Frustrating England, but they will bounce back because they can!

“England Test team had been blunted in 2021 and this is very alarming for the longer format. England should not fall for the crazy-money-making models; rather make a model of their own that would help them grow organically and fly the flag of Test cricket with pride”

54 ducks in a Test calendar year!

The most Test defeats in a calendar equaling one of the worst Test teams in the history of Test cricket – Bangladesh!

An average of 24.13 runs per wicket is the lowest for England in any year when they have played at least 10 Tests, and the second-lowest with an eight-Test cut-off. Not only has 2021 been a terrible year for England's batters, but it has also been tough for batters in general: the average runs per wicket are the second-lowest, it has been in the last 40 years.

The top 3 of England batting lineup had averaged 21.33 this year in Test cricket, with just one century from 87 innings – Rory Burns' 132 against New Zealand at Lord's. The average of 21.33 is easily the lowest among all teams in 2021, and England's lowest in a year since 1989 when they averaged 18.21 in 33 innings.

The brittle top three meant that when Root came in to bat at number 4 - which he did in 28 out of 29 innings this year - the average score was 35 for 2. (The average at the fall of the second wicket was 35.21.) That is the lowest average score at two down for any team in a year when they have played at least 10 Tests; the next-lowest is 42.15, by West Indies, also in 2021.

In 15 out of 28 innings when he batted at No. 4, England had lost their second wicket before the score had reached 20. In those 15 innings, he averaged 48.13, with two big hundreds against Sri Lanka in Galle - 228, after he came in at 17 for 2, and 186 (5 for 2). When he came in later, his average was over 70, which suggests he would have been even more prolific had England's top three been more solid.

Gosh, how poor England have been this year and when they were complaining about the pitches back in India, it would have been better if they had accepted, their batting lacked technical and temperamental efficiencies.

Back in 2012, when England landed on the Indian soil as the underdogs, they did not complain but focused on the basics more - something, which paid rich dividends as Alastair Cook and his men left the Indian shores victorious.

Resolve was the motto of success for Alastair Cook in 2012 and the mantra was the same back in that historic Ashes win in 2010-11. When you start planning your batting by trusting the defence and patience – the rest follows automatically. The perfect example is dashing batter Rohit Sharma, who has been prolific in white clothes this year courtesy of trusting the defence, leaving the ball and patience.

England know such basics better than anyone, but surprisingly, they have failed to execute them throughout the year.

After being shot out for 68on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – the bubble finally busted and the top and middle order of the English batting lineup – except Root faced the heat of critics and fans.

Something is not right with England and maybe the whole system needs an overhaul modification.

“If your system is strong and competitive, all the talk about coaching is somewhat peripheral. You'll have a Darwinian system where the best players come to the top of the pile and I don't think it's strong and competitive enough right now. An 18-county system with four competitions is basically too much to fit into too short a space of time,” said Michael Atherton to Sky Sports.

“A shorter, more condensed higher-quality first-class competition would, in the end, allow the best players to come through and they should be able to make the step up to Test cricket.”

“How you get there is not simple, but the fundamentals for Australia came from the fact they have a better first-class system and that's it really - you can over-complicate things.”

“A lot of the summer is given to white-ball cricket, but there's still a majority in England who like Test cricket and Ashes cricket above all. There's anger and frustration that they feel England's Test team has been marginalized and the County Championship has been hollowed out.”

This is the era of white-ball cricket and people love it – but there always has to have a balance between red and white-ball cricket. Perhaps, England lost the focus on five-day cricket – which is highly regarded as the ultimate accolade back in England, New Zealand and Australia - still today.

For commercial and entertainment interest – emphasizing on white-ball cricket is understandable but for that burying red-ball cricket to rest does not suit nations who have given cricket so much and people look up to them when greatness and tradition are concerned.

The batting woes for England in 2021clearly hint to the point of how badly England’s think tank had taken County Cricket less seriously - There has to be planning and some sacrifices along the way to try and help players groom for the long run – for Test cricket.

Although the County Championship program has been reduced from 16 to 14 games in recent years, the bulk of fixtures takes place at either end of the summer, when conditions make it harder for batters to thrive.

By contrast, Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield - contested by six states - comprises 10 matches apiece and a final.

The success of New Zealand in test cricket has been the same when they decided to change the first-class cricket and make it more competitive.

Naseer Hussain said, “These are professional cricketers. It is your game, take ownership of your game. I never walked off, when I was having problems against Courtney Walsh or whoever and said 'you know what, that was my coach's fault'.

“I don't mind you having all these techniques but it is about getting runs. If you've got a problem with pitches go and speak to [ECB managing director of men's cricket] Ashley Giles and tell him the pitches in domestic cricket are not good enough.”

“Look at what New Zealand did, they were going through a similar thing and the one big change they made was in their domestic cricket.”

“They played on better pitches, not flatter pitches, and you can see the results.”

England Test team had been blunted in 2021 and this is very alarming for the longer format. England should not fall for the crazy-money-making models; rather make a model of their own that would help them grow organically and fly the flag of Test cricket with pride.

England had been frustrating…too frustrating – but they will bounce back because they can!

Note: Statistical information taken from ESPNcricinfo

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer on 31/12/2021 Frustrating England, but they will bounce back because they can!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Ross Taylor: The modern day great

Heroes come from unlikely sources at times. At the start, they remain unknown to many, ignored, criticized and left in the cold; but in the end, such heroes prove their worth and stamp their authority in the hearts and minds of the people.

One might call them the unsung heroes and put them in the category of the underrated ones.

Still, their impact factor speaks loud and clear to their support so much that it is hard to ignore them from the category of the modern-day greats.

Ross Taylor is one of the modern-day greats by all means.

At Johannesburg, back in 2007, South Africa simply mauled New Zealand courtesy of a fast bowler named Dale Steyn, who was at the height of his powers. The New Zealand batting order had the experience of Stephen Flemming and Scott Styris, while the rest of the batters failed to cut a satisfactory figure.

New Zealand presented the Test cap to batsman from Samoan descent since Murphy Su’a because his mother was from the Samoa village of Saoluafata, and also has family connections to Fasito'o-Uta – Ross Taylor. Taylor watched how South Africa devastated the Kiwis and realized how badly he needs to improve his game – the young lad just managed to fetch 15 and 4 runs from both innings.

He made his international debut a year back against the West Indies unit and in the same year, Taylor scored his maiden one day century in front of a delighted crowd in Napier, playing against Sri Lanka. The innings included 12 fours and 6 sixes. He hit 84 against Australia in their opening game in the Common Wealth Bank Series in 2006-07.

Taylor scored his second century in his ODI career in 2007 against Australia.

He scored 117, the 2nd highest score by a New Zealander against Australia at that time, and later on he was included in the Cricket World Cup squad where New Zealand were one of the favourites. It was not a memorable tournament for Taloy because he could manage only 107 runs from six matches whereas, New Zealand crashed out of the event after losing to Sri Lanka in the semifinals.

He could strike the ball cleanly with perfect timing and was very strong on the onside.

But, Test cricket was a different ball game that required more.

After 2007, players like Flemming, Styris and Craig McMillan left the scene and New Zealand were going through a transition period – they required the young guns to step up and take the responsibility.

Taylor had the swagger and shots under his belt, but he just did not know how to flourish in white clothes.

Leanne McGoldrick, the manager back then, convinced Martin Crowe, who dismissed Taylor as a dirty slogger, to help Taylor.

“I had just played for New Zealand and Martin was around as a commentator. My manager had a good relationship with him, and she said, ‘Martin's always willing to help. Why don't you give him a call?’ So I called him, and at that time I'd just made my ODI debut and hadn't played Test cricket. Tests were something I wanted to get good at,” Taylor said in an interview with Andrew Fidel Fernando.

“I flew up to Auckland and stayed with Martin. We both loved red wine. We talked 50% about cricket and 50% about wine. That was a good starting point. The relationship grew from there. When you have a batting coach in the team, they have to look at 15 other players. It was nice to have Martin give you his honest appraisal and not have any emotional bias. He'd look at me from a mental and technical point of view. That was invaluable to my career. I just wanted to play Test cricket back then. Here I am, having played 90-odd Test matches. I've been helped out by a lot of people, but definitely, Martin had a big influence.”

