dilip Sardesai to take us home. But above all, it was BS Chandrasekhar six wickets for 38 that dismissed England for only 101 in the second innings and paved the way for India to win," he said.
The Indian cricket team is currently 1-0 up in the five-match Test series after winning at Lord's. "So now this time around too, at The Oval, India will clinch the series just like we did way back in 1971. Be rest assured of that. This team will repeat what 1971 Wadekar's team did," Gavaskar added.
India will face England in the third Test of the series at Headingley, starting on Wednesday (August 25). They are set to play the fourth Test at The Oval, and the last match at Old Trafford.
