Kiran More stumps five West Indian batsman at Madras, world Test record

On January 15, 1988, cricket fans witnessed a historic event at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Madras (now Chennai), India. Kiran More, the Indian wicket-keeper, showcased an exceptional display of skill and precision as he stumped five West Indian batsmen during a Test match. This remarkable feat remains a world record in the history of Test cricket, highlighting More’s prowess behind the stumps.

The match was part of a highly-anticipated series between India and the West Indies. With both teams boasting some of the finest players in the cricketing world, the contest promised to be a spectacle for fans worldwide. However, it was Kiran More who stole the limelight with his phenomenal performance.

Stumping, a rare dismissal in cricket, occurs when the wicket-keeper successfully removes the bails while the batsman is out of the crease. It requires quick reflexes, sharp judgment, and swift execution. More displayed all these qualities and more in Madras, leaving the West Indian batsmen in awe and the spectators in raptures.

His first stumping victim was Carlisle Best, who was tempted to come down the track against the spin of Ravi Shastri. As Best lunged forward, More gathered the ball and whipped off the bails in a flash, leaving the batsman stranded and the crowd roaring with cheers.

More’s next victim was the illustrious Gordon Greenidge. With his immaculate footwork and aggressive strokeplay, Greenidge was considered one of the finest opening batsmen of his time. However, More proved that no batsman was beyond his reach. Greenidge ventured out of his crease to play a defensive shot, but More reacted quickly, dislodging the bails and sending him back to the pavilion.

The third West Indian batsman to fall prey to More’s brilliance was the renowned Richie Richardson. Known for his elegant strokeplay, Richardson attempted to use his feet against the spinners. However, More anticipated his movement perfectly, gathering the ball with precision and removing the bails, creating a moment of sheer brilliance on the field.

Next in line was the experienced wicket-keeper/batsman Jeff Dujon. Dujon was known for his clever footwork behind the stumps, but More outwitted him on this occasion. As Dujon advanced down the pitch, More cunningly collected the ball and disturbed the stumps in a flash, leaving Dujon astonished at the speed and accuracy of the dismissal.

More’s fifth and final stumping victim of the match was the hard-hitting all-rounder Ian Bishop. Bishop fell into More’s trap as he tried to step out and launch a big shot. However, More was lightning-fast in his movements, gathering the ball sharply and dislodging the bails before Bishop could regain his crease.

Kiran More’s exceptional performance that day made him the first wicket-keeper in the history of Test cricket to achieve five stumpings in a single match. His agility, presence of mind, and lightning-quick reflexes were on full display, earning him recognition and accolades from around the world.

This record-breaking feat by Kiran More reaffirmed the importance of wicket-keeping in cricket. Often considered an under-appreciated art, More’s exceptional display behind the stumps showcased the impact a skilled wicket-keeper can have on a match. His quick thinking and flawless execution played a pivotal role in India’s success in that particular Test match.

To this day, Kiran More’s world Test record of five stumpings in a single match remains a testament to his outstanding skills as a wicket-keeper. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers and a reminder of the significant role that can be played by those who operate behind the stumps.