In the last episode Who will be the Crorepati (KBC).by the leading actor Amitabh BachchanA question about cricket worth ₹50 lakh left one participant confused. The question that proved particularly difficult was about a historic milestone in cricket – a double century on debut in First-Class cricket.
The ₹50 Lakh Question: Audience poll and participant decision
The question asked to the legendary presenter of the competition was: “Who is the first batsman to score a double century on debut in first-class cricket?” asked the Bollywood superstar.
The four options presented were:
A: Arthur Shrewsbury
B: WG Grace
A: Doug Insole
D: Tom Marsden
Despite the overwhelming majority of the audience voting for option B (WG Grace), the contestant was undecided and chose not to risk the ₹25 lakh he had already won. Deciding to play it safe, he chose to leave the game rather than continue with the vague answer.
However, the correct answer to the question was option D: Tom Marsden, a relatively little-known cricketer from the early 19th century. Marsden achieved this remarkable feat while playing for Sheffield and Leicester against Nottingham, scoring an impressive 227 runs on his debut match.
Also READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has a special message for Team India fans
A forgotten hero of cricket
Born on 12 September 1803, Tom Marsden was a versatile English cricketer who excelled as both a batsman and a bowler. He was a left-handed batsman and a left-arm medium fast bowler. During his first-class cricket career, which spanned 1826–1841, Marsden played mainly for Sheffield and Yorkshire. In his 55 first-class matches, he scored 1724 runs and 97 wickets, which made him a significant figure in the early days of cricket.
Marsden’s double century on debut remains one of his most outstanding achievements. He played his last first-class match in 1841, representing the North against the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Despite his contributions to the sport, Marsden’s career and achievements are not widely recognized in modern cricket circles.
Tom Marsden died on February 27, 1843, leaving behind a legacy of cricketing excellence that remains relevant today.
