Thursday, October 7, 2010

Test Cricket at its best

The only thing which prompted me to write this blog today is the high emotions which turned out during the recently concluded test match between India and Australia (1-5 Oct 2010). India won the match by a single wicket in hand and VVS Laxman became the hero of the nation yet again. The best part was, Laxman was even doubtful of batting in second innings and the media was all over the place saying, "Laxman will bat only if required". True, he was really really required and what a way to show all the other fit players, the WILL power to do well for your country.

After the first 2 and half days of test match, it seemed to be heading for a tame draw and most likely the only team which had chance to win the match was India by taking a huge lead and handing over an innings defeat to Australia. But then, a mini-collapse in Indian batting order put the match wide open. India not only failed to take a lead in first innings, but
condeded a lead of 23 runs to the Aussies. Then again on fourth day the fortunes swung wildly. First half ,it looked like Aussies all the way, but in second half, by tea time, it was India again on path of likely victory. Thanks to an inspired bowling by Ishant Sharma and Zaheer khan brought down high flying aussies to the ground. Finally by end of Aussies second innings, the target was set for India. Fairly easy target in modern day test cricket and with a batting line up of Indian calibre, you would not hesitate to think otherwise. The target of 216 would have on any other day be a easy one with Sehwag and Gambhir starting off well. Sehwag with quickfire half century and Gambhir with more accomplished half century. Then the next two players Tendulkar and Dravid sharing the rest of runs and India winning by a 7 or 8 wickets in hand.

Bet on India to make any normal match a thriller and you will not be disappointed. By end of day four, India had lost 4 wickets with just 55 runs on board and the target of 216 looked like a mountain. On the fifth day again, there was a collapse by high boasted Indian top order then it all depended on two injured people. VVS and Ishant. Nobody would've given India a chance at this stage when there were 92 runs to get and only 2 wickets in hand. One batsman playing with runner, other not known for his batting skills and the one to follow was still new to pressure situations. Yet, they were able to get India home by one wicket which triggered wild celebrations in Indian camp. Truly one of the best matches of all times.

For India, which has played cricket from a very long time, this was surprise that this was the first time, India had won a test with only one wicket to spare. Reason could be either that Indian top order has always taken up the responsibility to see the game through or the Indian tail has not been so good to take up pressure and bow out before a victory. No matter, what the reason is, the final result of Mohali would be a confidence booster for all the Indian players as well as Indian fans. Wish India plays out such thrillers more and more and come out on top everytime.