The Curious Case of Salahuddin: Hype, Heroism, and Hollow Expectations

Bangladesh is a fertile land—not just for rice fields and river deltas, but also for hype. Here, sporting narratives often blossom overnight, watered generously by fervent journalists and fanboys starved for local heroes. The latest crescendo rises around Salahuddin, a domestic coach whose name has been embroidered into public consciousness as if he were a messianic figure poised to rescue Bangladesh cricket from its perennial woes.

It all began when a leading local daily, Prothom Alo, spun a charming tale: Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s mercurial talisman, found his lost form while performing in a cricket “circus”—credit, they claimed, due to the guiding hand of Salahuddin. In a nation ravenous for feel-good stories, the suggestion was intoxicating. Soon, a chorus emerged clamoring for Salahuddin to replace Chandika Hathurusingha or any other foreign coach at the helm of the national side, wrapping the debate snugly in the ever-potent flag of patriotism.

But patriotic fervor, seductive as it is, often clouds the discerning eye. One must pause and ask: is Salahuddin truly equipped to shoulder the monumental responsibilities of coaching a national cricket team?

A Glance at the Résumé: The Legend vs. the Ledger

Strip away the rhapsodies and what remains is a profile that, while respectable, is hardly extraordinary by international standards.

Salahuddin cut his teeth as head coach at BKSP—Bangladesh’s foremost sporting academy—from 1999 to 2005, later serving as assistant to Dav Whatmore and Jamie Siddons. Both foreign coaches praised his diligence and commitment, especially during a stint when he helped remodel Abdur Razzak’s illegal bowling action. Subsequently, Salahuddin drifted into coaching roles in Malaysia, and later, took charge of Gazi Group Cricketers, guiding them to a Dhaka Premier League title in 2017.

More recently, he is noted for steering a “circus team”—an annual cricket extravaganza of questionable standard—to victory in 2015. It’s a modest portfolio, bolstered largely by domestic exploits and the endorsement of local press. One might rightly question: does triumph in a domestic league plagued by inconsistency, or in an informal circus tournament, serve as credible testimony to international coaching mettle?

The Halo Effect: Orchestrated Adulation

The machinery behind Salahuddin’s mythos deserves scrutiny. Insiders suggest he is a favored “news source” for Bangladesh’s sports journalists—a convenient fountain of scoops and stories. Meanwhile, his rapport with players often resembles that of an obliging butler: ever-ready to top up the glass but not necessarily to refine the vintage.

It is telling that many technical turnarounds in Bangladeshi cricketers—be it Razzak’s revamped action or the batting polish of top-order stalwarts—are rooted in interventions by foreign specialists. Yet the accolades are routinely, and perhaps unfairly, funneled toward Salahuddin, thanks to a well-oiled narrative machine that thrives on local sentiment.

Where are the global offers?

If Salahuddin were the generational coaching mastermind many proclaim him to be, why haven’t doors at prestigious cricketing boards swung open for him? Why does the global marketplace—where genuine expertise rarely goes unnoticed—remain conspicuously indifferent to his talents?

The cosmopolitan world of cricket coaching, after all, has seen mentors like Duncan Fletcher or Gary Kirsten seamlessly transcend borders, propelled by proven acumen. If Salahuddin’s capabilities were of such luminous quality, wouldn’t county teams, T20 franchises, or associate nations line up at his doorstep? The silence is damning.

Beyond Sentiment: The Real Cost of Misplaced Adulation

To helm a national cricket team is to juggle far more than tactics. It demands a symphony of technical erudition, psychological insight, and charismatic leadership—qualities essential to cultivate both stars and systems. The ideal coach is part strategist, part therapist, part general.

Does Salahuddin possess this multi-dimensional gravitas? Or are we witnessing a balloon inflated by nostalgia, convenience, and the ever-potent cocktail of nationalism?

Bangladesh must tread carefully. A nation that confuses emotion for evaluation risks sowing seeds of long-term mediocrity. The peril of elevating the wrong individual extends beyond immediate results; it ossifies systemic flaws, setting back player development and competitive culture by years.

The Final Question: Hype or Hope?

Perhaps it is time to peel back the layers of sentimentality and ask: are we lionizing Salahuddin for genuine merit or merely because he is ours?

