Latest news with #FarokhEngineer
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Gill, Rahul, Stokes show Test cricket is about quality and class
Compared to other venues in England Manchester has an entirely different vibe. Lord's is iconic with its intimidating aura and top end exclusive feel. Old Trafford is simple, more inclusive culturally and from a cricket standpoint. Clive Lloyd, Farokh Engineer, Wasim Akram, legends all, are among the most loved cricketers at Lancashire. Shubman Gill (R) and KL Rahul at the Old Trafford cricket ground, in Manchester, England. (PTI) The ground looks pretty ordinary – it has no celebrated slope, no Father Time/Grace Gate/Nursery kind of feature. It is essentially functional with a hotel at square leg and temporary stands at square leg on the other side to accommodate the extra spectators that turn up for an India game. Unlike Lord's where MCC members come through the gates proudly wearing their yellow/red ties/hats, Indian fans are everywhere at Manchester, loudly cheering the team and playing the dhol. Lord's, of course, not just frowns upon such behaviour but actually prohibits spectators from waving flags, blowing horns, trumpets and creating noise of any kind. At Old Trafford, Lancashire (established in 1861) one feels respect for cricket, and fans. On day one, when spectators faced long delays getting in, a public apology was issued and the matter sorted the next day. Each day before play, players are given a mini guard of honour by young school kids as they walk in. The cricket itself unfolded in many wonderful ways as Test cricket is nuanced, layered, full of possibilities and intriguing twists. India lose the toss — a mini setback but a relieved captain Gill says he was not sure what he'd have done. Kuldeep Yadav remains benched – another mini setback because it diminishes India's chances of getting 20 wickets. Team selection invariably generates debate: Some think Karun Nair deserved another hit. Others think Sai Sudharsan didn't deserve to be dropped after one game. A Test match, played over five days/15 sessions/30 hours/450 overs is like a mini Netflix serial where so much can happen. Each day throws up different challenges as teams fight for control, changing plans and strategies, thinking on the go, responding to situations. In Test cricket time is a major factor, and as play stretches over a long period success depends on being switched on and seizing clutch moments. It's also about skill, temperament, character and courage, qualities Rishabh Pant displayed in abundance. His skill level is outrageously high which is why he can sweep Jofra Archer (bowling at 145kph) on one leg to the square leg boundary and hit a fast bowler for six over mid on as if facing an off spinner tossing up 'hit me' balls. Rishabh is a high risk, high reward player – the kind who drives the captain and coach to despair. One can look at him bat and ask: why does he play the shots he does, the reverse for instance that causes injury and raises chances of getting out when in complete control. The answer: that's his style, it works, his numbers and batting average confirm he's better than those who are more 'disciplined'. Maybe this debate is irrelevant – Rishabh is one of his kind, a unique Test No.5 who flicks a switch to get into a T20 mode, so astonishingly inventive and audacious he scares players in both dressing rooms. Seeing him bat the choice is straightforward: go 'wow' or say 'ouch' and tear your hair in frustration. That he hobbled back to play with a fractured foot was a statement of commitment to the team, and of courage. The theatre of Test cricket also demands class, a level of play that is difficult to describe but easy to recognise. Ben Stokes is class, on a cricket field he has the personality and presence and the ability to influence the outcome. As captain, he directs the game, moves it forward, controls play. As a player he is high impact – a serious batter who is also seriously dangerous with ball in hand. In a less obtrusive manner KL Rahul is pure class. In the middle he is measured, sticks to straight lines and his composure is such that even MS Dhoni would nod in approval. But the standout class act is captain Gill with four hundreds in four Tests, the latest an all-time great knock scored in extreme adversity — team 300 behind on a fourth innings pitch, going in to bat at 0 for 2 in the first over. Gill is a no fuss, technically correct player, decisive in his movements and so easy on the eye one can watch him play the forward defensive shot all day. He owns the turf with a bat as wide as the sight screen.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Engineer, Lloyd honoured with stands at Old Trafford
Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer and legendary West Indies captain Clive Lloyd were on Wednesday honoured by the Lancashire County Cricket Club with stands named after them at the Old Trafford Stadium here, on the opening day of the fourth Test between India and England. Engineer, who represented Lancashire from 1968 to 1976, played 175 matches, amassing 5,942 runs, 429 catches, and 35 stumpings. His arrival marked a turning point for the club, helping them win the Gillette Cup four times between 1970 and 1975 after a 15-year title drought.