“The ball was going all over the place at Eden Park Outer Oval [first class match]. I saw him walking into the ground and around the boundary as I was batting and I thought, 'Geez, there's Martin Crowe.' Tama Canning and Kyle Mills were making me look silly. At that stage, I didn't really trust my defence. My best form of defence was attack... probably not what was required on the first morning of a first-class game,” Taylor in an interview with Dylan Cleaver.

“I was waiting [after being dismissed for 10 off 14 balls] to hear back from Leanne, but I don't think she had the heart to tell me. Eventually, I found out Martin had told her I was nothing but a dirty slogger.”

Crowe, nicknamed Hogan, would come around and forge a wonderful friendship with Taylor with the intention to help him grow.

“Talking to Hogan over time, things he said to me when I was 24 didn't resonate with the same effect as they did as I matured and my game matured. They certainly resonated further down the track.”

Taylor, being an attacking batter, more often, undermined his defensive abilities, which is very important to survive in Test cricket.

Crowe helped Taylor tighten up his defence.

“When there's a rained-out game and an old game will come on the telly, I'll watch myself, thinking, 'Oh geez, how did I bat like that?' You always tinker with your game anyway, but when you're younger and going through a lean patch, you tend to try to find quick fixes. Now I have learned to trust my game more.”

On the impact of Crowe, Taylor explained on the innings of 290 against Australia at Perth:

“I'd just recovered from the operation after an incident in Zimbabwe where I got hit on the box in the nets… actually it missed the box completely. To go over to Australia following that was tricky. I was underdone. I got a duck in the first innings at the Gabba and came out swinging in the second with no success. I was really out of sorts, but it shows how you can change yourself so quickly.”

“I got a nice email from Martin before the Test. If I ever write a book, it will have the email he wrote in full. It was a nice little reminder of where I was and where he was in his life at that point. He wrote the email from hospice. That put things in perspective.”

His technique could resemble a child playing in the gardens during leisure time, but that was what Taylor adapted well – his bat might not have come down straight in the earlier part of his career, though later on things started to change – less straight at the crease, but his backlift became straighter with the trigger movement being the initial forward press. At times, his footwork was questioned, and he worked on that as well to counter the spinners – even with limited footwork he was found competent and shifting of weight on the back foot improved his back foot play – the executions on the offside gradually improved.

Then came the temperament to bloom in Test cricket.

The perfect example was his classic 154 against England at Manchester in 2008, where the world witnessed an improved Taylor and what to come in the next decade and so on.

Taylor had laid all the insecurities to rest and set about proving that he's more than just a limited-overs player.

His mighty hitting was there to see when the delivery merited the shot, but for the most part, he played straight and late, and made crease occupation his primary concern.

It was an eye-opening performance from a man who'd been under-estimated after failing in his first two Tests.

Taylor said to Dylan, “The reason I hold [the Manchester innings] in such high regard was becaue, the conditions were tough and I was all over the place leading into that game. I got 19 and 20 at Lord's, and the way Hogan always talked about Lord's, it was the pinnacle for him. Whether that rubbed off on me and I put extra pressure on myself, I'm not sure, but I was all over the place and in a really bad headspace. To turn that around, to score 150, will go down as one of my best knocks.”

“To be consistent, the first thing you need to do is to survive your first 20 to 30 balls. To do that you need to trust your defence. More often than not, if you get through those first 30 balls, batting becomes easier regardless of whether it's a flat wicket, spinning wicket or if it is seaming around. Some days that might happen earlier, other days it stretches out to 40 balls.”

“The more you play the more accustomed you get to different conditions and environments… [but] no day is the same. You can be in good nick and have a bad night's sleep and suddenly you're struggling. You can be in good form and wait six hours to bat and by the time you get to bat, you're spent. You can be out of nick, squirt a couple through the gully for four, and all of a sudden something clicks.”

That knock gave Taylor a lifter – sadly, New Zealand cricket was going through a tough period.

The defeats were more in numbers than the victories – Taylor’s bat was not on song as well, but he always tried to be steady.

In 2012, he was made the skipper of the Test side and that elevated his game.

He averaged 54.60 with the bat that year and scored 142 runs that helped New Zealand win a Test in Colombo and ultimately, they came out as the series winners.

“I think at one point we lost ten or 11 ODIs in a row. And we also lost 4-0 in a series in Bangladesh. We were getting ourselves into good positions but we weren't able to capitalize on them. It seems like a long time ago, those games. But sometimes you've got to hit rock bottom to get to the top,” said Taylor to Fernando.

But, after that series win, Brendon McCullum had been appointed New Zealand's captain in all three formats after Ross Taylor declined an offer to stay on as leader of the Test side in a split-captaincy scenario.

Still, he put all the differences aside and shone with the bat in 2013 averaging 72.17!

“I think it showed you what you can do with a bit of resilience. I went two weeks without sleep. I was having probably two hours of sleep each night. But I was still able to score a 140-odd and back it up with a 70. It's amazing how resilient I felt I was back then. Things happen in life that are out of your control. It is what it is.”

Runs continued to flow from his bat in Test and limited-overs formats.

Day by day, Traylor had become the lynchpin for the New Zealand batting order alongside the great Kane Williamson and in the mid and later stages of the last decade, Taylor would witness the rise of Black Caps in Test cricket, where once upon a time, none would ever even thought such an improvement.

When Taylor clubbed a four through the leg side to win the World Test Championship final against India in the final, he ended 21 years of heartache for the Kiwis. It was the first time New Zealand were winning a major ICC title since the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy when Stephen Fleming had led them to their only world title.

After the historic win against India, Taylor would experience a Test series win in England since 1999.

There have been 432 Tests played in Australia and Ross Taylor has the highest Test score in Australia by a visiting player. He scored 290 at Perth in 2015. He has scored the most number of hundreds in Tests and ODIs for the Kiwis. He has so far taken 346 catches in international cricket, which is the most grabbed by a Kiwi in international cricket.

Taylor has played 100 Tests for Black Caps. He is one of only four New Zealanders to play 100 Tests. Others are Daniel Vettori (112), Stephen Fleming (111), and Brendon McCullum (101). He has played 100 matches minimum in each of the three formats and is the first player from any country to achieve this milestone.

Taylor has scored 7584 runs in Test cricket till ow, which is the most by any New Zealand batter in this format.

Taylor had started from the scraps, and worked harder to improve and elevate his game to the next level. He would blaze under the shadow of Williamson, but his achievements could neither be overshadowed nor undermined because Taylor is undoubtedly one of the modern-day greats.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Tale of Collapse: Bangladesh’s Humbling Defeat Against Pakistan

Test cricket, often celebrated as a contest of patience and resilience, witnessed an anomaly at Mirpur when Bangladesh capitulated to Pakistan in a fashion that was as swift as it was disheartening. Despite three days of weather interruptions that had nearly ensured a stalemate, Bangladesh contrived to lose the second Test within the remaining two days. This debacle, even by Bangladesh’s checkered Test history, stands out as a low point—a stark reminder of the gaps in temperament, technique, and tactical acumen. 

Day 1: A Battle of Attrition

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat, navigating a tricky session to end a rain-curtailed opening day in a commanding position at 161/2. Babar Azam, the epitome of fluency, and Azhar Ali, the embodiment of grit, stabilized the innings after Taijul Islam's early strikes. Babar’s elegant half-century was a stark contrast to Azhar’s dogged 36 off 112 balls, yet both served the same purpose—laying a foundation for a big total. 

The fading light may have halted play, but Pakistan’s intent was clear: bat Bangladesh out of the game. 

Day 2: A Tease of Play

Rain dictated terms on the second day, allowing only 6.2 overs of play. Azhar Ali reached his 34th Test half-century, while Babar continued to anchor the innings with grace. Pakistan moved to 188/2, and though the weather was the chief antagonist, it foreshadowed the lack of resistance Bangladesh would soon display. 

Day 3: A Washout and a Wake-Up Call

Persistent rain washed out the third day entirely, setting the stage for what should have been a mundane finish. With two days remaining, a draw seemed inevitable, but Test cricket’s unpredictability had other plans. 

