Veteran commentator Suresh Suraiya, who was a witness to the first Test at CCI, speaks exclusively to SportsCenter.

By Sai Prasad Mohapatra

Q. Among all the knocks you have witnessed in your 40-year career as a commentator, how do you rate Virender Sehwag's 293?

A. Sehwag's knock will be rated pretty high. He has been a hard-hitting batsman and very consistent. He doesn't care about technique. Technique or no technique, he just knows that the bat is meant to whack the ball.

Grab the espnstar.com cricket widget on your favourite social network

Q. In your long career, what has been the most endearing moment?

A. The first Test at CCI, between India and Australia which I covered for Akashvani. I still remember that Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was the Indian captain and the stadium was jam packed with around 30,000 to 40,000 spectators. The highlight was to be the rivalry between Erapalli Prasanna and Ian Chappell. But, Australians knew what to expect from the grounds in India, so, they were prepared for the spin bowling. Indian, on the other hand, found it tough to tackle Graham McKenzie. But, Pataudi played a wonderful innings and knocled McKenzie all over the ground. He, unfortunately, could not complete his century.

Super Selector is all geared up for the India vs Sri Lanka series. Have you selected your test team in the new Super Selector? Hurry! Register now and win exciting prizes

Q. A moment in the history of Test cricket which you still find most entertaining?

A. It has to be Ian Chappell vs E Prasanna. Chappell was going after Prasanna, but the Indian had the last laugh when he foxed him with a wonderful delivery.

The second moment will be a masterly display from Virender Sehwag.

Click here for the video of the interview

Q. How has the crowd behaviour changed over the years?

A. The crowd in the old time was not very expressive. There were not very rodwdy. However, the noise levels have remain unchanged.