An Ode to Ben Stokes: Modern Cricket’s Rare Jewel

The first day of the second Test between South Africa and England at Cape Town in January 2016 was a tense battle of attrition. South Africa, eager to shake off the ghosts of a disastrous 2015, leaned on the prodigious talent of young Kagiso Rabada to subdue England’s burgeoning middle order. With Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes forging a partnership, the Proteas found themselves at a crossroads late in the day.

Hashim Amla, South Africa’s captain, opted for the new ball in the 80th over—a decision ripe for scrutiny. On a weary track that begged for the subtle artistry of reverse swing, the seasoned Morne Morkel could have been the trump card with the old ball. Instead, Amla handed the new cherry to debutant Chris Morris, a move that played directly into England's hands. Ben Stokes, a batsman of rare ferocity, seized the moment with an on-drive of breathtaking authority. That single stroke was a prelude to the carnage that would follow. 

By stumps, Stokes stood unbeaten on 74, and England had surged to 317/5, with 46 runs flowing in the final seven overs. The Bairstow-Stokes partnership had grown to 94, setting the stage for a second day that would go down in cricketing folklore. 

The Second Day: A Cricketing Masterpiece 

January 3, 2016, saw Ben Stokes transform into a colossus. With Table Mountain as the silent sentinel, Stokes authored an innings that bordered on mythical. In just 198 balls, he smashed 258 runs, a symphony of 30 boundaries and 11 colossal sixes. South Africa’s attack, boasting Rabada, Morkel, and Dane Piedt, was rendered powerless. 

Stokes broke records with a nonchalance that mirrored the greats of yesteryear. He notched England’s fastest double-century, scored the most runs in a single morning session of a Test, and registered the highest-ever score for a No. 6 batsman. It was a day when cricket transcended sport and became art, etched forever in the annals of Cape Town’s storied history. 

The Allrounder’s Renaissance 

The innings was more than just a statistical marvel; it was a reaffirmation of the allrounder’s relevance in modern cricket. Ben Stokes embodies the spirit of an era when the likes of Imran Khan, Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee, and Kapil Dev defined the game. These men, warriors on both fronts, transcended statistics with their ability to shape matches single-handedly. 

Stokes channels the fearlessness of Botham and the strategic nous of Imran. He thrives on adversity, attacking challenges head-on with bat and ball. Phil Simmons once aptly described him as “the glue that holds the England team together.” His relentless energy allows James Anderson and Stuart Broad to operate at their peak, while his presence with the bat ensures England never lacks counterpunches. 

A Tale of Grit and Growth 

Stokes' journey has been one of growth, not just in skill but in resilience. Early glimpses of his talent came during England’s troubled 2013-14 Ashes tour, where he struck a defiant century against Mitchell Johnson and claimed a six-wicket haul at the SCG. Over time, he has matured into a complete cricketer. 

In 2015, Stokes’ bowling underwhelmed in the UAE against Pakistan, but he found a perfect balance in South Africa. Across four Tests, he amassed 411 runs and 12 wickets, rekindling memories of an allrounder’s golden age. While not as skilful as Anderson or Broad, his bowling remains potent through sheer willpower, pace, and endurance, making him a vital cog in England’s machinery. 

The Legacy of Stokes 

Cricket in the 1980s was defined by charismatic rivalries, and Test cricket thrived on the presence of multi-dimensional players. The vacuum left by Imran, Botham, Kapil, and Hadlee seemed insurmountable for decades. Yet Ben Stokes has emerged as the torchbearer of this lost art. 

As the sport evolves, Test cricket needs players like Stokes—individuals who can dazzle with brilliance and galvanize their teams with grit. He is a reminder of why cricket, at its heart, is a game of character, drama, and indomitable spirit. In Stokes, the cricketing world has found not just a player but a phenomenon, a gladiator whose exploits inspire awe and reverence. 

Cape Town was his stage, but the world is his arena.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Romario: The Alchemy of Genius and Defiance

What constitutes a great goalscorer? Is it the relentless ability to convert many opportunities with clinical precision? The fusion of impeccable technique and predatory instinct? Or perhaps the capacity to conjure moments of brilliance on the grandest stage? If these qualities form the measure of greatness, Romário de Souza Faria is undoubtedly one of the finest exemplars of footballing artistry.