Day 4: Pakistan's Precision, Bangladesh's Implosion

Pakistan resumed with purpose, declaring at 300/4 after fifties from Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan. The total, though not mammoth, was more than sufficient given the conditions and Bangladesh’s fragile batting. 

Sajid Khan, Pakistan’s unheralded off-spinner, then stole the spotlight. Operating under gloomy skies, he exploited the conditions to perfection, dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup with guile and precision. 

Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s technical frailty was exposed as he edged to slip. Shadman Islam’s dismissal, courtesy of Hasan Ali’s brilliance at point, was followed by Mominul Haque’s careless run-out—a moment emblematic of Bangladesh’s lack of discipline. 

The experienced Mushfiqur Rahim fell to a reckless shot, while Liton Das, promoted ahead of Shakib Al Hasan, returned a simple catch to Sajid. Najmul Hossain Shanto, despite being dropped twice, failed to capitalize, and by the time bad light intervened, Bangladesh were reeling at 76/7. Sajid’s six-wicket haul had left the hosts in tatters. 

Day 5: The Final Surrender

Bangladesh resumed on the final day with faint hopes of salvaging a draw. Sajid completed his eight-wicket haul, bundling out the hosts for a paltry 87, and Babar Azam promptly enforced the follow-on. 

The second innings began disastrously. Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi were relentless, dismantling the top order with a combination of swing and pace. Joy, Shadman, and Mominul fell cheaply, while Najmul Hossain Shanto succumbed to a brutal short ball.  

Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das provided a semblance of resistance, stitching together a 73-run partnership that briefly rekindled hope. Liton, in particular, played with assurance, but the lack of support at the other end proved costly. 

Shakib Al Hasan, ever the fighter, crafted a valiant 63, but his dismissal signalled the end of Bangladesh’s resistance. Babar Azam, turning his arm over in desperation, claimed his maiden international wicket by trapping Mehidy Hasan Miraz. 

With the light fading and the target of 213 to avoid an innings defeat tantalizingly close, Bangladesh’s lower order crumbled under pressure. Sajid fittingly delivered the final blow, trapping Taijul Islam in front to seal a famous victory for Pakistan. 

The Aftermath: A Sobering Reality

This defeat was not just about the loss of a Test match; it was a damning indictment of Bangladesh’s inability to adapt to the demands of the longest format. While Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Sajid Khan, showcased discipline and skill, Bangladesh’s batting lacked application and temperament. 

The question now looms large: how does Bangladesh rebuild from here? The Mirpur debacle is a stark reminder that talent alone is insufficient; Test cricket demands mental fortitude, technical soundness, and tactical awareness—qualities Bangladesh must urgently cultivate if they are to avoid such humiliations in the future. 

For Pakistan, this victory reaffirms their growing prowess under Babar Azam’s leadership. For Bangladesh, it’s a lesson painfully learned—a lesson that must not be ignored. 

 Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Ajaz Patel: The Ten-Wicket Maestro and the Poetry of Persistence

In the grand theatre of cricket, some moments transcend numbers, etching themselves into the annals of history as testaments to perseverance, skill, and serendipity. December 4, 2021, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, was one such moment. Ajaz Yunus Patel, the unassuming left-arm spinner born in the bustling city of Mumbai and raised amidst the serenity of New Zealand, delivered a spellbinding performance that elevated him to the pantheon of cricketing immortals. 

Patel's ten-wicket haul in a single innings against India—a feat achieved only twice before in the history of Test cricket—was more than just a statistical marvel. It was the culmination of years of toil, adaptation, and an unwavering belief in the craft of spin bowling. The historic feat placed him alongside Jim Laker and Anil Kumble, two legends of the game, and crowned him as the first New Zealander to achieve such a milestone in international cricket. 

From Seam to Spin: A Journey of Reinvention 

Ajaz Patel’s story is one of transformation and resilience. Born in Mumbai, Patel migrated to New Zealand as an eight-year-old with dreams as vast as the skies above him. Cricket was not merely a passion; it was a lifeline that connected him to his roots and offered a sense of belonging in a foreign land. 

Initially, Patel aspired to emulate the likes of Wasim Akram, charging in with the new ball as a left-arm seamer. However, reality struck when he realized that his 5'6" frame would be a limitation at higher levels. It was then, under the guidance of former New Zealand spinner Dipak Patel, that Ajaz found his true calling in spin bowling. The transition was neither swift nor easy. Hours of practice, rebuilding his action from scratch, and enduring the grind of domestic cricket honed his craft. 

Patel’s rise was not meteoric but methodical. Toiling in the domestic circuit, he emerged as a consistent wicket-taker for Central Districts, leading the Plunket Shield charts for consecutive seasons. His persistence earned him a Test debut at the age of 30—a testament to the adage that it’s never too late to chase greatness. 

The Mumbai Miracle: A Tale of Ten 

The Wankhede Test was a poetic homecoming for Patel. Nostalgia intertwined with destiny as he stepped onto the ground where he had once watched IPL games and dreamed of cricketing glory. What unfolded over two days was nothing short of a fairytale. 

Patel’s spell was a masterclass in flight, drift, and guile. His deliveries were not just balls hurled down a 22-yard pitch; they were expressions of artistry, each one crafted to deceive, bamboozle, and conquer. From luring Shubman Gill into a false stroke to producing a peach that breached Cheteshwar Pujara’s defence, Patel orchestrated a symphony of spin that left India’s formidable batting lineup in tatters. 

The final wicket—Mohammed Siraj’s miscued slog that soared into the hands of Rachin Ravindra—was a moment suspended in time. As the ball hung in the air, so did the collective breath of the cricketing world. When it finally nestled into Ravindra’s safe hands, history exhaled, and Ajaz Patel’s name was etched in golden letters. 

A Career Forged in Adversity 

Patel’s journey to this pinnacle was anything but straightforward. Excluded from New Zealand’s Under-19 setup, he faced setbacks that might have deterred lesser souls. Yet, he soldiered on, motivated by an unyielding love for the game. His time in England, playing club cricket, was instrumental in refining his skills. There, he bowled countless overs, learning the nuances of dismissing batsmen and developing the patience that is the hallmark of great spinners. 

Even after breaking into the New Zealand Test side, Patel had to contend with limited opportunities. In a country where seamers dominate, a spinner’s role often becomes peripheral. Yet, Patel embraced this reality with pragmatism, focusing on making the most of every chance. His match-winning five-wicket haul on debut against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi was a harbinger of the impact he could have in the longest format. 

The Paradox of Glory 

While Patel’s ten-wicket haul was a personal triumph, it was juxtaposed against the collective failure of his team. New Zealand’s dismal first-innings total of 62 underscored the challenges they faced in subcontinental conditions. Patel’s heroics stood as a lone beacon of brilliance on a day when the World Test Champions faltered. 

Yet, this paradox only adds to the poignancy of Patel’s achievement. It serves as a reminder that cricket, like life, is a tapestry of contrasts—individual brilliance often coexists with collective struggles. 

Legacy and the Road Ahead 

Ajaz Patel’s story is far from over. As a late bloomer, he represents the virtues of patience and perseverance in an era dominated by instant gratification. His Mumbai miracle will inspire generations of cricketers to dream big, work hard, and embrace the unpredictability of their journeys. 

For Patel, the challenge now is to build on this historic performance and cement his place in a competitive New Zealand side. With his skill, determination, and humility that has endeared him to teammates and fans alike, there is little doubt that he will continue to script memorable chapters in the story of cricket. 

In the words of Ajaz himself, “Faith is a big factor for me, which allows me to stay grounded and back my abilities.” As the cricketing world celebrates his ten-wicket masterpiece, one thing is certain: Ajaz Patel’s faith in his craft has not only grounded him but also elevated him to the stars. 

 Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Tale of Resilience: New Zealand’s Grit Denies India a Famous Win in Kanpur

Test cricket is a canvas where the drama unfolds in slow-burning brilliance, and the first Test between India and New Zealand in Kanpur painted a masterpiece of grit, skill, and resilience. Over five enthralling days, the Green Park Stadium bore witness to a battle of attrition, where New Zealand clawed their way to a draw, denying India a victory that seemed inevitable at several junctures. 

Day 1: Shreyas Iyer’s Dream Debut 

India, led by stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane in the absence of Virat Kohli, took to the field with a depleted XI missing key players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. Opting to bat first, Rahane entrusted his spinners to exploit the Kanpur surface as the match progressed. 

