The Ahmedabad Test: A Trial of Technique, Temperament, and Turf

 

The third Test between India and England at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad etched its name into history for all the wrong reasons. Lasting less than two days, it became the seventh shortest completed Test match ever and the first since 1935 to conclude so swiftly. With 30 wickets tumbling for just 287 runs across 140 overs, it was a spectacle that left purists questioning the state of the game. 

Yet, while the pitch—a veritable Bunsen burner—has been crucified in the aftermath, a deeper narrative emerges. The Ahmedabad Test was not just about the surface; it was a sobering indictment of the technical deficiencies and mental frailties of modern batsmanship. 

The Numbers Tell a Tale of Collapse

The match aggregate of 387 runs is the lowest in a completed Test match in Asia, breaking the previous record of 422 runs in the 2002 Sharjah Test between Pakistan and Australia. It is also the lowest in the last 74 years of Test cricket. England’s aggregate of 193 runs across both innings marked the first time a team had been bowled out twice in a Test in India for fewer than 200 runs. 

But while the numbers paint a grim picture, the dismissals reveal a deeper malaise. A lack of application, poor shot selection, and fundamental technical flaws turned the Ahmedabad pitch into a graveyard for batsmen. 

England’s First Innings: A Catalogue of Errors

Dom Sibley’s dismissal set the tone. Caught on the crease, he poked unnecessarily at an Ishant Sharma delivery that demanded restraint. Jonny Bairstow, returning to the side, was undone not by the turn but by Axar Patel’s straighter delivery—his defence and footwork were found wanting. 

Joe Root and Zak Crawley, England’s most accomplished batsmen in the innings, grafted briefly before succumbing to fuller deliveries from Ashwin and Patel. Both dismissals stemmed from poor judgment rather than devilish spin. Root, in particular, played back when the situation demanded a forward stride, a misstep uncharacteristic of his class. 

Crawley, who had looked assured, inexplicably played for turn against a straighter delivery, replicating Bairstow’s mistake. Ollie Pope’s dismissal, bowled playing down the wrong line, and Ben Stokes’ failure to move his feet against Patel, further exemplified the technical shortcomings. 

These were not dismissals born of unplayable deliveries or vicious spin. They were the product of lapses in focus, poor judgment, and an unwillingness to adapt. 

India’s Response: A Mirror of Mediocrity

When India came out to bat, their approach mirrored England’s lack of application. Jack Leach and Joe Root exploited the conditions, but it was India’s poor shot selection that compounded their woes. 

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, masters against spin, inexplicably opted for horizontal bat shots against deliveries that demanded a straight bat. Rohit Sharma, India’s most assured batsman in the series, threw away his wicket with an ill-advised slog sweep. Panic set in as the lower-middle order capitulated to Root’s canny off-spin, which yielded him a career-best 5 for 8. 

Again, the pitch was not the villain. The Indian innings was undone by a combination of poor decision-making and unnecessary aggression. 

England’s Second Innings: Lessons Unlearned

If England’s first innings was a study in poor technique, their second innings was a masterclass in self-destruction. Zak Crawley, facing the first ball, inexplicably played back to a delivery from Patel that demanded a forward press. Jonny Bairstow, already on a pair, attempted a sweep off his first ball—a reckless choice that nearly cost him his wicket. Given a reprieve by DRS, he squandered it moments later, leaving a gaping hole between bat and pad against another straighter one. 

Dom Sibley’s attempt at a wild swipe across the line against Ashwin epitomized England’s lack of composure. Ben Stokes, seemingly settled, misread a skidding delivery from Ashwin, falling for the 11th time to the off-spinner. Even Root, England’s best batsman, played for turn against deliveries that went straight, a cardinal sin on such a surface. 

England were skittled for 81—their second-lowest Test total against India. 

The Verdict: Technique Over Turf

The Ahmedabad pitch has faced its share of criticism, but it cannot shoulder the entire blame. The dismissals, particularly those of England’s top order, reveal a lack of basic batting fundamentals. CricViz noted that 35% of boundaries against spin in this Test were scored in the "V," highlighting the rewards of straight-bat play and decisive footwork. 

Rohit Sharma demonstrated this in the second Test, but neither side adhered to these principles in Ahmedabad. England’s batsmen played with angled bats and tentative footwork, while India’s batsmen succumbed to panic and poor shot selection. 

This Test was a reminder that, while conditions may vary, the fundamentals of Test batting remain unchanged. Appropriate use of the feet, trusting the defence, and occupying the crease are non-negotiable on challenging surfaces. 