Born in 1966 amidst the stark poverty of Jacarezinho, Rio de Janeiro’s sprawling favela, Romário’s ascent to footballing greatness is a tale of resilience, rebellion, and raw talent. His father, Edevair, fueled by dreams of a better life for his son, encouraged his passion for football, a game that would become both salvation and stage. By age 13, Romário had joined Olaria, a small club where his precocious talent belied his diminutive stature. His low centre of gravity and explosive speed rendered him a nightmare for defenders, attributes honed on the sun-scorched concrete of Jacarezinho and the sandy beaches of Rio.

Yet, destiny’s road was not without hurdles. At 15, Romário was dismissed by Vasco da Gama’s youth system for being “too small,” a verdict that might have deterred lesser spirits. But Romário was no ordinary talent. When he later scored four goals against Vasco in a youth match, the club reversed their judgment, offering him a place in 1981. Thus began his audacious journey, one marked by a blend of virtuosity and rebellion.

Maverick Talent, Enduring Controversy

Romário’s rise to prominence coincided with incidents that underscored his impish, anarchic streak. At the 1985 World Youth Championship, his ejection for urinating off a Moscow hotel balcony scandalized onlookers, yet it was an early testament to the irrepressible spirit that would both bedevil and endear him to coaches and fans. By the 1988 Olympics, however, he had transformed controversy into acclaim, scoring seven goals en route to the final, where Brazil secured silver. These performances catapulted him to Europe, landing him at PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch powerhouse that was redefining football under Guus Hiddink.

At PSV, Romário introduced the Netherlands to Brazilian flair, melding the carnival exuberance of Rio with a ruthless efficiency in front of goal. His debut season yielded 19 Eredivisie goals, helping PSV retain their domestic crown. Over five seasons, he amassed 127 goals in 142 appearances, his signature toe-poke—a deceptively simple but deadly finish—symbolizing his ingenuity.

Yet, Romário was more than his statistics. His off-field exploits—infamous house parties, complete with imported beach sand—mirrored his unorthodox brilliance on the pitch. “He’s the most interesting player I’ve managed,” Hiddink once mused. “Eight out of ten times, he’d tell me he’d score, and he was right.”

The Barcelona Crown Jewel

In 1993, Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona lured Romário to Spain, viewing him as the pièce de résistance in their quest for domestic and European dominance. Here, the Brazilian dazzled, scoring 39 goals in 18 months and delivering unforgettable moments, such as his hat-trick in El Clásico and a remarkable Champions League campaign. His partnership with Hristo Stoichkov epitomized Cruyff’s footballing philosophy: artistry, audacity, and a relentless pursuit of glory.

Despite his on-field exploits, friction with Cruyff over discipline cut short Romário’s Barcelona tenure. One incident remains legendary: granted permission to attend Rio’s Carnival if he scored twice in a match, Romário delivered within 20 minutes, gesturing to Cruyff that his promise had been kept. He departed for the airport moments after being substituted, leaving behind a bemused yet awestruck coach.

World Cup Glory and the Nation’s Hero

Romário’s zenith came in the summer of 1994. Leading Brazil to their fourth World Cup title, he embodied the archetypal craque—a star who transcends the game. His pivotal goals, including a nerveless penalty in the final against Italy, crowned him FIFA World Player of the Year. Yet, his appeal extended beyond football. For Brazilians, Romário symbolized hope and identity, a boy from the favelas who achieved the impossible while retaining the mischievous essence of his roots.

The Late Years: Defiance and Mastery

Returning to Brazil, Romário played for Flamengo and Vasco da Gama, where he continued to astound, forming a lethal partnership with Ronaldo in the 1997 Copa América. By 1998, injuries had deprived him of a second World Cup, but his remarkable scoring prowess endured. In 1999 alone, he notched an extraordinary 81 goals, defying age and expectations.

Romário’s twilight years showcased his relentless hunger for goals, whether in Brazil, Qatar, or the United States. His controversial claim of scoring 1,000 career goals—disputed due to the inclusion of unofficial matches—underscored his flair for drama and self-promotion. Yet, such debates pale before his indelible impact on the game.

Legacy of a Genius

Romário’s story is one of contradictions: an irreverent rebel who inspired reverence, a maverick whose discipline in the penalty area bordered on the sublime. As Johan Cruyff aptly summarized, “He was a genius in the penalty area.” From the gritty streets of Jacarezinho to the grandest stages of football, Romário’s legacy endures as a testament to the alchemy of talent, defiance, and unyielding belief. His journey was more than a career—it was a symphony of brilliance, controversy, and triumph, etched forever in football’s annals.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

South Africa’s Decline: A Tale of Leadership, Confidence, and Transition

The third Test between South Africa and England at Johannesburg promised to be a cricketing spectacle. The New Wanderers Stadium lived up to its reputation, offering a pitch that tantalizingly balanced bat and ball. In an era where flat, high-scoring tracks dominate the narrative, the Wanderers’ wicket reminded purists that the essence of Test cricket lies in equilibrium. 

