Resilience Redefined: India’s Epic Fightbacks and the Revival of Test Cricket’s Soul

 

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 

The Birth of One-Day Internationals: An Unplanned Revolution in Cricket

In today’s cricketing landscape, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) occupy a central role, bridging the grandeur of Test matches and the electrifying pace of T20s. With a packed calendar of ODIs, global tournaments, and a dedicated fanbase, it is easy to forget that the format had a rather hesitant and almost accidental beginning. Unlike Test cricket, which evolved organically from timeless contests between England and Australia in the late 19th century, ODIs emerged from a unique confluence of circumstances—bad weather, financial concerns, and a surprising public response. 

Despite the format’s domestic success in England from 1963, it took nearly a decade for the first ODI to be played at the international level. Even then, the match was not a product of visionary planning but rather an improvised solution to an abandoned Test match. Yet, in retrospect, that rain-marred series in Australia in 1971 marked the birth of a revolution that would eventually transform cricket forever. 

The Reluctance to Embrace Change

Cricket, by its nature, has long been an institution resistant to rapid change. By the 1960s, Test cricket was well over half a century old and remained the undisputed format of the game. Its five-day battles, rich in history and prestige, were seen as the ultimate test of skill, patience, and endurance. While England had introduced a domestic one-day competition—the Gillette Cup—in 1963, the idea of limited-overs cricket at the international level was met with scepticism, even disdain, by traditionalists. 

Australia, always keen to innovate, followed suit with its own domestic one-day tournament in 1969-70. However, the wider cricketing world, particularly the Indian subcontinent, remained largely uninterested. The dominant belief was that Test cricket was sacrosanct, and any shorter format would dilute the sport’s essence. 

This conservatism was evident even when England toured Australia in the 1970-71 Ashes series. No plans existed for a one-day international fixture. The focus remained solely on Test cricket, despite concerns that matches were often drawn out and lacking in excitement. 

A Crisis in Melbourne: The Spark That Ignited the ODI Era

The third Test of the series was scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, even before the teams had assembled, persistent rain threatened to derail the match. As temperatures lingered around 50°F (10°C), two full days of play were abandoned in advance. 

The financial implications were severe. With ticket sales and match revenue in jeopardy, the Melbourne authorities faced losses of up to £80,000—an enormous sum at the time. Officials scrambled for solutions. One suggestion, to begin the Test on a Sunday to make up for lost time, was dismissed outright by the cricket boards, which feared setting a dangerous precedent. 

Eventually, a compromise was reached: an additional Test—the seventh of the series—would be played at the end of the tour. However, this decision infuriated the England players, who found themselves locked in a dispute over additional payments. They argued that playing four Tests in 40 days was unreasonable, particularly given that their financial compensation was significantly lower than modern standards. 

With the original third Test abandoned and the series extended, a fresh idea emerged—a stopgap measure to provide fans with some cricketing action and salvage lost revenue. A single, 40-over-per-side match, modelled on the Gillette Cup format, was hastily arranged. The teams were labelled as an “England XI” and an “Australian XI,” reinforcing the notion that this was not yet considered an official contest between national sides. 

A Match That Wasn’t Meant to Be History

Despite its makeshift origins, the match generated unexpected enthusiasm. Many in the media doubted its appeal, predicting that scheduling a game on a Tuesday would result in a lukewarm turnout. MCG caterers, working under similar assumptions, prepared for a modest crowd of 20,000. However, reality told a different story—46,006 spectators turned up, more than double the expected number. 

For the players, the match was less about pioneering a new format and more about finally getting onto the field after days of rain-induced frustration. England captain Ray Illingworth later admitted that they were simply grateful to play again, rather than seeing the game as a momentous occasion. Even the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) took a cautious approach, with commentator Alan McGilvray introducing the format to viewers as a spectacle requiring more tactical awareness, sharper fielding, and quicker running between the wickets. 

The playing conditions, shaped by the persistent rain, made batting difficult. The MCG boundaries were vast, with the shortest measuring 85 yards. England’s John Edrich stood out, scoring 82 in a team total of 190. Given the general perception that limited-overs cricket would favor fast bowlers, it was notable that spinners dominated the wicket column. Keith Stackpole, an occasional spinner at international level, took three wickets—prompting England pacer Peter Lever to remark that Stackpole’s bowling was so innocuous it could be countered “with a stick of rhubarb.” 