In the end, the Ahmedabad Test was not just a trial of technique and temperament but a reflection of the erosion of classical batting skills in the modern game. It was a sobering reminder that Test cricket, for all its evolution, still demands the basics. Those who master them thrive, while those who neglect them perish. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Chennai Conundrum: A Tale of Skill, Application, and Misjudgment

 

The second Test in Chennai was destined to be a talking point long before a ball was bowled. After India’s heavy defeat in the first Test, the stage was set for a rank turner—a surface designed to test skill, patience, and adaptability. The whispers began early, with former cricketers and pundits predicting a three-and-a-half to four-day affair. Aakash Chopra, in his analysis, suggested that while the toss would matter, the pitch’s nature would neutralize its impact. 

He was right in many ways. The pitch offered spin from the outset, with puffs of dust rising and balls keeping low—a spinner’s paradise but also a stern examination of batting technique. The debate about the pitch, however, reached a crescendo when Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, labeled it a "poor Test match pitch." 

Yet, this critique rings hollow when viewed in the context of the match itself. On this very surface, two Indian batsmen scored centuries, and Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass in application and technique. The narrative, then, isn’t about the pitch but about how players adapted—or failed to adapt—to its challenges. 

The Art of Adaptation 

Rohit Sharma set the tone with a counterattacking knock on Day 1, defying the conditions with audacious stroke play. His innings underscored an essential truth: on turning tracks, rhythm is key. When a batsman finds it, the bowlers must respond with discipline—a trait England’s spinners lacked. Moeen Ali and Jack Leach, despite moments of brilliance, bowled 14 full tosses in the first innings. Against a side like India, such lapses are costly. 

In stark contrast, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel epitomized discipline. They bowled with precision, allowing the pitch to work its magic. Neither offered freebies, forcing England’s batsmen to earn every run. The difference was stark: where England’s spinners faltered, India’s thrived. 

Kohli’s Masterclass: A Study in Resilience 

Virat Kohli’s second-innings performance was a lesson in adaptability. Having fallen in the first innings to a sharp-turning delivery from Moeen Ali, Kohli adjusted his technique. He opened his stance, trusted his defense, and played late. Patience became his mantra, as he scored just eight runs off his first 37 balls. 

Kohli’s false shot percentage, a mere 11%, was well below the match average of 21%. CricViz noted that he attacked only 14% of deliveries—a testament to his restraint. His approach evoked memories of Sunil Gavaskar’s textbook batting, emphasizing occupation of the crease and the value of playing straight. 

Sunil Gavaskar himself observed, “Look at his intent. He’s either going right forward or right back. When he comes forward, he smothers the ball; when he goes back, he gives himself time. This is classy batting.” 

Ashwin’s Dual Brilliance 

If Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in patience, Ashwin’s performance was a showcase of all-round brilliance. With the ball, he dismantled England’s batting lineup, exploiting the conditions with surgical precision. With the bat, he delivered a sparkling century—a knock that combined aggression with skill. 

CricViz highlighted the intent in Ashwin’s batting: he attacked 45% of deliveries, a rarity in Indian conditions. Despite a false shot percentage of 22%, his innings stood out for its audacity and effectiveness. It was his third instance of scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same match, placing him in elite company alongside Ian Botham. 

England’s Downfall: Technique and Temperament 

England’s struggles weren’t rooted in the pitch but in their inability to adapt. The data told a clear story: when English batsmen played off the back foot, they looked more assured. CricViz noted that Joe Root and Ben Stokes had significantly lower false shot percentages when playing back compared to when playing forward. Yet, they often played with angled bats, inviting trouble on a surface demanding straight play. 

The contrast with India was stark. While Kohli and Ashwin showcased the virtues of technique and temperament, England’s batsmen faltered. Their spinners, too, failed to maintain the discipline required on such a track. 

The Verdict 

The Chennai pitch was not the villain. It was a stage—challenging, yes, but fair—for players to showcase their skills. India’s batsmen and bowlers rose to the occasion, demonstrating that success on such surfaces requires discipline, adaptability, and a clear game plan. 

England, on the other hand, fell short. Their inability to adjust their technique and maintain bowling discipline highlighted the gap between the two sides. 

As the dust settles on this Test, one thing is clear: cricket is as much about mental fortitude as it is about skill. The Chennai pitch tested both, and India passed with flying colours. For England, it was a lesson—a reminder that in Test cricket, there are no shortcuts. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Desmond Haynes: The Meticulous Architect of West Indies' Dominance

Cricket’s rich history is adorned with players who have left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping the very fabric of their teams and inspiring generations to follow. Among them, Desmond Haynes stands as a pillar of West Indian cricketing excellence—an opener whose methodical approach, unwavering determination, and ability to adapt made him one of the finest batsmen of his era. His name is forever intertwined with the golden age of West Indies cricket, and his journey, from a precocious debutant to a battle-hardened veteran, is a testament to his immense skill and cricketing intellect.

