Vengsarkar not first Indian to ring Lord's bell

Updated on: 25 July,2011 04:38 PM IST |
Bipin Dani |

Dilip Vengsarkar rang the five-minute bell before the commencement of the third day's game at Lord's on Saturday, according to Neil Priscott, MCC's Media Official

Dilip Vengsarkar rang the five-minute bell before the commencement of the third day's game at Lord's on Saturday, according to Neil Priscott, MCC's Media Official. Though the former India captain is not the first Indian to do so.

Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar rings the Lord's bell while
former England batsman John Edrich (right)u00a0 looks on before
the start of Day Three of the Test. Pic courtesy: Matt Bright

"The practice of former cricketers ringing the bell at Lord's was brought about in 2007.u00a0"Keith Bradshaw, MCC Secretary and Chief Executive, introduced this initiative in his first year in charge of the MCC and it has quickly been proved to be a popular addition to a day's play at the Home of Cricket," he said.

"Bell-ringers tend to come from one of the two participating countries. Bradshaw felt it would be an appropriate way for the MCC to celebrate the careers and achievements of past players by involving them in the traditional bell-ringing ceremony," added Priscott. "Dilip Vengsarkar rang the bell today. Stood next to Dilip was John Edrich, the former Surrey and England batsman."