Australia’s chase was steady and measured. England’s Basil D’Oliveira bowled a disastrous over, conceding 21 runs, effectively sealing his team’s fate. Australia reached the target with six wickets in hand and 42 balls to spare. The large crowd, having been starved of cricket due to the abandoned Test, left satisfied with the entertainment on display. 

A Legacy That Took Time to Be Recognized

In the immediate aftermath, few recognized the significance of what had just transpired. Greg Chappell, who scored an unbeaten 22 in the match, admitted that one-day cricket was seen as nothing more than a novelty, an occasional diversion from the real business of Test matches. Spinner Ashley Mallett echoed this sentiment, recalling his surprise years later when he learned that the match had been retroactively designated as the first-ever ODI. 

Yet, while the cricketing elite remained sceptical, the Australian media was quick to recognize the match’s potential. Headlines praised the event as an “overwhelming success,” and England’s manager David Clark suggested that a week-long one-day series could be included in future tours. Even English newspapers, despite their traditionally conservative stance, acknowledged that one-day matches could be here to stay. 

However, cricket’s governing bodies remained cautious. The sport’s deeply entrenched traditions meant that ODIs did not immediately proliferate. The transition was slow—so much so that it took nearly another decade for the format to gain significant traction. 

The real catalyst for the ODI explosion came in the late 1970s when media tycoon Kerry Packer revolutionized cricket with his World Series Cricket (WSC). Packer saw in ODIs what the cricket boards had been reluctant to embrace: a format with immense commercial and entertainment value. His introduction of coloured clothing, white balls, floodlights, and aggressive marketing transformed the perception of limited-overs cricket from an afterthought to a lucrative spectacle. 

From Afterthought to Centerpiece

Looking back, it is remarkable how a single, unplanned match altered the trajectory of cricket. The first ODI was not born out of grand strategy but rather out of necessity—an improvised attempt to salvage financial losses and satisfy restless fans. Yet, what began as a stopgap solution evolved into one of cricket’s most celebrated formats, leading to World Cups, bilateral series, and countless iconic moments. 

Today, ODIs serve as a crucial middle ground between the endurance of Test cricket and the instant gratification of T20s. The very format that was once considered an amusing experiment now stands as a pillar of the international calendar. 

That rain-ruined Test in Melbourne, an inconvenience at the time, ultimately sowed the seeds for a cricketing revolution—one whose full significance only became apparent in the decades that followed.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Roberto Rivellino: The Poet of the Pitch

 

In the annals of football history, few names evoke the same reverence as Roberto Rivellino. A maestro of the game, his artistry transcended mere sport, elevating football to a form of cultural expression. Known for his iconic moustache, thunderous left foot, and the invention of the mesmerizing “flip-flap” move, Rivelino’s legacy is not confined to his era; it resonates across generations, a beacon of creativity and innovation.

This is not merely the story of a footballer; it is the tale of an artist whose canvas was the pitch and whose brush was his unparalleled skill.

The Genesis of Greatness: Rivellino’s Early Years

Roberto Rivellino’s journey began in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a city whose heartbeat is football. Born into a modest family with an innate love for the game, Rivellino’s path seemed preordained. The cobbled streets of his neighbourhood served as his first training ground, where his natural talent was evident from the earliest kick of a ball.

By his teenage years, Rivellino’s skills had already outshone those of his peers. Corinthians, one of São Paulo’s most prestigious clubs, recognized his potential and welcomed him into their fold. It was here, amidst the fervent energy of Brazilian football, that Rivelino began to sculpt his craft. His debut in 1965 marked the arrival of a player whose audacity and flair would soon captivate audiences worldwide.

Even in his formative years, Rivellino’s game was characterized by a rare blend of technical brilliance and an almost theatrical flair. The “flip flap,” a move that would later become his signature, was born out of his intuitive understanding of balance, deception, and timing. It was not merely a trick but a weapon—a moment of genius that left defenders floundering and spectators in awe.

