Twenty-one years ago, a young Hashim Amla stepped onto the hallowed turf of Eden Gardens for his Test debut. The year was 2004, and the opponent was a star-studded Indian team. While his scores of 24 and 2 didn’t light up the scoreboard, the experience left an indelible mark on the future South African great. Recently, Amla took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing vivid recollections of that electrifying debut, the deafening chants for a legend, and the delivery that sent him packing.
Hashim Amla’s First Taste of Test Cricket at Eden Gardens
Making his debut on November 28, 2004, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Amla was thrust into the deep end of international cricket . The atmosphere was unlike anything he had ever experienced. The sheer scale of the stadium and the passion of the Indian fans created a surreal, almost overwhelming, yet deeply enjoyable environment for the young batsman .
The Unforgettable ‘Sachin, Sachin!’ Chant
For many visiting players, a tour of India is defined by one thing: the roar of the crowd for Sachin Tendulkar. Amla’s debut was no different. He has often spoken about the most striking memory from that match being the thunderous, unifying chant of “Sachin, Sachin!” that would erupt whenever the Little Master walked out to bat. It was a visceral demonstration of Tendulkar’s god-like status in the country, a moment that transcended the game itself and left a lasting impression on the debutant .
Irfan Pathan’s ‘Absolute Seed’ That Dismissed Amla
On the field, Amla’s first innings was a brief affair. He managed to score 24 runs before being dismissed by a young Irfan Pathan, who was making waves with his prodigious talent. Amla, with a wry smile, recalled the delivery that got him: “Irfan Pathan got me with a pretty good nut. The ball was reverse swinging and it kind of went beside my legs.” He affectionately referred to it as an “absolute seed,” a testament to the quality of the young Indian all-rounder’s bowling .
A Glimpse at the 2004 Eden Gardens Test Scorecard
The second Test of the series was a low-scoring affair, and Amla’s dismissal was part of a larger collapse for the South African batting lineup. Here’s a quick look at the key wickets from that innings:
| Batsman | Runs | Bowler | How Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hashim Amla | 24 | Irfan Pathan | Bowled |
| Boeta Dippenaar | 1 | Irfan Pathan | Caught Karthik |
| Zander de Bruyn | 11 | Irfan Pathan | Caught Karthik |
This table highlights Irfan Pathan’s devastating spell, where he accounted for three key wickets, including Amla’s, to dismantle the South African top order .
From a Questionable Technique to a South African Legend
Back in 2004, Amla’s unorthodox technique, particularly his high backlift that swirled out towards gully, was heavily scrutinized by pundits . Many doubted whether he had the temperament and skill to succeed at the highest level. However, Amla used that debut experience as a springboard. He went on to become one of South Africa’s most prolific and elegant batsmen, eventually becoming their first permanent non-white Test captain—a full circle from his humble, albeit memorable, beginnings in Kolkata .
Why This Memory Still Matters
Amla’s recollection is more than just a personal anecdote; it’s a window into a golden era of cricket. It captures the raw energy of Eden Gardens, the aura of Sachin Tendulkar, and the emergence of a new generation of stars like Irfan Pathan. It’s a story that connects fans across borders through a shared love for the game’s rich history and its unforgettable moments.