The opening exchanges were a symphony of high-quality cricket. Steven Finn’s probing lines on day one unsettled the South African top order, only for the hosts' tailenders to mount a spirited fightback the next morning. Then came Hardus Viljoen’s fiery burst, a debutant charging in with pace and venom. Joe Root’s technical mastery and Ben Stokes’ counterattacking half-century kept England afloat, setting the stage for a contest that brimmed with promise. 

Yet, as is often the case in cricket, the script veered unexpectedly. On the third day, Stuart Broad turned the Test into a one-man show, reducing what could have been a classic to a procession. 

The Broad Blitzkrieg 

Stuart Broad’s spell was a force of nature. Under a canopy of overcast skies, he morphed into a predator, his fiery pace and accuracy leaving the South African batsmen floundering. With every ball, he sharpened his attack, exposing South Africa’s brittle underbelly. 

Broad’s six-wicket haul was a masterclass in seam and swing, but it also laid bare the frailty of South Africa’s once-formidable batting lineup. To watch players of the calibre of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers succumb meekly on their home turf was as shocking as it was disheartening. 

What made the capitulation more poignant was the memory of what South Africa once represented—a team synonymous with resilience, world-class batting, and disciplined aggression. This was not that team. 

A Mediocre South Africa 

South Africa’s descent into mediocrity has been neither abrupt nor unexplainable. Their struggles began on the dust bowls of India, where rank turners exposed technical flaws and shattered confidence. The scars of that series have yet to heal, with self-doubt creeping into a batting lineup that once prided itself on its fortitude. 

Injuries to Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander further decimated their resources. Without Steyn’s inspiring spells or Philander’s precision, the attack lacked teeth. Kagiso Rabada and Hardus Viljoen, though promising, are still learning the nuances of Test cricket. Morne Morkel, while steady, has rarely delivered the talismanic moments his team so desperately needs. 

What’s more, the team seems to have lost its identity. The electric fielding, the calculated aggression, and the unyielding partnerships—all hallmarks of South African cricket—are conspicuously absent. The result is a team that looks lost, unsure of its path forward. 

The Leadership Conundrum 

At the heart of South Africa’s struggles lies a leadership vacuum. Hashim Amla, for all his brilliance with the bat, seemed ill-suited to the captaincy. His decision to take the new ball late in the day during the Cape Town Test was a tactical blunder, allowing England to wrest control. 

When AB de Villiers took over, fans hoped his aggressive mindset would rejuvenate the side. However, his captaincy in Johannesburg betrayed a similar lack of imagination. Setting defensive fields for Ben Stokes early in his innings only emboldened the allrounder, and rotating bowlers too quickly disrupted momentum. De Villiers' reluctance to persist with Rabada and Viljoen on the third morning allowed England to take the lead. 

Leadership in cricket is not merely about tactics; it is about instilling belief and forging identity. South Africa, under both Amla and De Villiers, has faltered in this regard, leaving younger players without a guiding light. 

Signs of Transition 

It is tempting to dismiss this South African team as a pale shadow of its former self, but that would be unfair. Every great team undergoes a period of transition, and South Africa is no exception. The retirements of Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, and Mark Boucher created a vacuum that has proven difficult to fill. 

Yet, amidst the gloom, there are glimmers of hope. Kagiso Rabada has shown the makings of a generational fast bowler. Temba Bavuma, despite his small stature, has displayed big heart. Players like Quinton de Kock and Dean Elgar possess the talent to anchor South Africa’s future. 

What South Africa desperately needs is time—and a leader. De Villiers’ decision to commit to Test cricket is a positive step, but it must be backed by proactive leadership and a willingness to rebuild. 

The Road Ahead 

South Africa’s slide is undeniable, but it is not irreversible. They have the resources, the talent, and the history to rise again. What they need is a recalibration of mindset, a return to the basics that made them formidable. 

Above all, they must rediscover their identity—a team that fights, that competes, that commands respect. It will take patience, resilience, and, above all, leadership. The path will not be easy, but if there is one thing South African cricket has shown over the decades, it is an unyielding ability to rise from the ashes. 

