On this day, August 10, 2007: Anil Kumble smashed his First Test century. Kumble had already taken more than 500 Test wickets but had never got the three figure milestone with the bat. He had carried India’s bowling attack for years, played more than 100 Tests and produced countless match-winning spells. But with the bat, three figures had always remained out of reach.
At the Oval, it finally happened. Kumble walked in at No. 8 with India already in control. There was no need for him to play a big innings. India had plenty of runs on the board, and the pressure was firmly on England. He nudged the ball around, drove when the opportunity came and, most importantly, refused to give his wicket away. The closer he got to three figures, the bigger the moment became. He smashed his first Test century from 180 balls. Kumble raised his bat, and for a player who had spent most of his career doing magic with the ball, it was a rare moment of celebration with the bat.
He eventually finished unbeaten on 110 from 193 balls, with 16 fours and a six. This was his first and last century of his career. That was what made the moment so special. Kumble had played 118 Tests by then and had already established himself as one of India's greatest match-winners. India went on to draw the Test after making 664 in their first innings. His career would end with 619 Test wickets and just one century.