The Artist at Work: Rivelilno’s Playing Style

Rivellino’s playing style was a symphony of precision and improvisation. His left foot, a tool of both power and finesse, could conjure moments of magic that defied logic. Whether it was a curling free-kick that seemed to bend the laws of physics or a thunderous strike from a distance, Rivelino’s mastery of the ball was unparalleled.

The “flip flap,” also known as the “elastico,” epitomized his inventiveness. In a single fluid motion, he would flick the ball with the outside of his foot before snapping it back with the inside, leaving defenders grasping at shadows. It was a move that combined elegance with efficiency, a perfect metaphor for Rivelino’s approach to the game.

But his genius extended beyond individual brilliance. Rivellino was a conductor on the pitch, orchestrating play with a vision and intelligence that few could match. His passes were not merely functional; they were poetic, threading through defences with a precision that seemed almost preordained. He was a player who understood the rhythm of the game, dictating its tempo with an effortless grace.

The Pinnacle of Glory: Rivelino on the World Stage

Rivelino’s international career with Brazil elevated him to the pantheon of football’s immortals. The 1970 World Cup in Mexico, often heralded as the greatest in history, was the stage upon which Rivelino truly shone.

Playing alongside legends like Pelé, Jairzinho, and Tostão, Rivelino was an integral part of a team that redefined the art of attacking football. His free-kicks, struck with unerring accuracy, became a symbol of Brazil’s dominance. In the final against Italy, Rivellino’s contributions were pivotal as Brazil secured their third World Cup title, cementing their status as the kings of football.

The tournaments that followed in 1974 and 1978 showcased Rivellino’s resilience and adaptability. While Brazil’s performances did not reach the heights of 1970, Rivelino remained a beacon of class and consistency. Even in the twilight of his career, his performances exuded a timeless quality, a reminder of his enduring brilliance.

The Club Journeys: Corinthians and Fluminense

Rivelino’s club career was a tale of two chapters, each marked by contrasting fortunes. At Corinthians, he was the heart and soul of the team, his flair and creativity lighting up the São Paulo football scene. Yet, despite his heroics, the elusive championship title remained out of reach, a blemish on an otherwise stellar tenure.

In 1974, Rivelino moved to Fluminense, a decision that reinvigorated his career. In Rio de Janeiro, he found a stage that matched his grandeur. Fluminense’s passionate fanbase embraced him as a saviour, and Rivellino repaid their faith with performances that were nothing short of extraordinary. His time at Fluminense may not have been laden with trophies, but it was rich in moments of magic that solidified his place in the hearts of football lovers.

A Legacy Beyond the Pitch

Rivelino’s influence on football transcends his playing days. The techniques he pioneered, particularly the “flip flap,” have become a rite of passage for aspiring footballers. Players like Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo have carried forward his legacy, adapting his moves to the demands of modern football.

His mastery of the free-kick, characterized by its precision and swerve, remains a benchmark for set-piece specialists. The “banana kick,” as it came to be known, is a testament to Rivellino’s ability to blend science with artistry, turning a simple strike of the ball into a spectacle.

But perhaps Rivellino’s greatest legacy lies in the spirit he brought to the game. He played with joy and creativity that reminded the world of football’s essence as a beautiful game. His influence is evident not just in the techniques he popularized but in the philosophy of play that values imagination and expression over mere functionality.

Conclusion: The Eternal Maestro

Roberto Rivellino was more than a footballer; he was a poet, a magician, and a pioneer. His contributions to the sport are not measured merely in goals or trophies but in the inspiration he provided to generations of players and fans.

In a world that often prioritizes results over artistry, Rivellino remains a symbol of football’s soul—a reminder that the game is at its best when played with passion, creativity, and an unrelenting love for the art. His legacy endures, not just in the records he set but in the countless moments of wonder he created, moments that continue to echo in the hearts of football lovers everywhere.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

The Dawn of a Finisher: Michael Bevan’s Masterclass on New Year’s Day, 1996

As dusk fell over the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 1, 1996, a game of cricket metamorphosed into a tale of defiance, calculation, and resilience. Australia, chasing a modest target of 173 set by the West Indies, found themselves in shambles at 38 for 6. What followed was an innings that would redefine limited-overs cricket and herald the rise of Michael Bevan, the archetype of the modern finisher.