This chapter may be bleak, but it is far from the end of their story.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

January 7, 1977: The Day Bangladesh Cricket Took Its First Bold Step

In the vibrant cultural tapestry of 1970s Bangladesh, soccer reigned supreme. The country's footballing heroes, led by the charismatic Salahuddin, dominated the imagination of sports enthusiasts. Cricket, by contrast, lingered in the shadows, struggling to carve out a space in a nation still navigating its post-independence identity. Yet, the seeds of cricket's rise were quietly sown, and January 7, 1977, stands as a watershed moment—a day when cricket began its ascent from obscurity to national passion.

The Legacy of Football and the Dormant Passion for Cricket

In the early days of independence, football was the beating heart of Bangladesh's sports scene. The domestic football leagues brought unadulterated joy to a populace yearning for unity and identity. Meanwhile, cricket, though rich in history from the days of East Pakistan, found itself relegated to the periphery. Despite hosting legendary Test matches featuring global icons like Sir Garfield Sobers and Richie Benaud at Dhaka's iconic National Stadium, the sport struggled to compete with the fervour surrounding football.

The establishment of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in 1972 marked a tentative beginning for organized cricket. Domestic leagues emerged in Dhaka and Chittagong, but they failed to capture the imagination of a public still enamoured with soccer. Cricket needed more than administrative structure—it needed a spark, a defining moment to rekindle the dormant passion of the masses.

The Role of Visionaries: Robin Marlar and Syed Ashraful Haque

The turnaround began with the efforts of cricketing minds who refused to let the sport fade into obscurity. Among them was Robin Marlar, a former English cricketer turned journalist, whose nostalgic reflections in The Sunday Times about pre-liberation cricket in Dhaka became a clarion call. Marlar lamented the possibility of cricket becoming a relic in the nascent nation of Bangladesh, prompting Syed Ashraful Haque, a Bangladeshi ex-cricketer based in London, to respond.

Ashraful’s impassioned letter not only reassured Marlar of cricket's enduring spirit in Bangladesh but also galvanized efforts to connect the country with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Through diplomatic manoeuvring, Ashraful highlighted Bangladesh’s cricketing heritage, invoking names like Abdul Halim Chowdhury Jewel, a martyr of the Liberation War, and Raquibul Hassan, whose defiance against Pakistan symbolized cricket’s resilience in the region.

A Heroic Prelude: Raquibul Hassan and the World XI

Ashraful’s persistence bore fruit in 1975 when Raquibul Hassan was invited to play for the World XI in a series against Pakistan. His inclusion signalled to the cricketing world that Bangladesh still nurtured talent capable of competing on an international stage. This singular act of representation, orchestrated by Ashraful and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, began to shift perceptions and laid the groundwork for Bangladesh’s eventual integration into the global cricketing fraternity.

The MCC Tour: A Defining Chapter

The pivotal moment came in December 1976, when the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), led by Ted Clarke, toured Bangladesh. Supported by the sports enthusiast President Ziaur Rahman, who ensured top-tier hospitality and security, the tour became a litmus test for Bangladesh’s cricketing ambitions. The MCC's visit culminated in the historic three-day match at the Dhaka National Stadium on January 7, 1977.

The atmosphere was electric. In a city dominated by soccer, the buzz surrounding cricket was palpable. The day began with cool winter air and the scent of festive pithas, as throngs of fans converged on the stadium to witness a spectacle they hoped would mark a new chapter for their nation.

The Heroics of Yousuf Babu

Bangladesh’s performance in the match encapsulated the tenacity and potential of its cricket. After a shaky start, the team found an unlikely hero in Yousuf Babu. Coming in at a precarious 145 for 6, Babu’s counterattacking 78 not only steadied the innings but also inspired his teammates. His efforts with the ball—taking 4 for 37 in the MCC’s first innings—cemented his place as the man of the moment. Babu’s heroics symbolized a defiance that mirrored the nation’s own struggle for recognition and respect.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Though the match ended in a draw, its impact was profound. The ICC, impressed by Bangladesh’s performance and the passion of its cricketing community, granted the country Associate Membership in July 1977. This recognition marked the beginning of Bangladesh’s journey toward becoming a full-fledged cricketing nation.

The events of January 7, 1977, transcended the boundaries of sport. They affirmed Bangladesh’s ability to overcome adversity and lay the foundation for a cricketing legacy that would culminate in Test status in 2000 and a historic ICC Cricket World Cup victory in 2023.

Reflections

The match was more than a contest; it was a metaphor for Bangladesh’s resilience. In a time when soccer dominated, cricket found its voice, its heroes, and its path forward. January 7 remains etched in history as the day cricket staked its claim in the hearts of Bangladeshis—a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the enduring spirit of sport.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar