Imran Khan was deadly with the ball in '82. Relive his first innings flurry here.
The Lion of Lahore
In 1982 Imran Khan captained his Pakistan side in the first Test of the series at Edgbaston. While Imran’s team we’re quite able to get over the line, Khan had an incredible game taking 7-52 in the first inning and at total of 9-136 in the match.
Arguably this was Khan at his best, bowling in-swinging balls at ferocious pace. Khan’s attacking style kept the England batsmen on the back-foot and helped force England to a 250 first innings total. In the video we can see a packed Edgbaston crowd often stunned by the devastating pace and accuracy of Khan’s bowling.
In the first innings Khan took the wickets of; Randall, Gower, Botham, Miller, Greig, Hemmings and Taylor. Khan was unstoppable, if the kit-man had a bat he’d probably have taken his wicket too!
Despite Khan’s best efforts Pakistan lost the game due to their poor batting performance, particularly in the top order. However regardless of the outcome Edgbaston in 1982 will always be remembered for Imran Khan’s phenomenal first innings spree and there’s no doubt Imran will be watching in 2016 wondering if perhaps this time Pakistan against England can go the distance at Edgbaston.