In an era still steeped in Test-match orthodoxy, white-ball cricket was more an afterthought than a distinct craft. The players were expected to switch formats seamlessly, with little regard for the tactical nuances required in the shorter game. Yet, in this milieu of tradition, Bevan’s innings stood as a beacon of innovation and composure, laying the groundwork for a new approach to one-day internationals.

The Context: A Man on the Brink

Bevan’s journey to this defining moment was not without its tribulations. Just a year earlier, during the 1994-95 Ashes, he had been tormented by the short-pitched barrage of Darren Gough and Co., leading to his exclusion from both the Test and ODI sides. However, his exploits with Australia A in the Benson & Hedges World Series, where he scored a match-winning century against England, showcased his potential in limited-overs cricket. Recalled to the national side in December 1995, Bevan quickly demonstrated his utility with a string of measured, unbeaten innings.

But it was on this damp Sydney evening that he truly etched his name into cricketing folklore.

The Collapse

The West Indies, led by Carl Hooper’s sublime 93 not out, had posted 172 for 9, a total that seemed competitive given the conditions. Australia’s response was nothing short of catastrophic. Courtney Walsh’s direct hit removed Mark Taylor for 1. Curtly Ambrose, with his menacing bounce and precision, accounted for Michael Slater and Ricky Ponting in successive deliveries. By the time Ottis Gibson and Roger Harper joined the fray, Australia’s innings had crumbled to 38 for 6.

In those moments of despair, Bevan walked to the crease. The target seemed insurmountable, the situation dire. But where others saw chaos, Bevan saw opportunity—a puzzle to be solved with methodical precision.

The Rebuild

Bevan’s innings began with a mix of caution and grit. Surviving a dropped return catch from Harper on 14, he steadily calibrated his approach. The required run rate hovered above a run-a-ball—an intimidating prospect in an era when 300-run totals were anomalies. His partnership with Ian Healy provided a semblance of stability, but it was only after Healy’s dismissal that Bevan truly began to unfurl his mastery.

The transformation was subtle yet profound. A slap through point here, a drive through the covers there—Bevan’s strokes were not audacious but deliberate. He manipulated gaps with surgical precision, his eyes darting between the field and the scoreboard, calculating every move.

Paul Reiffel’s arrival at the crease marked a turning point. The duo added crucial runs, with Reiffel’s leg-side swishes complementing Bevan’s measured strokes. Together, they whittled down the target to 16 off 11 balls before Reiffel fell, leaving Australia’s tail exposed.

The Climax

The final moments were a study in controlled aggression and mental fortitude. With Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath for company, Bevan faced a daunting equation: six runs needed off the last four balls. A clip to long-on, a fumbled fielding effort, and a scampered single kept the chase alive.

Then came the defining moment. With four needed off the last two balls, Bevan missed his first attempt at glory—a thrash through the off-side that found a fielder. He paused, patted the pitch, and assessed the field one last time.

The final delivery was a masterstroke of improvisation. Bevan shuffled to leg, leveraged his bottom hand, and drove straight down the ground. The ball raced to the unguarded boundary, sealing a one-wicket victory that was as improbable as it was unforgettable.

The Legacy

Bevan’s unbeaten 88 off 88 balls was more than just an innings; it was a manifesto for the modern finisher. His ability to blend caution with aggression, to calculate risks with unerring precision, set a template that would be emulated by generations to come.

In an age where cricketers were expected to adapt on the fly, Bevan’s approach was revolutionary. He was not merely reacting to the game; he was orchestrating it, one calculated stroke at a time. That damp night in Sydney was not just a victory for Australia but a turning point for limited-overs cricket—a glimpse into the future of a format still finding its identity.

Michael Bevan had arrived, and the world of cricket would never be the same again.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan’s Eternal Quest for Resilience: Mohammad Rizwan Is The Leader Pakistan Need

 

The sun hovered over the final session, setting the stage for a gripping spectacle. Pakistan's last-wicket pair stood like solitary sentinels, defying fate in pursuit of a draw that would etch their names into cricketing lore. The moment harkened back to 1988 in Trinidad, where Imran Khan’s Pakistan had famously survived 129 overs against a fearsome West Indies side, snatching an improbable draw. But history, cruelly impartial, often chooses its victors. On this day, the shores of safety remained elusive. New Zealand triumphed, leaving Pakistan adrift in the seas of despair.

