Azhar walks down Park in India's 500th

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin will be felicitated along with a dozen former India captains before the start of India's 500th Test match at the Green Park stadium on Thursday .

Azharuddin returns to the venue which holds special memories for him as he created a world record in 1984-85 that stands even today -three consecutive centuries in his first three Tests. His highest Test score of 199 (against Sri Lanka) also came at the same ground.

Making his debut at Eden Gardens in the third Test of the series against England, Azhar had followed up his debut ton (110) with a fine 105 at Chennai. The question then was whether the 21-year-old could add another one in the fifth Test in Kanpur to become the only batsman to score three centuries in his first three Tests.

On January 31, 1985 a lot of expectations rode on the shoulders of the tall and wiry Hyderabad lad after India won the toss and decided to bat on a cold Kanpur morning. Azharuddin didn't have to wait long for his turn at the crease as skipper Sunil Gavaskar was castled by Norman Cowans for nine.

Walking in to a tumultuous welcome, Azhar seemed the carry the confidence of the opening two Tests as he started dominating the English attack comprising pacemen Cowans and Neil Foster, spinners Pat Pocock, Phil Edmonds and the medium pacer Chris Cowdrey .

Coming up with some exquisite cover drives and flicks, Azhar seemed set to reach the milestone on the first day itself.But, the pressure of getting to the milestone seemed to play on his mind as he slowed down as the three-figure mark approached and he remained unbeaten on 98 when the stumps were drawn.

The next day , February 1, will always remain special for Azhar. As the spectators were still milling in, Azhar flicked Foster on the leg-side to achieve the landmark. There was a huge roar at the ground, which could be heard miles away from the stadium. And, people in the stadium, from the VIP stands to the students' gallery were all seen congratulating each other. All were heard saying: “Yeh ladke ney toh kamaal kar diya (This boy has done the unbelievable).“

The record of three centuries in first three Tests still stands in Azhar's name, though there are seven players -Bill Ponsford, Doug Walters, Alvin Kallicharran (before Azhar's record), and Sourav Ganguly, Greg Blewett, Rohit Sharma and James Neesham who have scored hundreds in their first two Tests.

(TOI)