The Birth of a Stalwart: A Dazzling Debut

February 1978 marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career. In Antigua, a young Desmond Haynes strode onto the international stage for his debut in a One-Day International (ODI) against Australia. The match was notable for the sheer number of newcomers—14 debutants in total, nine from Australia and five from West Indies. With both sides fielding largely untested line-ups, the match had an air of unpredictability.

West Indies, despite their reputation as a formidable force, stumbled early in their innings. At 78 for four, they found themselves in dire straits. But one man remained steadfast.

Opening the innings, Haynes played with an elegance and confidence rarely seen in a debutant. He unleashed an array of strokes that blended aggression with precision, crafting an innings of immense authority. His 148 off 136 deliveries was not just a personal triumph but a statement to the cricketing world—West Indies had found a new star. His knock propelled the team to a commanding total of 313, which proved too great a mountain for Australia to climb.

This was not just an innings; it was a harbinger of what was to come. The Caribbean had discovered a batsman who would go on to serve as the foundation of their batting order for the next decade and beyond.

The Greenidge-Haynes Epoch: A Partnership for the Ages

Cricket has witnessed many legendary opening partnerships, but few can rival the sheer dominance of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes. Their partnership was not merely statistical; it was a symphony of contrasting styles that perfectly complemented each other.

Greenidge, with his brute power and ability to dismantle bowling attacks, was the enforcer. He relished putting bowlers to the sword, cutting and driving with an authority that struck fear into opposition camps. Haynes, in contrast, was the meticulous craftsman—patient, methodical, and unerringly consistent. If Greenidge was a hurricane, Haynes was a sculptor, chiselling away at opposition attacks with precision and control.

“When he first came into the team, he was a young man who liked to attack everything,” Greenidge recalled in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo. “He went out there and played his shots and looked like he wanted to hit every ball out of the park. After that, he learned to calm it down. He was a dream to bat with.”

Their partnership yielded 16 century stands in Test cricket, with four of them exceeding 200 runs. The most memorable of these came in April 1990, when they put on a colossal 290-run partnership against England in Antigua—an innings that exemplified their ability to wear down bowling attacks.

Yet, statistics only tell part of the story. The duo’s most iconic stand arguably came in the first Test of the 1984 Frank Worrell Trophy in Guyana. Tasked with chasing 323 in the fourth innings, they put together an unbroken 250-run partnership. The match ended in a draw, but how they approached the chase—calculated, fearless, and dominant—embodied the spirit of West Indies cricket in its prime.

Haynes the Combatant: A Man of Resolve

Beyond his technique and consistency, Haynes was a cricketer of immense grit and determination. His career was punctuated by moments of great resilience, none more so than his knock of 62 against England in the first Test of the 1980 Wisden Trophy.

Chasing 208 for victory, West Indies found themselves in a precarious position. Wickets tumbled around Haynes, yet he held firm, resisting England’s attack with unwavering concentration. For over five hours, he battled, inching his team closer to victory. But just when the finish line seemed within reach, a direct hit from Peter Willey ended his stay at the crease.

The reaction that followed was a poignant reflection of Haynes’ deep passion for the game. He walked off the field in tears, devastated by the thought that he had let his team down. Ian Botham later wrote in his autobiography Head On:

"Des (Haynes) left the field in tears, afraid he had cost the West Indies the game he had worked so long and hard to try and win for them."

It was this deep sense of responsibility and pride that made Haynes not just a great cricketer but a beloved figure in West Indies cricket.

Beyond the Caribbean: The County Cricket Giant

While Haynes was a stalwart for the West Indies, his influence extended beyond international cricket. His stint with Middlesex in English county cricket only reinforced his reputation as a batsman of supreme class.

In 1990, he amassed over 2,000 First-Class runs, a feat that earned him the prestigious Cricketer of the Year award in 1991. Under his influence, Middlesex secured the County Championship, with Haynes playing a pivotal role in their triumph. His ability to adapt to different conditions, whether the fast, bouncy pitches of the Caribbean or the swinging, seaming tracks of England, underscored his versatility as a batsman.

The Leader: A Brief but Controversial Captaincy

Leadership beckoned, and Haynes found himself at the helm of the West Indies team in the absence of Sir Vivian Richards. His tenure as captain was brief but eventful, most notably during a tour of Pakistan, where he earned praise for his tactical acumen. However, his captaincy debut remains a contentious chapter in his career.

