Heroes of first test victory come together as Eden Gardens turns 150

The duo of former cricketers Salim Durani and Chandu Borde - architects of India's maiden test victory at the Eden Gardens - Thursday came together to launch a book marking the 150 years of the iconic cricket stadium.

The launch of "Eden Gardens, Legend & Romance", penned by former Bengal cricketer Raju Mukherjee, was part of series of events by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to mark the occasion.

The book covers the entire journey of the ground, which came into existence as the Auckland Circus Gardens named after the then governor-general to its modern day existence.

The celebrations by the CAB includes launch of a special gold coin, felicitating 150 oldest members of the CAB as well as the M.A.K. Pataudi Memorial Lecture by former India great V.V.S. Laxman.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Durani and Borde who scripted India's memorable 187 victory against England in 1961-62, regaled tales of their association with Eden - which they described as dream ground of every cricketer.

Durani said he become a cricketer only because of the Eden Gardens where he first played as a school cricketer in 1949.

"I wouldn't have been cricketer but for Eden Gardens where my performances help me get into the Ranji team and then in the national team. Playing at Eden along with Lord's is dream of every cricketer. There remains an emptiness if you haven't played here," said Durani.

On the occasion, "Eternal Eden" a documentary chronicling the historic journey of the ground which besides cricket greats of several generations, witnessed football legend Pele in action in 1977 playing for the New York Cosmos against Mohun Bagan in exhibition tie.

Talking about his memories of the ground, Borde singled out the appreciative but intimidating Eden crowd.

"Playing against Bengal at the Eden Gardens always used to be challenge besides being a good team they had backing of the crowd which was intimidating for the opponents, said Borde who said the crowd turning riotous during the 1966-67 West Indies tour has remain etched in his memory.

"The way West Indian players were running back to the team hotel, they must have broken several Olympic records," said Borde with a chuckle.

Several former cricketers including ex-India captain and CAB joint secretary Sourav Ganguly were also present on the occasion.