Naoomal Jeoomal Biography 
Naoomal Jeoomal was the first opening batsman of Indian test cricket. He along with Janardan Navle played India’s first international cricket match. One of the earliest stars of Indian international cricket, Jeoomal scored 33 and 25 opening India's innings in their first ever Test at Lord's in 1932 against England. His first wicket partner Janardan Navle faced the historic first ball of Indian innings and Navle served as India’s first wicketkeeper too.
Naoomal Jeoomal was a defensive batsman who was known for his square cut shots. His last match was also played against England on 10 February 1934. He played three test matches for team India, scoring a total of 108 runs and claiming two wickets. An eye injury ended his career abruptly. He also played 84 first class matches. He played 84 first class matches which include 143 innings, scoring a total of 4140 runs and 108 wickets. 203 not out is his top score. He scored seven centuries and 16 half centuries.
Naoomal Jeoomal’s full name is Naoomal Jeoomal Makhija. He was born in Karachi, Sind of present-day Pakistan in the year 1904. He was a right handed batsman for his team and an occasional bowler. He played for the teams - India, Hindus, Northern India and Sind. Started off with first class cricket, he owns a good career record in domestic cricket. It was a time when cricket introduced by British started blooming in India.
When he played India’s first test match in 1932, he made an opening wicket partnership with Janardan Navle of 39 runs of which 33 runs were scored by Naoomal. In the second innings of same match, he put 25 runs partnership with the opener Janardan Navle. In 1934 he was hit on the face by Nobby Clark and it ended his career in international cricket scene. But he continued with first class cricket and played several Ranji matches.
In the late 1950s he coached Pakistan team and became national selector in 1957. But he returned to India in 1971 where he spent his last years. When golden jubilee celebrations of Test matches were conducted in 1980, he attended the function. He passed away the same year.
Published: N/A
Updated: April 09, 2016