In an infamous Test against England, Haynes employed time-wasting tactics to deny the opposition victory—a move that drew criticism but also showcased his fiercely competitive nature. While it may have been a blemish on his record, it did little to overshadow his legacy as a player.

A Legacy Carved in Excellence

Haynes' career spanned 15 years, during which he played 116 Tests and 238 ODIs, amassing 7,487 and 8,648 runs at averages of 42.29 and 41.37, respectively. His consistency, ability to adapt, and mental fortitude made him one of the toughest batsmen of his generation.

Perhaps the ultimate testament to his greatness came from Wasim Akram, arguably the finest left-arm fast bowler in history. Speaking of Haynes, Akram remarked:

"He would never repeat a mistake, which is one of the trademarks of world-class batsmen."

This, in essence, was Haynes’ true genius—his ability to evolve, to refine his game, and to continuously challenge himself. He was not merely a batsman; he was an architect of innings, a craftsman who built his legacy one disciplined knock at a time.

In the pantheon of cricketing greats, Desmond Haynes’ name is etched in gold. His partnership with Greenidge remains the benchmark for opening pairs, his resilience a source of inspiration, and his contributions to West Indies cricket a legacy that endures.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

An Open Letter to West Indies Cricket Team: Get up, Stand up and Reach the Top

 

Dear West Indies Cricket Team,

You don’t know me. I am just another cricket fan from Bangladesh, writing to you in the hope that my words might resonate with the echoes of your storied past and illuminate the path toward a brighter future.

Let me begin with honesty—the kind of heartbreak you delivered to me and my nation on Valentine’s Day was difficult to digest. Yet, as a neutral cricket admirer, I find myself compelled to celebrate you for that very same triumph. There is a unique joy in witnessing a team rise against the odds, silencing critics with grit and flair. And that’s precisely what you did.

Like many, I confess, I was sceptical about the squad you brought to Bangladesh. As someone who grew up admiring cricket legends like Imran Khan and Sir Vivian Richards, the West Indies has always held a special place in my heart. I have seen your team dominate the world, and it was a painful experience to witness your decline. Yet, like countless optimists, I continue to dream of the resurgence of Caribbean cricket.

Your fall from grace has often felt inexplicable: the inconsistency, the off-field turmoil, the allure of T20 leagues over Test cricket—it’s been frustrating to watch. How could a team that once epitomized the beauty of Test cricket lose its passion for the format? This question haunts not just me but cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Back in the vibrant Caribbean islands, cricket was more than a game; it was a declaration of identity and defiance. Legends like Learie Constantine, George Headley, Wes Hall, and Sir Frank Worrell wielded bat and ball as instruments of liberation. They donned whites not just to play but to prove that the black community could outshine anyone on the global stage. Test cricket became the canvas where the Caribbean painted its brilliance—a medium to showcase talent, resilience, and unmatched flair.

The West Indies didn’t just play Test cricket; they redefined it. Batting was as joyful as a calypso beat in Antigua, and the ball was a fireball in the hands of Holding and Marshall. The world watched in awe as Worrell, Sobers, and Viv transformed the sport into an art form, one that inspired millions. “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights,” sang Bob Marley, and your cricket embodied that ethos.

Today, it’s hard to reconcile that glorious past with the current state of West Indies cricket. Yet, every now and then, you remind us of your potential, leaving us dreaming of a revival. This was evident during your recent tour of Bangladesh. Kyle Mayers’ heroics in Chattogram and your team’s remarkable finish at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium were nothing short of inspiring.

As a Bangladeshi, I was heartbroken by my team’s performance, their lack of fight in the longest format. But as a cricket fan, I couldn’t help but marvel at your determination. The so-called “below-par” West Indies team had painted Bangladesh maroon, proving that the spirit of Test cricket still flickers in the Caribbean.

Players like Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jomel Warrican, and Mayers are the bright spots of this tour. They embody the qualities that once made the West Indies invincible. But talent alone is not enough. What you need now is a vision—a sense of purpose and a commitment to nurturing the game’s longest and most challenging format.

Let me remind you of Marley’s wisdom:

“Preacher man, don’t tell me Heaven is under the earth I know you don’t know What life is really worth… So now you see the light, eh”

The light you glimpse in Bangladesh should guide you. It’s a beacon, urging you to reclaim your legacy. Test cricket is not just a format; it’s the soul of the game, and it’s where the West Indies belongs.

