5 Historic Cricket Matches Where Father -Son Played Together

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Cricket is one of the most famous sport. We have seen many iconic moments and instances in the history of cricket which of one includes the father son duo playing side by side in the same field.

Just like political families running government which is witnessed in our nation and other nations as well, cricket lineage exists too. There have been many cricketing families which has produced legendary players. It is indeed rare but there have been instances and moments in the history of cricket where the world has been able to witness the father son duo playing together. Here arr some of the examples:

1) William John and James Lillywhite

In the 19th century thee family legacy of Lillywhite in the world of cricket was very popular since the family imparted some masterful cricketers.

William John, one of the greatest bowler of his era was born in 1792. He is the one who came up with round arm and eventually became an expert in the technique which is now referred as "over arm" bowling. This technique is used now by many modern cricketers.

John's son James Lillywhite was born in 1842. He became the first captain of the English cricket team. Like his father he wasn't great with the bat. Between 1883 and 1901 he also served as an umpire which included six test matches. He was the one last remaining English of the first Test Match until 1929 when he died in Chichester.

William and James played together in not more than two matches. One was in 1851, Middlesex versus Surrey. Second was in 1852, Sussex against England.

2) WG Grace and WG Grace Junior

Father of Cricket, William Gilbert Grace was and still is one of the best cricketer the world has encountered. During 19th century and early 20th century he was one of the most lovable cricketer. With his skills and amazing persona WG Grace took over the world of cricket.

First of WG Grace, WG Grace Junior did not quite outlast his father but nevertheless played 57 matches making the highest score of 79.

WG Grace and WG Grace Junior playful 46 matches together. It is very rare to know the cricket career of son Grace Junior was over before his father. Grace Jr had an untimely death due to appendicitis in 1905 sooner than WG Grace Senior who died in 1915 and played in the fields till 1908.

3) George Gunn and George Vernon 

George Gunn known as Nottinghamshire's 'all time leading run scorer' was born on 13th June 1879. Hitherto no one in Nottinghamshire made more runs than him. He made his debut at the age of 15 scoring 164 runs. In 1914 he was awarded  'Wisden Cricketer if the Year'.

George Vernon Gunn was born on 21st July 1905. He was popularly known for his right arm leg break bowling. In 1928 he made his debut against West Indians. In 1931, when Nottinghamshire was playing against Warwickshire, this father son duo made an extraordinary venture scoring centuries.  George Vernon scored 100 and his father George Gunn scored 183 in the same innings.

4) Maharaja Bhupender Singh and Yuvraj of Patiala

From 1900 to 1938, during the period when India was under Britain, Bhupinder Singh was the King of Patiala which was a princely state then. Known as one of the most eminent Maharaja, he is also know for his accountable contributions for the world of cricket.

Maharaja served in many wars including World War 1 where he was honoured the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Maharaja is also known for constructing the highest cricket ground in the whole world during that time which is estimated to be 2444 metres. Maharaja even launched his personal cricket team known an Patiala XI.

What made Bhupender Singh a prominent figure was the match in 1911 where for the first time IFA football shield was won by Indian team. Maharaja in total played 27 matches during the period from 1911-1937, scoring 643 runs. He made the highest of 83 with 17.37 as an average. His career in cricket seemed to subside during 1911 England tour where he played only two matches.

Yadavindrasingh popularly known as Yuvraj of Patiala, son of Bhupender Singh was born on 17th January 1913. Like father,he also made a great contribution for the Indian cricket history. Known for being a powerful batsman he made 1629 runs from 52 matches. He was the last independent Maharaja who in 1947 agreed to the Accession of Patiala into a Union of India. 

Maharaja and Yuvraj played together 6 times between 1932 and 1938. Yuvraj was undoubtedly better in cricket than his father even though he could never beat his father's peerless ruling strategy in Patiala.

5) Lala and Surinder Amaranth

Popularly known for being the first batsman to make a century in test cricket and for his outstanding captaincy which won India in 1952 against Pakistan, Lala Amaranth is still remembered as a prominent player of 20th century. Lala was also the Captain during the time of partition between India and Pakistan. To escape and protect his family from an angry Muslim mob he went to Patiala, Indian state of Punjab. Amidst the chaos of division, he was a great captain. In 1952, with his captaincy India won against Pakistan. 

Lala nevertheless got in many trouble due to his aggressive and straightforward nature. But being a significant player he always made it back. Later in his life he also became the chairman of Senior Selection Committee, BCCI and also became the gane commentator and expert.

Lala's son Surinder Amarnath started his career at an early age of 15 in December 1963. Lala Amaranth hold his bat for the last time in the same match his son had debuted. By only 3 years of being in the field Surinder scored a century in 1966 against Delhi. He evem played alongside Sunil Gavaskar adding 204 for the second wicket against New Zealand. Later in his life he may have falter a little dropping from the national side but his overall career in cricket is regarded as extraordinary with a headstart at the age of just 15.

Lala and Surinder's first match together was although against each other at Poona between Maharashtra Chief Minister XI and Maharashtra Chief Minister Governor XI.

Cricket has been one of the most watched, loved and admired sport. These iconic father son duo has further added to the glory of cricket. The world wishes to see many others father son duo in the fields together in the coming future.

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