Shreyas Iyer, making his Test debut, showcased poise and maturity beyond his years. Walking in at a precarious 106 for 3, Iyer anchored the innings with a sparkling 75 not out at stumps. His unbroken 113-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja lifted India to 258 for 4, setting a solid foundation. Iyer’s audacious six off Will Somerville to close the day epitomized his confidence, while Jadeja’s steady half-century underlined his value as an all-rounder. 

Day 2: Southee’s Spell and New Zealand’s Response 

Tim Southee, a craftsman with the red ball, delivered a masterclass on the second morning. His relentless precision and ability to extract movement from the surface yielded a five-wicket haul, his 13th in Tests and second in India. India’s innings folded for 345, with Iyer etching his name in history as the 16th Indian to score a century on debut. 

New Zealand’s openers, Tom Latham and Will Young responded with remarkable composure. Their unbroken 129-run stand defied India’s spinners on a surface offering variable bounce and turn. While the ball occasionally misbehaved, the Kiwi pair’s disciplined technique and patience ensured all results remained possible. 

Day 3: Axar Patel’s Precision 

The third day saw Axar Patel reaffirm his status as a lethal weapon in Indian conditions. His relentless targeting of the stumps reaped rewards as he claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in just four Tests. New Zealand, despite Latham’s valiant 95, were bowled out for 296, conceding a 49-run lead. 

India’s second innings began under ominous skies and ended on a somber note as Kyle Jamieson shattered Shubman Gill’s stumps with a peach of a delivery. At stumps, India held a slender lead of 63, with Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara tasked with building a defendable total. 

Day 4: Iyer and Saha Steady the Ship 

Shreyas Iyer continued his dream debut with a composed 65, rescuing India from a precarious 51 for 5 alongside Wriddhiman Saha, who battled a stiff neck to score an unbeaten 61. Their partnerships with Ashwin and Axar Patel ensured India set New Zealand a challenging target of 284. 

The declaration came late in the day, leaving New Zealand to navigate a tricky four-over spell. Ashwin struck immediately, trapping Will Young lbw with a delivery that stayed low. At stumps, New Zealand were 4 for 1, and the match seemed firmly in India’s grasp. 

Day 5: New Zealand’s Great Escape 

The final day will be etched in the annals of Test cricket as a testament to New Zealand’s resilience. Tom Latham and nightwatchman William Somerville blunted India’s attack in a marathon partnership, denying the hosts any breakthroughs in the first session. Their defiance sowed seeds of doubt in the Indian camp. 

Post-lunch, the tide began to turn. Somerville fell, and Latham followed soon after. Ross Taylor’s dismissal before tea left New Zealand wobbling, but Kane Williamson’s stoic presence offered hope. 

The final session was a cauldron of tension. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja unleashed their full repertoire, exploiting the sharp turn and low bounce. Jadeja’s three wickets reduced New Zealand to their last pair, debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel, with more than eight overs remaining. 

What followed was a masterclass in survival. Ravindra’s dogged 91-ball vigil for 18 runs and Patel’s nerveless defense defied India’s relentless spinners. Fielders crowded the bat, every ball was an event, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Yet, the Kiwi duo held firm. 

As bad light descended, the umpires called off play, sealing a dramatic draw. For New Zealand, it was a moral victory, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure in alien conditions. 

Post-Match Reflections 

Kane Williamson lauded his team’s fight, highlighting the contributions of Southee, Jamieson, and the last-wicket pair. “We hung around, showed fight, and earned a result against a formidable Indian side,” he remarked. 

Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged India’s effort but rued missed opportunities. “We tried our best, but credit to New Zealand for their resilience. Shreyas was outstanding, and our bowlers gave it their all,” he said. 

Conclusion 

The Kanpur Test reaffirmed why Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport. It was a contest of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude, where both teams displayed qualities that define greatness. While India dominated large swathes of the match, New Zealand’s unyielding spirit ensured they walked away with their heads held high. 

As the teams head to Mumbai for the second Test, the series remains tantalizingly poised, a fitting testament to the enduring magic of the longest format. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

El Clásico: Real Madrid Reign Supreme at Camp Nou

The stage was set at Camp Nou for another chapter in the storied rivalry of El Clásico. Though the absence of past icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has dimmed the allure of this fixture, the passion, stakes, and history ensured that the encounter remained a marquee event. As the final whistle blew, Real Madrid once again asserted their dominance, carving out a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their eternal rivals, Barcelona. 

A Cautious Start, A Strategic Battle 

The opening stages of the match were marked by caution from both sides. The intensity and pace that typically define El Clásico were notably absent, as both teams prioritized defensive solidity over attacking flair. Barcelona’s Ronald Koeman surprised many with his starting XI, opting for Oscar Mingueza at right-back and deploying Sergiño Dest as a makeshift right-winger. Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, fielded an attack-minded lineup, with Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Júnior flanking Karim Benzema. 

The first ten minutes were cagey, with neither side willing to take risks. Real Madrid, however, broke the monotony when Vinícius Júnior’s surging run into the left channel signalled their intent. Though his cutback for Benzema was intercepted by Eric García, it was a warning shot that Madrid had come to Camp Nou to claim all three points. 

The First Half: Alaba’s Moment of Brilliance 

As the game unfolded, it became clear that Barcelona’s lack of cohesion was their Achilles’ heel. Dest squandered a golden opportunity to put the hosts ahead, blazing over from close range after a lung-bursting run and cutback from Memphis Depay. The miss would prove costly. 

Real Madrid struck with precision and ruthlessness. David Alaba, the Austrian stalwart, initiated and finished a devastating counterattack. Dispossessing Depay on the edge of his own box, Alaba surged forward as Rodrygo threaded a perfectly weighted pass into his path. Alaba, now in the left-inside channel, unleashed a thunderous strike into the top-right corner, leaving Marc-André ter Stegen with no chance. It was a goal worthy of the occasion, a moment of individual brilliance that underscored Madrid’s clinical edge. 

Barcelona pushed for an equalizer before halftime, with Alba’s cutback finding Ansu Fati, only for Alaba to block the young forward’s effort. The visitors entered the break with a deserved lead, their defensive organization and counterattacking prowess shining through. 

The Second Half: Barcelona’s Struggles and Madrid’s Control 

Koeman’s halftime adjustments saw Philippe Coutinho replace Mingueza, with Dest reverting to his natural right-back position. The tactical tweak gave Barcelona more attacking impetus, but their efforts were repeatedly stifled by Madrid’s resolute defence. Éder Militão and Alaba formed an impenetrable wall, while Thibaut Courtois was alert to every threat. 

Real Madrid, content to absorb pressure, sought opportunities to strike on the counter. Vinícius Júnior and Benzema both came close to doubling the lead, but Ter Stegen stood firm. Barcelona, for all their possession, lacked the creativity and cutting edge to break Madrid’s defensive lines. 

As the game wore on, Ancelotti’s substitutions reflected his tactical acumen. Marco Asensio replaced an injured Vinícius, while Dani Carvajal came on to reinforce the defence. The introduction of fresh legs allowed Madrid to maintain their structure and exploit Barcelona’s vulnerabilities. 

The Decisive Moments 

In stoppage time, Real Madrid delivered the coup de grâce. A swift counterattack saw Lucas Vázquez tap in from close range, capitalizing on Barcelona’s desperation to equalize. The goal epitomized Madrid’s game plan: disciplined defending paired with devastating efficiency on the break. 

Barcelona managed a late consolation through Sergio Agüero, who converted from close range after a low cross from Dest. It was too little, too late. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, their fourth consecutive El Clásico triumph. 

Analysis: A Tale of Two Philosophies 

This clash highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs. Real Madrid, under Ancelotti, showcased a team built on experience, discipline, and pragmatism. Their defensive solidity, coupled with the flair of Vinícius and the leadership of Benzema, proved decisive. 

Barcelona, in contrast, remain a team in transition. Koeman’s tactical experiments and reliance on youth have yet to yield consistent results. The absence of a creative fulcrum in midfield was glaring, with Sergio Busquets unable to dictate play as he once did. Dest’s miss and the lack of composure in the final third underscored the team’s struggles. 

The Bigger Picture 

For Real Madrid, this victory solidifies their status as the kings of El Clásico in the post-Messi-Ronaldo era. It also underscores their ability to adapt and thrive under Ancelotti’s guidance. 

For Barcelona, the loss is a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead. As they languish in mid-table, the club must find a way to rebuild and rediscover their identity. The road to recovery will be long, but El Clásico has always been a stage for reinvention. 

As the dust settles, one truth remains: an El Clásico is never just a game. It is a battle of legacies, philosophies, and pride. On this day, Real Madrid emerged victorious, leaving Barcelona to ponder their path forward.  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Tite’s Tactical Labyrinth: The Selecão’s Stagnation

Brazil’s recent performances in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers have left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. A lacklustre draw against Colombia followed a similarly uninspired win over Venezuela, and the cracks in Tite’s tactical framework are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. While the Selecão remain a formidable side on paper, their on-field displays suggest a team struggling to find cohesion and purpose. 

The Persistent Void: Between Defense and Attack 

At the heart of Brazil’s struggles lies an enduring issue: the disjointed space between their defensive and offensive units. Since the 2018 World Cup, this gap has remained largely unaddressed, a glaring flaw in Tite’s otherwise meticulous approach. While Alisson and Casemiro provide solidity at the back and Neymar leads the charge up front, the midfield lacks the creativity and structure to bridge the two ends effectively. 

Tite’s reliance on formations such as the 4-2-2-2 and his favoured 4-1-4-1 has failed to resolve this disconnect. Players like Fred and Gabriel Jesus, pivotal in recent matches, have appeared out of sync with the tactical demands placed upon them. Fred, in particular, has struggled to impose himself, often overwhelmed by opponents and unable to inject the creativity needed to unlock defences. 

Misplaced Roles and Missed Opportunities 

One of Tite’s most puzzling decisions has been the deployment of Lucas Paquetá in roles that do not suit his natural abilities. Whether as a winger or a false nine, Paquetá has looked out of place, his creative instincts stifled by the demands of unfamiliar positions. A deep-lying playmaker by trade, Paquetá thrives when orchestrating play from midfield, a role he has rarely been afforded under Tite. 

Similarly, Everton Ribeiro’s inclusion as a right-winger raises questions. While Ribeiro possesses technical finesse, his lack of pace and incisiveness limits his impact in a position that demands dynamism and directness. Gabriel Jesus, despite his strong club form, has also struggled to replicate his performances for Brazil, often left isolated and ineffective in Tite’s system. 

The Search for Balance 

Tite’s challenge lies in finding harmony between Brazil’s offensive model and the players best suited to execute it. The Selecão have no shortage of attacking talent, with Raphinha, Antony, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo Goes all capable of providing the pace and unpredictability needed to unbalance defences. However, these players require a midfield capable of quick transitions and intelligent distribution to maximize their impact. 

Brazil’s current midfield options lack the versatility and tactical intelligence seen in their European counterparts. While Rodrigo De Paul orchestrates Argentina’s play with precision and Marco Verratti dictates Italy’s tempo, Brazil has yet to identify a midfielder capable of fulfilling a similar role. The decline of Arthur Melo and Philippe Coutinho has further compounded this issue, robbing Brazil of two players who could have bridged the gap between defence and attack. 

Tactical Stagnation 

Tite’s tactical evolution, once a hallmark of his success, now appears to have stalled. His experimentation with a 2-3-5 formation and other positional adjustments has yielded minimal results. The team’s build-up play, often reliant on an excessive number of players in defensive positions, lacks the fluidity and creativity needed to break down organized opponents. 

In contrast, Tite’s earlier successes were built on balance. At Corinthians and during his early tenure with Brazil, he relied on fast, incisive attackers and creative midfielders to dictate play. Renato Augusto and Paulinho, for example, provided a perfect blend of control and penetration, supporting both defensive transitions and attacking movements. 

The Path Forward 

Brazil’s current predicament demands bold decisions. Tite must abandon his over-reliance on underperforming players and instead build his team around those who can execute his vision effectively. Players like Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães should be given the freedom to dictate play from midfield, while dynamic wingers like Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior must feature prominently in the starting XI. 

Additionally, Tite must address the systemic issues in his tactical setup. A more compact midfield, capable of quicker ball progression and positional fluidity, is essential. The inclusion of a second defensive midfielder with a blend of creativity and defensive discipline could provide the stability needed to connect Brazil’s defensive and offensive units. 

Conclusion: A Team in Transition 

This is not the era of Brazilian football where every player could seamlessly adapt to any position. Instead, Tite must recognize the specific strengths of his players and deploy them accordingly. The Selecão’s current crop of talent, while not as extraordinary as past generations, possesses the potential to succeed if given the right framework. 

As the World Cup looms, the question remains: can Tite adapt and evolve in time? His legacy as Brazil’s coach will depend on his ability to resolve the tactical dilemmas that have plagued his tenure since 2018. The clock is ticking, and the Selecão cannot afford to stagnate any longer.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

 

Brazil’s Narrow Escape in Caracas: A Tale of Pragmatism and Potential

Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Venezuela in Caracas might read as a routine triumph for the Selecão, but the performance revealed deeper cracks in the team’s tactical framework. Against a Venezuelan side that had managed just four points before this encounter and had never defeated Brazil in an official match, Tite’s men were expected to dominate. Instead, they laboured through the contest, relying on late heroics to salvage the result. 

Venezuela’s Game Plan: Organized Resistance 

Venezuela, aware of the gulf in quality, approached the game with a disciplined defensive structure and counterattacking intent. Manager Fernando Batista deployed a compact 4-3-3, with captain Tomás Rincón anchoring the midfield and Salomón Rondón’s absence necessitating a reshaped attacking trio of Peñaranda, Ramírez, and Machís. 

Their plan bore fruit early. Brazil’s right flank, manned by the struggling Danilo and supported by an out-of-form Everton Ribeiro, was repeatedly exposed. It was from this vulnerability that Yeferson Soteldo, Venezuela’s diminutive creative spark, carved an opportunity. His chipped cross found Eric Ramírez, who directed a precise header past Alisson to give Venezuela a deserved lead. 

Brazil’s Stagnation: A Tale of Misplaced Pragmatism 

Tite’s reliance on his preferred 4-4-2 system, coupled with a conservative approach, stifled Brazil’s creativity. The absence of Neymar, suspended for this match, was glaring. Lucas Paquetá, deployed as a No. 10, struggled to provide the incisiveness needed to unlock Venezuela’s disciplined defence. 

Brazil’s midfield pairing of Fabinho and Gerson offered solidity but lacked the dynamism to transition effectively into attack. Meanwhile, Ribeiro’s ineffectiveness on the right flank further compounded the team’s issues. 

Opportunities came sporadically, often through individual moments rather than cohesive team play. Gabriel Jesus and Gabigol both missed chances, while Ribeiro’s crossbar-rattling effort symbolized Brazil’s lack of clinical finishing. 

The Turning Point: Injecting Dynamism 

The introduction of Raphinha at halftime proved transformative. The Leeds United winger brought pace, creativity, and directness to the right flank, exposing Venezuela’s defensive frailties. His set-piece delivery immediately caused problems, with Thiago Silva’s disallowed goal serving as an early warning sign for the hosts. 

Vinícius Júnior’s arrival further shifted the balance. Deployed on the left, the Real Madrid starlet injected urgency and flair, repeatedly troubling Venezuela’s defence with his pace and dribbling. His presence raised the question: why wasn’t he included in the starting XI? 

Brazil’s Revival 

The equalizer came in the 71st minute, courtesy of a corner from Raphinha. Marquinhos rose highest to power a header past Venezuela’s goalkeeper, Wuilker Faríñez, bringing Brazil level and reigniting their attack. 

Tite then made two crucial substitutions, introducing Antony for the underwhelming Jesus and Emerson Royal for Danilo. These changes provided the Selecão with the attacking impetus they had lacked throughout the first half. 

Vinícius and Raphinha continued to terrorize Venezuela’s defence, forcing errors and creating opportunities. It was Raphinha’s relentless pressure that led to a penalty, as Gabigol was fouled inside the box. The Flamengo striker converted confidently, giving Brazil the lead. 

Antony, making his debut, capped off the night with a well-taken goal after a sublime assist from Raphinha, sealing a hard-fought victory for the visitors. 

Lessons for Tite 

While the result might paper over the cracks, Brazil’s performance highlighted systemic issues. Tite’s pragmatic approach, while effective against stronger opponents, often stifles the creative potential of his squad against weaker sides. With players like Vinícius, Raphinha, and Antony, Brazil possesses the tools to play a more expansive and attacking brand of football. 

The continued reliance on Danilo and Ribeiro on the right flank is another area of concern. Both players struggled to cope with Venezuela’s pace and physicality, and their lack of offensive contribution further hindered Brazil’s attack. Emerson Royal and Raphinha demonstrated that better options exist. 

Conclusion: A Pyrrhic Victory 

Brazil’s late revival in Caracas showcased the team’s depth and individual brilliance but also underscored the limitations of Tite’s tactical philosophy. Against stronger opponents, such pragmatism might yield results, but against teams like Venezuela, it risks undermining the Selecão’s attacking identity. 

If Brazil is to truly capitalize on its wealth of talent, Tite must embrace a more proactive approach. The second-half performances of Raphinha, Vinícius, and Antony offered a glimpse of what this team can achieve when allowed to play with freedom and creativity. Whether Tite heeds this lesson remains to be seen, but the road to Qatar 2022 demands more than just scraping by against underdogs.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Vinícius Júnior: From Prodigy to Poster Boy of Real Madrid

When Kylian Mbappé’s much-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid fell through, the collective sigh of disappointment from Madridistas reverberated across the footballing world. The summer window, expected to herald a marquee signing, instead saw Florentino Pérez pivot toward a different vision—investing in youth and potential. The arrival of Eduardo Camavinga symbolized this shift, but it was the faith placed in Carlo Ancelotti and a maturing Vinícius Júnior that truly underscored the club’s long-term strategy. 

Once touted as the "next Neymar," Vinícius’ journey at Real Madrid has been anything but straightforward. Arriving in 2018 amidst immense hype, the young Brazilian struggled to adapt to the demands of European football, sparking criticism from fans and pundits alike. His raw talent was evident, but the end product—a critical attribute for any forward—was conspicuously lacking. 

The Neymar Comparisons: A Heavy Burden 

The comparisons to Neymar were inevitable. Both players shared a Brazilian heritage, a flair for the spectacular, and an early move to La Liga. However, Neymar arrived at Barcelona at 21, already a global superstar. Vinícius, by contrast, was a 17-year-old prospect, raw and unpolished. The weight of expectations often seemed too heavy for his young shoulders, as his inconsistent finishing and decision-making became frequent talking points. 

Yet, even in his early struggles, there were glimpses of brilliance. Under Zinedine Zidane, Vinícius began to show signs of maturity, with standout performances such as his brace against Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals. By the end of the 2020-21 season, the CIES Football Observatory rated him as Real Madrid’s most valuable player, a testament to his potential despite his flaws. 

A Season of Transformation 

The 2021-22 season, however, marked a turning point. In just six La Liga matches, Vinícius had already scored five goals—surpassing his previous best tally of three in an entire domestic campaign. This newfound clinical edge in front of goal was no accident but the result of meticulous work under Ancelotti’s guidance. 

The Italian coach, known for his ability to nurture talent, identified the key to unlocking Vinícius’ potential: simplicity. 

“Vinícius is very good in one-on-one situations. As for scoring goals, I’ve told him that it’s rare to score after taking five or six touches. To score, you need one touch or maybe two maximum. You have to be in the box,” Ancelotti revealed after a match against Levante. 

This advice has paid dividends. All of Vinícius’ goals this season have come from inside the box, with most requiring no more than two touches. His improved positioning, decision-making, and finishing have transformed him from a raw talent into a reliable goal threat. 

The Data Behind the Evolution 

Statistical analysis underscores Vinícius’ remarkable progress. According to *Managing Madrid*, the Brazilian has significantly increased his shot volume, with an average of two additional shots per game and 2.5 more shots on target. He has also reduced the distance from which he takes his shots by 2.6 yards compared to the previous season and by 6.3 yards since his debut campaign. 

These changes have translated into a per-90 non-penalty xG (expected goals) of 0.76—a figure indicative of elite-level efficiency. Moreover, his positioning has become more advanced, as he now takes an average of seven more touches in the final third per game and receives one additional progressive pass per match compared to the previous season. 

A New Kind of Superstar  

What sets Vinícius apart is not just his statistical improvement but his stylistic evolution. While Neymar’s dribbling is characterized by intricate footwork and close control, Vinícius relies on explosive acceleration and directness. His ability to push the ball past defenders and outpace them has become a hallmark of his game, making him a nightmare for opposition full-backs. 

Though his dribbling instincts sometimes lead to turnovers, Vinícius’ relentless determination ensures he never shies away from taking risks. His quick in-to-out movements and intelligent use of space demonstrate a growing tactical awareness, while his willingness to counter-press and recover possession highlights his commitment to the team. 

The Ancelotti Effect 

Ancelotti’s influence cannot be overstated. By simplifying Vinícius’ game and instilling confidence, the veteran coach has helped the young forward channel his natural abilities into consistent performances. Vinícius has become an integral part of the team, featuring in every game this season alongside stalwarts like Karim Benzema, Thibaut Courtois, and Fede Valverde. 

“Vinícius has taken the team on his back on several occasions. At this moment, that’s what he has to do. When he’s older, he’ll add character and experience to his game,” Ancelotti remarked, reflecting on the Brazilian’s growing influence. 

The Road Ahead 

At just 21 years old, Vinícius has already achieved milestones that place him among Real Madrid’s youngest centurions. His 125 appearances for the club by this age are a testament to his durability and importance. Yet, his journey is far from complete. 

Some players, like Neymar, burst onto the scene fully formed. Others, like Vinícius, take time to blossom. But when they do, they often shine brighter for the lessons learned along the way. With each passing game, Vinícius is proving that he is not just the “next Neymar” but a unique talent capable of carving his own legacy. 

As he continues to refine his game, Vinícius Júnior is emerging as the face of Real Madrid’s future—a player who embodies the club’s rich history of flair and excellence while charting a path that is distinctly his own. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Forgotten Hero and Inspiration: Zizinho of Brazil

When the name Brazil is invoked, the first image that often comes to mind is football—a sport that has become synonymous with the nation. Beyond the beautiful game itself, there is the unmistakable presence of Brazilian fans, whose passion and vibrant energy create a carnival atmosphere wherever the Samba Boys take the field. This fervour is matched only by the legacy of the golden sons of Brazil, whose exploits in the yellow shirt have left an indelible mark on the world of football, a legacy that many other nations can only aspire to emulate.

The list of Brazilian footballing legends is nothing short of staggering—Pele, Garrincha, Didi, Vava, Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto, Tostao, Rivelino, Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Romario, Bebeto, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka—the names are countless, each one a testament to the nation's unparalleled contribution to the sport. Brazil, a land blessed by the mighty Amazon and its lush, verdant landscapes, has not merely produced a singular icon like Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi; it has birthed a constellation of footballing stars so numerous that even some of the brightest have been overshadowed by the sheer volume of talent.

One such figure, often overlooked in the shadows of Pele and Garrincha, is Thomaz Soares da Silva, better known as Zizinho. Before the meteoric rise of these two giants and in the era following the legendary Leonidas da Silva, Zizinho was the ultimate hero of the Brazilian national team. His brilliance on the field, though somewhat eclipsed by the more celebrated names that followed, remains a cornerstone in the rich tapestry of Brazil’s footballing history—a testament to a time when the Canarinhos were defined by a different kind of genius, one that would set the stage for the golden era that was yet to come

The Young Talent 

In 1939, during a training match in Rio, a defining moment in Brazilian football history unfolded. The legendary Leonidas, the "Black Diamond," was substituted in the tenth minute by a teenage prodigy named Zizinho. In a display of rare brilliance, the young Zizinho scored twice, and in that fleeting moment, his destiny was sealed. He was swiftly signed up, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Throughout the 1940s, Zizinho became the beating heart of Rio's football scene, captivating the imagination of the Brazilian public. His performances were instrumental in securing Rio Championships for his club in 1942, 1943, and 1944, solidifying his place as one of the era’s most influential players.

Zizinho's skill and versatility struck a chord with the Brazilian people, who, amid their aspirations to dominate world football, saw in him a symbol of their dreams. Yet, just as his star was rising, the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 cast a long shadow over the global stage, lasting until 1945. The war, with its far-reaching impact, denied the world the opportunity to fully witness the dazzling artistry and all-around brilliance of this footballing diamond. Zizinho’s talent, though revered in Brazil, remained largely a national treasure, its global recognition stifled by the turbulent years of conflict.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, FIFA selected Brazil as the host nation for the 1950 World Cup, a decision that would mark a pivotal moment in the country's footballing history. By this time, Zizinho had matured into a seasoned and formidable player, his skills honed to perfection, and he stood at the peak of his powers. Brazil’s aspirations to claim the tournament as their own were firmly placed upon his shoulders. Zizinho, with his elegance and vision, was poised to lead a squad brimming with talent and flair.

He was supported by a cast of players who embodied the essence of Brazilian football: Edemir, Jair, Baltazar, Julinho, and others—each one an embodiment of speed, acrobatics, and the joyful, attacking style that defined the nation’s game. Together, they formed a team that was not only capable of dazzling with their technical brilliance but also of capturing the imagination of fans with their free-spirited play. The 1950 World Cup, therefore, became not just a tournament, but a stage for Brazil to showcase its footballing identity, with Zizinho at the heart of a team that promised to deliver a spectacle of both beauty and brilliance.

 The Shining Star of Brazil 1950

Brazil began the 1950 World Cup with an exhilarating display of football, dispatching Mexico 4-0 in a match that set the tone for their campaign. However, their momentum was briefly halted by a controversial 2-2 draw against Switzerland, a result that left many questioning the refereeing decisions. Despite this setback, Brazil’s resolve remained unshaken, and in their crucial final group match against Yugoslavia, Zizinho emerged as the catalyst for their success.

In a performance that showcased both his leadership and his technical brilliance, Zizinho orchestrated the midfield with his characteristic grace and vision, creating opportunities for his teammates while also stepping up to score crucial goals. His influence was pivotal as Brazil defeated a strong Yugoslavian side 2-0, securing the top spot in their group and advancing to the final round of the tournament.

It is important to note that only one team from each group could progress, and the competition was set to intensify. The final stage would see the four group winners face off in a round-robin format, with the team that emerged victorious claiming the coveted Jules Rimet Trophy. Brazil, having topped their group, now stood on the precipice of greatness, with Zizinho at the heart of their hopes for World Cup glory.

In the final round of the 1950 World Cup, Brazil unleashed a footballing force that seemed unstoppable. Zizinho, with his fluid movement and boundless energy, glided across the field like a flying Canarinho, embodying the very essence of Brazil’s attacking brilliance. The 3-2-3-2 formation, which emphasized fluidity and creativity, played perfectly to Zizinho’s strengths, allowing him to dictate the tempo and orchestrate play with remarkable freedom.

In their opening match of the final round against Sweden, Brazil delivered a performance of clinical brilliance, demolishing the Swedes 7-1. Zizinho, as always, was at the heart of the action, providing the majority of the assists, while Ademir stole the spotlight with a sensational four-goal haul. Zizinho’s vision and precision were instrumental in unlocking the Swedish defence, and his role as the architect of Brazil’s attacking moves could not be overstated.

The momentum carried into their next match against Spain, where Brazil continued their dominance with a commanding 6-1 victory. Zizinho, ever the creator, again played a pivotal role, contributing a goal in the 67th minute to cap off another stellar performance. His influence was felt not only in his own scoring but in the contributions of his teammates, with Ademir, Jair, and Chico also finding the back of the net. In both matches, Zizinho’s ability to seamlessly blend artistry with purpose made him the focal point of Brazil’s attacking juggernaut, and his performances solidified his place as one of the tournament’s most influential figures.

Maracanazo 

Brazil, with Zizinho at the helm of their unstoppable force, seemed destined to claim the 1950 World Cup. The critics were unanimous in their belief that nothing could stand in the way of the Brazilian juggernaut. But Uruguay, with their own rich footballing tradition and indomitable spirit, had other plans. In the decisive final match, Brazil needed only a draw to secure the Jules Rimet Trophy and seal their place in history.

The stage was set at the iconic Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, where a world record crowd of 199,854 spectators gathered to witness what many expected to be Brazil's coronation. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation, as the Samba Boys took to the field, their eyes set on the ultimate prize. However, in a moment of heartbreak that would reverberate through the nation, it was Uruguay's Alcides Ghiggia who shattered Brazil’s dreams. In the 79th minute, Ghiggia's goal silenced the Maracanã and handed Uruguay a 2-1 victory, securing their second World Cup title.

The emotional toll on Brazil was devastating. The loss was so profound that some fans, overwhelmed by grief, tragically took their own lives, while others succumbed to fatal heart attacks in the stands. The Maracanazo, as it would come to be known, became one of the most poignant moments in World Cup history, a cruel twist of fate that denied Brazil glory on home soil and handed the trophy to their fierce rivals, Uruguay, in one of the most dramatic and unexpected outcomes the tournament has ever seen.

Zizinho left the Maracanã in tears, his heart heavy with the weight of the crushing defeat. The devastation he felt mirrored that of the thousands of Brazilian fans who had gathered in hopeful anticipation, only to see their dreams dashed in the most heart-wrenching of ways. In that moment, Zizinho was not just a player; he was a man undone, a lost soul adrift in the wake of a national tragedy. The brilliance that had defined his performances throughout the tournament seemed to fade in the shadow of the loss, leaving him to grapple with the emotional toll of falling short on the grandest stage. His tears spoke not only of personal sorrow but of the collective heartbreak that had swept through Brazil, a country united in grief and disbelief.

An Inspiration 

In São Paulo, a middle-aged man sat in front of the radio, tears streaming down his face as the echoes of Brazil’s heartbreaking defeat at the 1950 World Cup reverberated in his soul. His nine-year-old son, Edson Arantes do Nascimento—who would later become the legendary Pele—looked up at him with a promise. "One day," the young boy vowed, "I will bring the World Cup back to Brazil." That promise, born from the agony of the Maracanazo, would shape the course of history. Inspired by the footballing artistry of Zizinho, Pele was determined to follow in his idol’s footsteps and, eight years later, he fulfilled that pledge.

For Pele, Zizinho was more than just a footballer; he was the epitome of excellence, a model of versatility and mastery. In Pele’s own words, “I idolized Zizinho more than any other player. His passing, shooting, and positioning were frighteningly good. He did everything so well, he was the complete player.” Zizinho’s skill set transcended the ordinary, embodying the ideal of a player who could seamlessly transition between midfield and attack, a master of both creation and execution. His dribbling was unmatched, his ability to read the game was exceptional, and his aerial prowess was a rare gift. Yet, beyond his technical brilliance, Zizinho was also unafraid to engage in the physical side of the game, showing a toughness that complemented his finesse. To Pele, Zizinho was not only a creator of moments but a symbol of what it meant to be a true footballing great—a player who could do it all, with grace and grit in equal measure.

As FIFA.com eloquently notes, “In writing their glowing testimonies, Zizinho’s admirers would often resort to poetry in expressing their wonder at his repertoire of skills, as if he were an artist rather than a sportsman.” This vivid depiction underscores the extraordinary nature of Zizinho’s talent—so refined and multifaceted that it transcended the realm of sport, evoking comparisons to the finest of artists. Yet, tragically for contemporary football fans, no footage remains to capture his brilliance in motion. All that endures are the written tributes, preserving his legacy in words, but leaving us to imagine the full extent of his genius.

From these accounts, it is clear that Zizinho was not merely a player, but an institution unto himself—an icon whose influence shaped the course of Brazilian football. His legacy, rich with artistry and innovation, was carried forward by the likes of Pele and Garrincha, who followed in his footsteps and brought their own magic to the world stage. As Pele himself lamented, “It’s a shame, and he’ll perhaps always be remembered as the greatest Brazilian never to have won the World Cup.” Pele’s words reflect the deep respect he held for Zizinho, acknowledging the unfairness of a career that, while exceptional, lacked the global recognition it deserved. “Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t around when television and videotape arrived. If he had, people would remember him a lot more than they do,” Pele added, recognizing that had Zizinho’s genius been captured for posterity, his place in the annals of football history would be far more prominent.

The Forgotten Legend

 Sadly, Zizinho’s career was defined by the absence of the one accolade that could have immortalized him: the World Cup. He was part of a team that, despite its brilliance, became synonymous with heartbreak, bearing the enduring label of tragic heroes. In Brazil, the reverence for World Cup winners runs deep, often overshadowing those who fell short of lifting the trophy. As a result, the players of Maracanazo, including Zizinho, have been relegated to a more peripheral place in the collective memory of Brazilian football, their legacy overshadowed by the triumphs that followed.

Had Brazil not secured their first World Cup victory in 1958 in Sweden, the mythos surrounding Zizinho and the 1950 team might have lingered longer in the national consciousness. The 1958 triumph, with its own set of legends, shifted the narrative of Brazilian football, cementing a new generation of heroes. In the absence of that victory, however, Zizinho’s name might have been enshrined more firmly in the hearts of his countrymen, his artistry and genius remembered as the foundation upon which future glories were built.

Fortunately, Zizinho was not held solely responsible for the heartbreak of Maracanazo. Instead, the brunt of the public’s ire was directed at goalkeeper Barbosa, as well as the left-back and left-half, who became the symbols of Brazil’s collective failure. For years, Zizinho, though deeply affected by the loss, would disconnect his phone on July 16, the anniversary of the fateful match. "Otherwise, it rings all day," he would explain, "with people from all over Brazil asking why we lost the World Cup." This ritual of isolation became a coping mechanism, a way to shield himself from the constant barrage of questions and the unrelenting grief of a nation still mourning its shattered dreams.

Zizinho, a legendary footballer and the strongest personality of the 1950 Brazilian squad was forced to live with the scar of Maracanazo etched into his soul. The emotional wound never truly healed, and the weight of that loss lingered throughout his life. As Brazil’s footballing renaissance emerged in the late 1950s, with the rise of new heroes like Pele and Garrincha, Zizinho’s legacy, though still respected, began to fade into the background. Time, with its inevitable passage, dulled the memories of the 1950 team, and the man who had once been the heart of Brazil’s hopes was gradually forgotten, his brilliance relegated to the annals of history.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Sad day for Test cricket

“In the end, what all witnessed was the meek surrender to the power of cash that has gained its strength since it started and even before the tamasha commenced, the money power and autocratic nature of BCCI used to show its demonic face time and again since the mid-90s. It might not have been stronger in the past, but right now it is deadlier than a demon”

 A dews days ago FIFA expressed their wish to stage the greatest shown on earth – World Cup Football - every two years. No sooner had they expressed their wish, majority of the experts, present-and ex-footballers expressed their concern about the issue and FIFA’s plan has been received with harsh criticism. In this world, where might is still regarded as the most right – democratic and sensible thinking people still exist, who shows the courage against the nonsensical idea.  

There is a reason why football is still regarded as the game of the people because the choice of the people matters here, rather than forcing them to digest whatever an autocratic emperor wishes either via recruiting paid pundits or celebrities or branding cheap patriotism.

In cricket, the Board of Control of Cricket in India aka BCCI seems to be the perfect portrait of an arrogant and autocratic institution that only thinks of their own benefits and forces others to follow whatever rules they wish to apply. If someone does not wish to follow – well, the outcome would definitely be horrendous and no one can prove that they are a victim – each day the autocratic regime of BCCI continues to get stronger and none has the courage to speak – the majority in the cricketing world has become the puppet and sold their souls to a devil that is sucking their life each second.  

The stage was all set for the fifth Test between India and England at Old Trafford. It had been a fantastic advertisement of Test cricket where India and England produced some of the most breathtaking moments of the summer and with one more Test to go, England were expected to bounce back while trailing by 2-1. Even, a spirited Indian unit could even create history by winning the series for the first time since 2007.

In the meantime, the tamasha in cricket at present – The Indian Premier League (IPL) would commence fulfilling their schedule as soon as the Test series in England finishes. The autocratic regime would always try and find a way to establish their project at any cost. This time around, they used the COVID Pandemic tool and abandoned the last Test and thus, insulted Test cricket for the sake of cash.

“Let’s be honest, this is all about money and the IPL,” former England captain turned pundit Michael Vaughan wrote in a column for The Telegraph.

“The Test has been cancelled because players were petrified of catching COVID and missing the IPL.”

“In a week or so we will be watching the IPL and the players will be running around smiling and happy. But they should have trusted the PCR tests. We know a lot about this virus now. We know how to manage and handle it better. Players are double vaccinated and bio-security can be raised very quickly.”

As England was criticized in different circles for withdrawing from South Africa, ditto Australia earlier this year, Vaughan believed with the benefit of vaccines and the fact all players tested negative on Thursday night, the match should have been given the finale it deserved.

How could it be impossible for a team like India not able to surface eleven players for a Test match remains a moot question!

“The game of cricket needed this Test match,” Vaughan added.

“The series was brilliantly poised. It just does not sit comfortably that a Test match can be cancelled 90 minutes before the toss. It is completely disrespectful towards the paying public.”

Vaughan was joined by his Telegraph colleague Simon Heffer while criticizing on the whole saga.

“The constant rhetoric from cricket’s administrators that Test cricket is the game’s gold standard had always sounded hollow, and now has finally and incontrovertibly been exposed as flannel with the Old Trafford Test being called off,” Heffer wrote.

“Its cancellation was an outrage, and not just because of the massive betrayal of the cricket-watching public that it represents. It means, plainly and simply, that Test cricket has run up the white flag and surrendered to the intensely powerful commercial forces embedded in the Indian Premier League; next to them, Test cricket is nothing, and is now seen to be nothing.”

“The ECB, which is utterly complicit in bringing about this state of affairs, tried to explain away some of the problem with predictable bromides - the coronavirus is not to be trifled with and, latching on to another now-important concern, there could have been issues with the players’ mental health. Neither of these issues is trivial, but in this context, they are both nonsense.”

Writing for The Times, Atherton said the “players have never been more powerful” and the tight schedule was something administrators had previously discussed.

“Covid-19, player power and the Indian Premier League combined to scupper the fifth Test in Manchester yesterday, to the consternation of the Lancashire club and the 85,000 or so supporters who had bought tickets to attend the first four days.”

“There was a profound sense of shock and disappointment over the cancellation of the match, especially at the end of a compelling series that stood at 2-1 to India with everything to play for.

“That there has been so little international cricket lost to COVID is, amid the anger and sadness, a surprise too. Authorities recognized that they could not ask players to operate in last summer’s strict biosecure bubbles, as society was opening up again. Inevitably this relaxation increased the risk of a COVID outbreak. County games have been affected this summer, as was the ODI series against Pakistan, which required a whole new England squad, and now a Test match has gone, although space will probably be found in the calendar at some point to mitigate the loss of broadcast income.”

“The proximity of the IPL was always a potential danger hanging over the Manchester Test: before the summer began there were pointed discussions between the ECB and BCCI about rescheduling the fifth Test for earlier in the summer, something the ECB held firm on. India’s players were concerned that further positive tests would result in a ten-day isolation period in England, thus meaning they would miss the start of the tournament, while the cost to the BCCI of not staging the IPL is about £360 million.”

“After the India players’ stated reluctance on Thursday evening, officials from the ECB and BCCI were locked in discussions throughout the night to try to navigate a way through the situation, with the ECB providing whatever assurances it could around the safety and well-being of the players. No solution was forthcoming, which reflects on where the balance of power lies in the modern game. Once the players had spoken, there was little the administrators could do about it. Players have never been more powerful than now.”

In the end, what all witnessed was the meek surrender to the power of cash that has gained its strength since it started and even before the tamasha commenced, the money power and autocratic nature of BCCI used to show its demonic face time and again since the mid-90s. It might not have been stronger in the past, but right now it is deadlier than a demon.

Each and everyone out there in world cricket including England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and West Indies have allowed the devil to become most powerful and this time around, England should realize after getting hit.

It’s time to wake up guys!  

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 11/09/2021 Sad day for Test cricket

Thank You

Faisal Caesar