Monday, July 13, 2020

Victory for West Indies as Test cricket returns in style


Nine times out of ten, you would bet on the West Indies faltering on Day 5 of the first Test at Southampton. This is not the West Indies of yore, whose swagger and dominance made even the most daunting chases seem trivial. The current side has flashes of brilliance but often lacks the fortitude to convert potential into triumph. To all but the die-hard Caribbean cricket faithful, this match appeared a foregone conclusion—a victory scripted for England.

But cricket, like life, thrives on the unexpected. Against all odds, this West Indies team displayed remarkable composure on a treacherous pitch offering uneven bounce and against a hostile pace attack. They endured early stumbles but refused to unravel, defying both expectation and precedent.

Jermaine Blackwood emerged as the hero of the hour, a beacon of calm amidst chaos. His mastery on the back foot, coupled with a sharp eye outside the off stump, ensured he was the linchpin of the innings. His innings was a study in resilience and resolve, as he navigated turbulent waters to steady the West Indies ship. Blackwood’s knock not only stabilized the innings but also etched a victory that will long be remembered—a triumph on English soil, once their fabled happy hunting ground.

The foundation of this win, however, was laid on Day 2 after rain wiped out the opening day. Jason Holder’s impeccable exploitation of seaming conditions dismantled England's first innings, his probing line and length reducing even seasoned batters to novices. The West Indies batters then crafted a crucial lead, one that tilted the scales just enough. Shannon Gabriel, the enforcer, delivered decisive blows in England’s second innings, leaving the visitors a target of 200 runs on the final day.

This chase, modest by statistical standards, became a psychological battlefield. Yet, the West Indies prevailed, refusing to bow to the ghosts of inconsistency that have haunted them in recent years. This victory marked not just a sporting milestone but also a symbolic return of Test cricket after the silence imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic—a reminder of cricket’s enduring spirit.

As England reflects on missed opportunities and tactical missteps, the West Indies can bask in the glow of their hard-fought triumph. The question now is whether they can sustain this brilliance or if it will prove a fleeting spark. For now, however, the Caribbean faithful have reason to celebrate—a victory against the odds, a reminder of what this team can achieve when talent is matched by conviction.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

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