Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS): To commemorate the birth centenary of former Indian captain Lala Amarnath, the Indian cricket board Saturday decided to institute awards in his name for the best all-rounder in the Ranji Trophy and the best all-rounder in domestic limited-overs tournaments from this season.

The awards in each category will comprise a trophy and a cash prize of Rs.2.5 lakh, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a statement after the board's working committee meeting here Saturday.

Lala Amarnath holds the distinction of scoring India's first ever Test century, a milestone he achieved in the Test match against England in 1933 at Mumbai. He led the country in 15 Test matches.

Like many other talented cricketers of his time, Amarnath's career suffered because of the second World War.

After his retirement, Amarnath donned the mantles of selector, manager, coach and broadcaster.