Mumbai, May 27 (IANS): Former all-rounder Salim Durrani will be honoured with the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said Friday.
Durrani will be presented a trophy and a cash award of Rs.15 lakhs during the BCCI Annual Awards here Tuesday.
Born in 1934 in Kabul, Durrani was an aggressive left-handed batsman and an outstanding left-arm spinner. He was one of the chief architects of India's first Test series triumph over England in 1961-62. India won the last two Tests of the five-match series, after the first three were drawn. Durrani had match haul of 8-113 in the fourth Test at Kolkata, and 10-177 in the fifth at Chennai.
Durani was also one of the heroes of India's 1970-71 tour of the Caribbean, with his belligerent 104 in a Test at Port of Spain, where he helped shape a historic Test win - India's first in the West Indies. Brought on to bowl at a crucial stage of the second Test, Durrani dismissed Garfield Sobers and Clive Lloyd, two of West Indies' most formidable batsmen, in quick succession. India won the Test by seven wickets, and maintained their 1-0 lead to take the series.
Two seasons later, Durrani's consistency with the bat, especially in crunch situations, enabled India achieve another Test series win over England at home. His proficiency with bat and ball took Central Zone to their first-ever Duleep Trophy win, in 1971-72.
Durrani played 29 Tests, scoring 1,202 runs at an average of 25. He took 75 wickets that included three five-wicket hauls.