Mohinder Amernath was probably the fastest spell that Michael Holding had ever bowled.
I had the satisfaction of scoring a breezy half-century in 1976. Before India commenced its second innings, I had decided to adopt Papaji’s advice that the best way to defend oneself was to attack. I had decided to follow my instinct and counterattack. The attacking field left many areas vulnerable to exploitation. I slashed hard at short-pitch deliveries to fetch a few boundaries.
These airy shots irritated the bowlers, and they dug in a few bouncers. Since I played hook shots quite well, hitting Daniel and Holder to the fence was not difficult. However, one bouncer from Holding flew past me at a fiery pace, leaving no chance for me to react. Before I could get into position, the ball went past my head and the outstretched hands of wicketkeeper Deryck Murray for four byes. It hit the white wall, acting as a sight screen behind him after one bounce, and left a big red mark on it. At that moment, I changed my mind and ducked under all the bouncers from Michael Holding. It’s a great day of cricket in my entire life. I went down with all his guns firing in India’s hour of despair.