As a fan, I yearn for the day when the Caribbean rules the cricketing world again. I believe in your ability to rise, to inspire, and to reignite the magic of your golden era. As Marley said, “None but ourselves can free our minds.” Free your minds. Embrace the light. Everything will be fine.

Get up. Stand up.

With hope and admiration,

A Cricket Fan from Bangladesh

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar

A Tale of Grit, Grace, and History: Mushtaq Mohammad’s Record-Breaking Century

The Delhi Test of 1960 was more than just a cricket match; it was a stage where history was written, resilience was tested, and a young prodigy announced his arrival to the world. Nari Contractor’s decision to bat first on a placid pitch seemed justified as India piled up a commanding 463, thanks to Polly Umrigar’s heroic century and contributions from Rusi Surti and Chandu Borde. Yet, the true drama of the match unfolded in Pakistan’s response, where a 17-year-old Mushtaq Mohammad etched his name into cricketing folklore. 

The Backdrop: A Battle of Wits and Will

India’s bowlers, led by the fiery Ramakant Desai, the metronomic Bapu Nadkarni, and the crafty debutant Surendranath Kumar, had Pakistan on the ropes early. Hanif Mohammad, the rock of Pakistani batting, fell cheaply, and at 89 for 4, the visitors were staring at a follow-on. It was then that Mushtaq Mohammad, the youngest Test debutant in history and a teenager with just five Tests under his belt, walked out to join Javed Burki. What followed was a masterclass in patience, determination, and youthful exuberance. 

The Resistance: A Partnership Forged in Fire

The Indian bowlers threw everything they had at the young duo. Desai, with his relentless aggression, tested them with bouncers; Nadkarni, with his robotic accuracy, gave nothing away; and Kumar, with his deceptive googlies, kept probing for weaknesses. Yet, Mushtaq and Burki stood firm. They curbed their natural instincts, blocked with resolve, and slowly began to find their rhythm. By the end of the third day, they had taken Pakistan to 160 for 4, with Burki on 42 and Mushtaq on 38. The match was delicately poised, and the Delhi crowd sensed they were witnessing something special. 

The Flourish: A Century for the Ages

The fourth day saw Mushtaq transform from a cautious defender to a confident stroke-maker. He opened up, playing elegant drives and deft cuts, and soon overtook Burki. When Burki fell for 61 and Intikhab Alam followed shortly after, Pakistan were 225 for 6, still 150 runs adrift of avoiding the follow-on. But Mushtaq, now joined by the experienced Fazal Mahmood, refused to buckle. 

As he neared his century, the significance of the moment became apparent. The world record for the youngest Test centurion, held by New Zealand’s Giff Vivian (19 years 121 days), was within reach. The Delhi crowd, initially partisan, began to applaud the young maestro. And then, with a stroke of brilliance, Mushtaq reached the milestone at the age of 17 years and 78 days, shattering the record by a staggering margin. 

The Aftermath: A Match of Near-Misses

Mushtaq’s heroics couldn’t save Pakistan from the follow-on, but his innings had already cemented his place in history. Desai and Kumar continued to toil, finishing with eight and seven wickets respectively, while Nadkarni’s marathon spells (86.4 overs for just 67 runs) epitomized his unwavering accuracy. Pakistan’s second innings saw Hanif and Imtiaz Ahmed provide resistance, but India’s bowlers chipped away relentlessly. 

In the end, time ran out for India. Requiring just 74 to win, they were denied by the clock, and the match ended in a draw. Yet, the real story was Mushtaq’s century—a blend of youthful audacity and mature composure. 

The Legacy: A Record That Endured

Mushtaq’s record stood as a testament to his precocious talent for nearly four decades. In 1990, a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar came agonizingly close, falling for 88 in Napier. When Tendulkar finally scored his maiden Test hundred, he missed Mushtaq’s record by 29 days. It wasn’t until 2001 that Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful broke the record, scoring a century at 17 years and 61 days. 

The Epilogue: A Symbol of Resilience

Mushtaq Mohammad’s century was more than just a statistical milestone; it was a symbol of resilience and a harbinger of greatness. In a match dominated by India, his innings stood out as a beacon of hope for Pakistan. It was a reminder that cricket, at its core, is a game of character as much as skill.  

Years later, as Mushtaq reflected on his career, that innings in Delhi remained a defining moment—a testament to the courage of a boy who dared to dream and the brilliance of a man who delivered when it mattered most. In the annals of cricket, Mushtaq Mohammad’s name shines brightly, not just as a record-holder but as a symbol of the indomitable spirit that defines the sport.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar