Former Indian all-rounder Syed Abid Ali, who played 29 Test matches for India between 1967 and 1974, has passed away at the age of 83 in California. He was known for his medium-pace bowling, sharp fielding, and quick running between the wickets.
One of the most memorable moments of his career came in 1971 when he hit the winning runs at The Oval, securing India’s first-ever Test series victory in England. His final shot, a square cut, never reached the boundary as jubilant fans stormed the field in celebration.
Abid Ali also played in India’s first five ODIs, making his debut in 1974 and featuring in all matches until 1975. In Test cricket, he took 47 wickets, with career-best figures of 6/55 on debut against Australia in Adelaide. He also scored six Test fifties, including twin half-centuries in Sydney during his debut series.
Though he occasionally played at the top of the order, Abid Ali primarily batted in the lower-middle order, with most of his Test innings—20 out of 53—coming at No. 8.
He was involved in a rare controversy during a Test match against New Zealand in Christchurch, where he was no-balled for throwing—reportedly in protest against Kiwi bowler Gary Bartlett’s action, which the Indian team considered questionable.
A key figure in Hyderabad cricket, Abid Ali had a remarkable domestic career, playing 212 first-class matches over two decades. He scored 8,732 runs with 13 centuries and 41 fifties while taking 397 wickets at an average of 28.55. His last Test appearance was in December 1974, his final ODI in June 1975, and he played his last first-class match in 1978-79.
After retiring, he became a coach, mentoring Andhra Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy and coaching teams in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Maldives. In his later years, he lived in Tracy, California, spending time with his family until his passing.
Abid Ali’s contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered.