The notion that cricket is about fours and sixes, promoted by so-called experts funded by T20 league owners, is a travesty of the sport's essence. Cricket thrives in its longer formats, where the battle of wits between bowler and batsman unfolds over time. It is here that the nuances of the game emerge: a bowler pondering strategies, a captain orchestrating fields, and a batsman valuing his wicket like a treasure. Can the soul of cricket be encapsulated in a 20-over shootout? Never.
Cricket’s legacy lies in its ability to test character and
skill. The bat is not merely a weapon for brute force but a shield to defend, a
tool to craft an innings, and a symbol of resilience.
A Tale of Contrasts:
Pakistan at Bay Oval and India at Sydney
On December 3, 2020, Pakistan and New Zealand engaged in a
gripping Test at Bay Oval. Pakistan, known for their unpredictability, gave a
glimmer of hope with Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan’s inspiring partnership. At
a juncture where prudence dictated playing for a draw, Pakistan’s adventurous
streak led to a loss. A draw would have bolstered their fragile confidence, but
they chose the path of recklessness.
A few weeks later, India found themselves in a similar
predicament against Australia. But unlike Pakistan, India demonstrated grit and
determination, scripting one of the greatest comebacks in Test history.
The Challenge at
Sydney: A Mountain to Climb
On the fourth day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India faced
an improbable target of 407 runs in the fourth innings, with over 130 overs to
survive. The team was plagued by injuries, missing their captain, and morale
seemed low. When Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma provided a steady start, hope
flickered. However, Australia struck late, ending the day with smiles,
confident of victory.
Enter Cheteshwar Pujara, the epitome of stoic resistance. As
dawn broke on Day 5, many Indian fans braved the early winter morning to
witness what seemed an inevitable defeat. Yet, they clung to the faint hope
that Pujara might orchestrate a miracle.
The Pant-Pujara
Symphony
Australia struck early, dismissing Ajinkya Rahane with a
delivery that betrayed extra drift, caught expertly at short-leg. A collapse
loomed, but Rishabh Pant—injured yet undeterred—strode to the crease. As
Ravichandran Ashwin later revealed, Pant’s elbow injury was severe, but his
resolve was unyielding.
Pant began cautiously, scoring 5 off 33 balls, enduring body
blows and testing deliveries. But once settled, he unleashed his audacious
stroke play, targeting Nathan Lyon with calculated aggression. Dancing down the
track, he sent Lyon’s deliveries soaring over the ropes. The momentum shifted,
and Australia’s confidence began to waver.
Pant’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
While Pujara held one end with unshakable resolve, Pant’s flamboyance kept the
scoreboard ticking. His 97-run knock was a blend of courage and artistry, a
counterpunch that rattled Australia.
The Ashwin-Vihari
Epic
With Pant and Pujara dismissed, the onus fell on Hanuma
Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin. Vihari, nursing a hamstring injury, and Ashwin battling back pain, faced an uphill task. Australia threw everything at them:
reverse swing, relentless short balls, and close-in fielders. Yet, the duo held
firm.
Ashwin bore the brunt of Australia’s hostility, taking blows
to his body but refusing to yield. Vihari, despite his restricted movement,
displayed impeccable technique and focus. Together, they batted for over three
and a half hours, facing 258 deliveries to secure an improbable draw.
A Testament to
Resilience
This was no ordinary draw. It was a statement of character,
a testament to the indomitable spirit of a team that had been written off after
their humiliation in Adelaide. India’s effort at Sydney was a celebration of
Test cricket’s enduring appeal—a format that demands skill, patience, and
mental fortitude.
Lessons for the
Modern Game
India’s performances at Melbourne and Sydney have reignited the essence of Test cricket. These matches showcased the beauty of the longer format, where patience triumphs over haste, and character outshines flair. Teams and fans enamoured by the instant gratification of T20 must recognize that Test cricket is the ultimate proving ground. It is here that legends are forged and the true spirit of the game is celebrated.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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