Yet, amidst this heartbreak was a tale of valiance. Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam, emblematic of defiance, scripted an eighth-wicket partnership that spanned 380 deliveries—the eighth-longest fourth-innings partnership in Test history. Together, they transformed the fifth day into a masterclass of grit, navigating the perils of a second new ball on an unyielding surface. Their union, born out of necessity, embodied the indomitable spirit of Test cricket.

Fawad Alam, long exiled from the national setup, once again proved his mettle. His resolve mirrored that of a seasoned artist, chiselling his innings with the precision of a sculptor reviving a forgotten masterpiece. Rizwan, the stand-in captain, demonstrated why he is regarded as one of Pakistan's most dependable cricketers, holding his nerve and his end with unwavering determination.

Despite their heroics, Pakistan fell short. Yet, the performance reminded the cricketing world of the beauty of a hard-fought draw, often dismissed in modern cricket’s frenzied pursuit of instant gratification. This match was a solemn ode to perseverance—a lesson that survival, in itself, can be a victory.

The Rise of Rizwan: Pakistan’s Unyielding Leader

Mohammad Rizwan’s evolution as a cricketer mirrors the resilience of Pakistan cricket—a system fraught with unpredictability yet capable of producing unpolished gems. Born in 1992, the year Pakistan conquered the cricketing world under Imran Khan’s stewardship, Rizwan has emerged as a beacon of stability amidst the chaos.

His rise was not meteoric but methodical. From a prolific domestic career to his exploits against international powerhouses, Rizwan honed his craft with discipline and hard work. As captain of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan’s domestic circuits, he exhibited leadership qualities that are now evident on the global stage. His ability to stay composed under pressure was evident in England in 2020, where he shepherded the lower order against a formidable attack, scoring a fighting 72 in Southampton.

That innings was more than just a number on the scoreboard; it was a declaration of intent. Rizwan showed he could bat on difficult surfaces, shield the tail, and farm the strike—a skill few wicketkeeper-batsmen master. It was a glimpse of what was to come.

Lessons from Mount Maunganui

In the shadow of Mount Maunganui, Rizwan found himself leading a team without its talisman, Babar Azam. The challenge was steep, but his approach was pragmatic. As New Zealand’s world-class bowling attack relentlessly probed Pakistan’s weaknesses, Rizwan marshalled his troops with quiet determination. His field placements were astute, his energy infectious, and his humility inspiring.

Day 3 saw Rizwan in his element, counterattacking with Faheem Ashraf to give Pakistan a glimmer of hope. Their partnership showcased the quintessential Pakistani flair—unpredictable yet captivating. Faheem’s audacity complemented Rizwan’s measured aggression, a dynamic that momentarily unsettled the Kiwis.

By Day 5, as wickets tumbled and the shadows lengthened, Rizwan and Fawad stood firm. Their alliance was a testament to the virtues of patience and adaptability, but cricket is often cruel. Victory and survival eluded Pakistan. Still, Rizwan’s leadership shone brightly amid the ruins.

The Way Forward

Pakistan’s cricketing history is a mosaic of brilliance and heartbreak. For every Imran Khan or Wasim Akram, there have been countless others whose talents were squandered by systemic neglect. With his all-weather batting and unyielding character, Rizwan could be the anchor Pakistan has long sought. However, his journey underscores a larger truth: talent needs nurturing, and leadership needs trust.

In Rizwan, Pakistan, a leader has been found unafraid of challenges. Whether facing Neil Wagner with a fractured toe or negotiating tricky declarations, he embodies the spirit of perseverance. But the onus is on Pakistan cricket to nurture this brilliance. Rizwan’s story is far from over, and with proper support, he could become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s resurgence.

As the team regroups for the next battle, one cannot help but wonder: will Pakistan finally embrace the stability Rizwan represents, or will his brilliance fade into the chaotic abyss that has consumed so many before him? Time, as always, will tell. For now, Rizwan stands tall, a testament to the enduring beauty of Test cricket and the unbreakable spirit of Pakistan.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar