“I felt [I learned] backing your instinct, remaining calm under pressure, backing your own strengths and methods, which I really focus on. I really learned a lot during that Test.” These were Ajinkya Rahane’s words before the Boxing Day Test, spoken with a quiet determination that belied the storm India had just endured. A few days earlier in Adelaide, the Indian team suffered a historic collapse, folding for a mere 36 runs. The debacle left fans and critics alike questioning the team’s resolve and capability, especially in the absence of their talismanic captain, Virat Kohli. As Rahane took the reins, the weight of expectation was immense. Yet, in the face of adversity, he orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Indian cricket history.
The Adelaide
Nightmare
The defeat in Adelaide was more than just a loss; it was a
public humiliation. From a position of strength, India had crumbled, gifting
Australia a commanding lead in the series. For a team lauded for its resilience
and depth, the collapse was a bitter pill to swallow. Critics sharpened their
knives, and doubts loomed large over India’s ability to recover, particularly
with Kohli returning home for personal reasons. The stage was set for a litmus
test of character, and Melbourne’s Boxing Day Test became the proving ground.
Back to Basics: The
Bowling Masterclass
On Day 1, India’s bowlers set the tone, bundling out
Australia for under 200 runs despite the absence of Mohammed Shami and Ishant
Sharma. Leading the charge was Ravichandran Ashwin, a bowler often criticized
for his overseas performances. Rahane’s tactical acumen was evident early on as
he introduced Ashwin in the first hour, exploiting the moisture on the pitch to
trouble the Australian batsmen. Ashwin’s guile and discipline were on full
display, dismissing key players like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne with
precision.
Smith, a master of spin, fell to a middle-and-leg stump
line, a testament to Ashwin’s ability to outthink his opponents. Labuschagne,
undone by a delivery that squared him up, highlighted Ashwin’s knack for
exploiting even the slightest vulnerabilities. The rest of the Australian
lineup crumbled, unable to cope with the relentless pressure. It was a
collective effort, but Ashwin’s resurgence was a standout, silencing his
detractors and reaffirming his value in the longest format.
Rahane’s Grit and
Composure
When it was India’s turn to bat, the scars of Adelaide were
evident. Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara weathered the storm, but another
collapse loomed. Enter Rahane, the stand-in captain, tasked with steadying the
ship. His approach was a masterclass in Test batting—patient, methodical, and
rooted in the fundamentals.
Rahane’s initial resolve was striking. He trusted his
defence, used his feet judiciously, and focused on occupying the crease. His
technique was impeccable, with a straight backlift and precise footwork that
nullified the threat of Australia’s fiery pace attack. Against Nathan Lyon,
Rahane’s astute footwork allowed him to dominate the spinner, either smothering
the turn with a forward stride or cutting late off the back foot. His ability
to rotate the strike and minimize risk was a lesson in building an innings.
The Turning Point
As the innings progressed, Rahane shifted gears. The arrival
of the second new ball marked a decisive phase. Initially, a loose shot against
Mitchell Starc almost cost him his wicket, but a dropped catch by Steve Smith
proved to be a turning point. From that moment, Rahane unleashed a flurry of
strokes, combining elegance with aggression. His drives, cuts, and flicks
showcased a batsman in complete control, unshackled by the burden of
expectations.
Supported brilliantly by Ravindra Jadeja, who provided a
perfect foil with his resilience, Rahane brought up a sublime century. The
partnership not only took India past Australia’s total but also established a
commanding lead. It was a captain’s knock in every sense, blending grit with
flair and laying the foundation for India’s eventual victory.
Lessons in Leadership
Rahane’s innings was not just about runs; it was a statement
of intent. His calm demeanour and tactical nous inspired confidence in a team
reeling from the Adelaide debacle. By backing his players and leading by
example, Rahane demonstrated the essence of leadership in the face of
adversity. His ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt to the
situation was instrumental in India’s resurgence.
The Broader Context
The Boxing Day Test was a triumph of traditional Test
cricket values—patience, technique, and strategic acumen. In an era dominated
by T20 cricket, Rahane’s innings was a reminder of the beauty and complexity of
the longest format. It also exposed the limitations of Australia’s batting
lineup, which appeared overly reliant on the Big Bash League’s aggressive
template. India’s bowlers, disciplined and relentless, exploited these
weaknesses to perfection.
Conclusion
From the darkness of Adelaide emerged the sunshine of
Melbourne, a testament to the resilience and character of this Indian team.
Rahane’s masterclass, supported by a collective team effort, turned the series
on its head and set the stage for one of India’s greatest overseas triumphs.
The Boxing Day Test was not just a victory; it was a reaffirmation of the
timeless principles of Test cricket and the indomitable spirit of a team that
refused to be defined by a single failure.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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