Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji was born on 10 September 1872 in Sarodar in western India. He became one of the leading batsmen in English cricket and the first Indian to play Test cricket.

Ranjitsinhji came to England in 1888 and later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. After playing cricket at Cambridge, he established himself with Sussex and became one of the country’s most successful batsmen.

His possible selection for England was controversial. Lord Harris, an influential figure at the MCC, opposed his inclusion because Ranjitsinhji had not been born in England. The Lancashire committee took a different view when selecting the England side for the second Test against Australia at Old Trafford in July 1896.

Ranjitsinhji scored 62 in his first Test innings. England were forced to follow on, and he then made 154 not out. On the final morning, he scored 113 runs before lunch, becoming the first batsman to score a century before lunch in a Test match. Australia still won by three wickets.

Ranjitsinhji continued to play for England until 1902. He later returned to India and became ruler of Nawanagar.