‘Test cricket is dying,’ ‘Test cricket is boring’ are
conceptions that is looming large in the minds of the modern generation of
cricket lovers who are more prone towards cricket’s latest innovative sibling
T20 cricket. No doubt that the addition of T20 cricket has given cricket a new
dimension. But still, the kind of thrill and romance Test cricket provides the
T20 format can’t even dare to match them.
Last week, at the Oval, the world witnessed an exhibition of
power cricket by the South African batsmen and bowlers on the white and green
canvas of Test cricket. Since the Proteas came back to the game after a
frustrating first day they dominated over a lackluster English attack in such a
manner that Test cricket can’t be coloured as some boring stuff by any means.
What haven’t we observed at the Oval? The victory of
patience, the victory of artistry, the exhibition of sturdiness and cussedness,
and the stupendous display of fast and hostile pace bowling on a track which
was enough suitable for batting. It seemed that we were visiting in an art
gallery where we were left spell bound by the astonishing paintings painted by
the artists of Test cricket.
If you didn’t witness the Oval Test thinking that Test
cricket is something boring then you missed something special, something
unique. You have missed the epic battle between Graeme Smith and Graeme Swann.
Swann in the third morning was wagging his tail and with his
teasing flights he strangled hold the Proteas captain. But the Proteas captain gave
caution the upper hand – application, patience and perseverance was the order
of the day and it bore fruits. Graeme Smith essayed one of the grittiest
century of this summer amid much applauds.
You have missed the elegance of a bearded maestro who has
claimed himself as one of the modern day greats.
The Artist, Hashim Amla, was all set to draw one of the
finest paintings on the green canvas of Test cricket. He stood tall and strong,
maintained superb balance to puncture the off-side field, especially, with
wristy brush strokes that added enough charm and colour to his epic painting. It
was a knock full of beautiful strokes with pristine timings originating from a
footwork which is a paragon of defense – a rare thing in T20 format where go at
anything is the main target with ugly innovations.
Then you missed one legend’s mastery with the bat.
‘Jack of all trade’ Kallis came in and added even more charm
to Test match batting by triggering fascination of higher quality. He provided
Amla the able support through out and unleashed some strokes of proven class
through square off the wicket with astute timing – the flag of Test match
batting was pattering with pride.
Smith, Kallis and Amla's batsmanship was built upon defense
which helped them to adapt and then invited freedom to take place. This is what
Test cricket allows – choice. In limited overs cricket, a batsman becomes a
prisoner by limitations. They can’t have a choice to set themselves for something
epic and thus artistry gets sacrificed.
The Proteas batting display ended and then started the dance
of the rocket scientists who rattled the English batting with intensity,
hostility and aggression of divine quality. Steyn and Morkel swung the ball
late and made the ball talk on a slower track which the English failed to
deliver.
The English were made to feed some highest quality bowling
of modern era that had the venom of a cobra and the pace of a leopard – you
missed this astonishing display if you didn’t watch the Test match. T20 cricket
simply restricts a bowler within a certain limitation – the bowlers can’t free
their wings.
The Oval scripted a beautiful contrast essay. It seemed that a splash of sun set, the
Proteas hostile fast bowling; fell on the beautiful blue sky, which is the
Proteas elegant batting display, and created something uniquely romantic which
a T20 format can only dream of.
Is Test cricket boring? Is Test cricket dying? Well, I don’t
think so. But Test cricket still has the thrill, the exciting appeal and the
romance to enrich cricket again and again.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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