India.com
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Ravi Shastri's Hilarious On-Air Tribute To Farokh Engineer Goes Viral During IND Vs ENG 4th Test At Old Trafford
Cricket fans tuning in to Day 1 of the 4th Test between India and England at Old Trafford were treated to more than just high-quality Test cricket—they witnessed a heartwarming and humorous moment that quickly went viral across social media platforms. Never change, Ravi — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 23, 2025 As the on-field battle unfolded, the broadcast cameras panned to the stands, capturing the legendary Farokh Engineer, the former India wicketkeeper and Lancashire icon, seated proudly. What followed was a delightful piece of live commentary by Ravi Shastri, who paid tribute to Engineer's charisma—and his famously hearty appetite. 'Farokh, a real pin-up boy in the '60s and '70s. Hugely popular, and he's not changed over the years. A great storyteller and a voracious eater. At lunch, his plate will be full,' quipped Shastri on-air, sparking laughter in the commentary box. Adding fuel to the fire was former England skipper Nasser Hussain, who fired back with: 'He'll be just behind you in that all-day buffet queue, Ravi!' The banter was light-hearted but reflected the deep respect both commentators hold for Engineer—whose contribution to cricket spans decades and continents. Farokh Engineer and Clive Lloyd Immortalised at Old Trafford The laughter-filled moment came amidst a historic occasion as Lancashire County Cricket Club unveiled new stands named after Farokh Engineer and Clive Lloyd, honouring their iconic contributions to English domestic cricket. Engineer, who played 175 matches for Lancashire between 1968 and 1976, remains one of the most impactful overseas players in county history. His tally of 5942 runs, 429 catches, and 35 stumpings helped the club clinch four Gillette Cup titles between 1970 and 1975, breaking a long-standing trophy drought. Despite his strong Indian roots and memorable outings at venues like Brabourne Stadium, Engineer remarkably does not have a stand named after him in India—making this English recognition even more poignant. Paired with Sir Clive Lloyd, the legendary West Indies captain who also left an indelible mark on Lancashire, the dual tribute symbolises cricket's global spirit and the enduring legacy of these two stalwarts. Off-Field Banter Meets On-Field Resilience While the off-field camaraderie captured hearts, India's performance on the pitch also drew praise. Batting first under cloudy skies—after England skipper Ben Stokes took the rare gamble of bowling first at Old Trafford, a venue where teams rarely succeed doing so—India posted 264/4 at stumps. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal negotiated the morning spell cautiously, putting on a steady 78-run partnership before both fell shortly after lunch. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan then steadied the innings with composure and flair. Gill, under pressure after inconsistent performances, looked more assured, while Sudharsan impressed with his balance at the crease. With both players set, India appears well-positioned to post a substantial first-innings total.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
'Makes up for lack of recognition in India': Farokh Engineer on stand named after him at Old Trafford
MANCHESTER: Farokh Engineer was on Wednesday bestowed with the rare honour of having a stand named after him at an overseas ground -- the storied Old Trafford in Manchester. The B Stand, located in between the Player and Media Centre and the extension of the Hilton hotel at Old Trafford, was formally named the Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer Stand before the toss of the fourth Test. Both Engineer and legendary West Indies captain Lloyd were in attendance as the stand was unveiled in recognition of their immense contribution to the Lancashire Cricket Club. "It is a proud moment not only for me but for India as well. Both Clive and I were talking about it in the morning. We never thought something like this would be done in our honour. God is great. This makes up for not receiving recognition in my own country," Engineer said. Engineer, 87, played the majority of his cricket in Bombay, particularly at the Brabourne Stadium. "It is a shame that my achievements are not recognised where I played most of my cricket," he said. However, Engineer was thankful to the BCCI for presenting him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. "Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce that the Club have named a stand at Emirates Old Trafford after Club icons, and Hall of Fame inductees, Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer. The ceremony took place this morning, on Day One of the Fourth Test between England and India, with Sir Clive and Farokh joined by representatives from the Club to unveil the plaque," said Lancashire Cricket in a statement. The West Indian legend said it was a privilege for him to share the honour with Engineer. "I share this honour with Farokh, a great friend and brother, as well as all our teammates, and the Lancashire supporters who stood by me through triumphs and trials. Cricket has always been a team game, and my name on this stand reflects all the people who helped me along the way," he said.
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Stand named after Lancashire icons Clive Llyod, Farokh Engineer at Old Trafford
Lancashire County Cricket Club named a stand at Old Trafford after the club's icons Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer for their immense contribution to the club. In a statement on their official website, Lancashire Cricket said: "Lancashire Cricket is delighted to announce that the Club have named a stand at Emirates Old Trafford after Club icons, and Hall of Fame inductees, Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer. B Stand, located in between the Player and Media Centre and the extension of the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, will now be formally named as the Sir Clive Lloyd and Farokh Engineer Stand." The ceremony took place on Wednesday morning, on the first day of the fourth Test between England and India, with Lloyd and Engineer joined by representatives from the Club to unveil the plaques. Lloyd, a two-time World Cup-winning captain with West Indies, made 219 appearances in first-class cricket for Lancashire between 1968 and 1986. He scored 12,764 runs and also claimed 55 wickets. In List A cricket for the Red Rose, Lloyd scored 8,522 runs and took 60 wickets. He made a huge contribution to Lancashire's one-day successes and went on to win two one-day League titles in 1969 and 1970 and four Gillette Cups between 1970 and 1975, with a memorable 126 against Warwickshire in the 1972 final at Lord's. India international Engineer was Lancashire's wicketkeeper, playing 175 matches for the county from 1968 to 1976, scoring 5,942 runs, holding 429 catches and claiming 35 stumpings. Engineer's dashing displays and versatility with the bat, and his agility and dazzling skill behind the stumps, sparked a golden era at Lancashire, who were the undisputed one-day kings in the 1970s. Both Lloyd and Engineer are Vice-Presidents at Emirates Old Trafford, and the pair were among the first group of former players to be inducted into the Club's Hall of Fame, at a special ceremony held in 2020. Andy Anson, Lancashire Cricket Chair, said: "We are extremely proud of Lancashire's history and heritage, and we're thrilled to have officially named a stand in honour of two of our greatest overseas players of all time - Sir Clive and Farokh." "We are constantly looking for ways to honour and celebrate our past, and we felt it was more than fitting for both Sir Clive and Farokh to have a stand at Emirates Old Trafford bearing their names."
