Ajit Agarkar made his ODI debut for India against Australia at Kochi on 1 April 1998. Which Australian batsman did Agarkar dismiss in that debut match?
Correct Answer: Gilchrist
Introduction / Context:Debut wickets are memorable milestones for pace bowlers. Ajit Agarkar’s first ODI wicket came in a high-profile series against Australia and is a popular cricket trivia point.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Event: ODI debut at Kochi, 1 April 1998.
- Task: Identify the Australian batsman dismissed by Agarkar.
Concept / Approach:We cross-reference the official scorecard of that match, noting Agarkar’s bowling and the sequence of dismissals among the Australian top order.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the match details: India vs Australia, Kochi, 1 April 1998.Step 2: Review the dismissals attributed to Agarkar on debut.Step 3: Confirm that Adam Gilchrist was the batsman dismissed by Agarkar.Step 4: Select 'Gilchrist' from the options.Verification / Alternative check:Contemporary reports and archived scorecards record Agarkar’s first ODI wicket as Adam Gilchrist, validating the answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Ponting / Martyn: Distinguished Australian batters of the era but not Agarkar’s debut wicket in this match.
- Warne: A bowler; not the wicket in question.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing later wickets taken by Agarkar against Australia with his first-ever ODI wicket. Always anchor to the exact debut match.
Final Answer:Gilchrist