Mohammad Azizuddin Azharuddin, popularly known as Azhar or Azza, may have left the cricket field some ten years ago but his followers still remember him for his wristy strokes and agile fielding. Boasting of a graceful and fluid batting style, Mohammad Azharuddin went on to capture many hearts and even acclamations from critics of the game for his calm nature, leadership style, humble approach, and impeccable habit of scoring runs at almost will.

Azhar, born on 8th February 1963 in Hyderabad, still holds the distinction of scoring a century apiece in each of his first three tests - a record that still holds intact. He went on to score a total of 22 centuries in test cricket and 7 in one day internationals (ODIs) and took 156 catches in the limited over version (ODI). The lush green Eden Gardens in Kolkata was the happy hunting ground for this classic cricket player.

Mohammad Azharuddin made his test debut on 31st December 1984 v England and ODI debut on 20th January 1985 v England. He also holds a unique record of scoring centuries in his first and last Test. Towards the end of his illustrious career, Azhar was accused of match fixing by Hansie Cronje of South Africa and was banned from the game of cricket for life in 2000. And with this scandal, the game of cricket, especially Indian cricket, lost one of its most talented sons to greed. However, one can still find respite in the fact that every wristy player of today’s times is still compared to this legendary and one of the most successful Indian captains.

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Tags : Cricket, scandal, Eden Gardens, fielding, Mohammad Azharuddin, Mohammad Azizuddin Azharuddin, Azhar, Azza, batting style, cricket player, match fixing, Hansie Cronje, Indian cricket, wristy player, Indian captains

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