In the globalized era of cricket, competence is a currency universally recognized. If Salahuddin’s stock remains curiously stagnant beyond Bangladesh’s borders, maybe the time has come for honest introspection. Before we surrender the future of our national team to a narrative spun by friendly journalists and social media zealots, let us ensure that the man entrusted with shaping our cricketing destiny truly stands on the bedrock of unmatched expertise—not the shifting sands of hype.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar

A Shocker: Italy Will Not Fly To Russia

The night was heavy with despair at San Siro. Italy pressed. They pushed. Yet, they failed to breach the Swedish defence. As the final whistle echoed, Gian Piero Ventura looked shattered on the sidelines. Daniele De Rossi seethed with anger, and the iconic Gianluigi Buffon, in a moment of profound heartbreak, shed tears that resonated with millions of Azzurri fans around the globe. For a nation steeped in footballing tradition, the unthinkable had occurred—Italy would not grace the World Cup stage in 2018.

This was a cataclysmic moment in Italian football, a cruel déjà vu of 1958 when Northern Ireland shut the door on Italy’s World Cup ambitions. That absence six decades ago was an anomaly; since then, Italy had been a permanent fixture, lifting the trophy twice and finishing as runners-up twice. Yet here we were, on the cusp of modern football history, with Italy inexplicably sidelined from the greatest show on Earth.

A team of such illustrious pedigree—renowned for its defensive mastery, tactical ingenuity, and thrilling counterattacks—was now reduced to spectators. How could this have happened?

An Azzurri Supporter’s Lament

For me, an admirer of Italian football since my school days, the pain was personal. Serie A in its heyday captivated me, and Italia '90 solidified my allegiance to the Azzurri alongside Brazil and Germany. Over the decades, Italy’s defenders, goalkeepers, and clutch strikers brought unmatched joy to the beautiful game. But last night, Sweden dealt a fatal blow to those cherished memories.

A Tactical Disaster

Italy’s failure can largely be laid at the feet of Gian Piero Ventura. When Antonio Conte left the national team, he handed over a squad transformed into a cohesive and promising unit. Under Ventura, that transformation unravelled. The brilliance faded, leaving behind a shadow of the team that once struck fear into opponents.

Ventura’s reign was reminiscent of Carlos Dunga’s ill-fated second tenure with Brazil—a coach whose decisions were dictated by personal preferences rather than tactical acumen. Much like Dunga, Ventura favoured ageing players over dynamic talents. Brazil’s footballing hierarchy realized their mistake in time; Italy, unfortunately, did not.

The decisions were baffling. Lorenzo Insigne, arguably Italy’s most creative and clinical forward, was inexplicably confined to the bench. Ciro Immobile, a striker whose golden touch seemed to have deserted him, was entrusted with leading the attack. Meanwhile, talents like Mario Balotelli—a natural number nine—and Stephan El Shaarawy—perfect for exploiting Sweden’s defensive flanks—were overlooked. Instead, Matteo Darmian, more suited to defensive roles, was thrust into attacking duties.

A Tactical Void

Italy’s midfield, led by Jorginho and Antonio Candreva, showed flashes of cohesion. They spread the play, moved with pace, and created opportunities. Yet the absence of a genuine finisher rendered their efforts futile. The lack of coordination in the final third pointed squarely to Ventura’s inability to devise a coherent attacking strategy.

Ventura’s failure wasn’t limited to the tactical realm. His pedigree—marked by a modest record in Serie C—was ill-suited for a team of Italy’s stature. The signs of decline were evident long before that fateful night in Milan. Struggling against Macedonia in qualifiers should have set alarm bells ringing. But the Italian football federation’s inertia allowed mediocrity to fester.

 A Painful Epilogue

The fallout from Ventura’s tenure extends beyond the 2018 World Cup. Italy’s absence was not just a national tragedy but a global loss for football. For fans who cherish the game beyond the polarizing realms of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and club allegiances, Italy’s brand of football was a cultural and emotional cornerstone.

This debacle serves as a cautionary tale. In football, history and tradition mean little without vision and decisive action. The Azzurri’s failure is a stark reminder that complacency and mismanagement can erode even the most storied legacies. For now, we mourn not just Italy’s absence but also the dimming of a tradition that has illuminated football for generations

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

A Cricketing Renaissance: The Chandika Hathurusingha Effect on Bangladesh Cricket

Every cricketing nation has its watershed moment - a defining period when mediocrity gives way to ambition. For Bangladesh, the years between 2014 and 2017, under the stewardship of Chandika Hathurusingha, represent such a chapter. His tenure redefined the team's philosophy, instilling discipline and pragmatism, and recalibrated the nation's cricketing trajectory. What Hathurusingha achieved was not merely a string of victories; it was the construction of a cricketing identity that exuded boldness, clarity, and adaptability.

Chandika Hathurusingha in 2014, Bangladesh cricket remained a tale of unfulfilled potential.

The national team oscillated between occasional brilliance and prolonged mediocrity. Neither their style of play nor their results reflected any sense of consistency or ambition. However, Hathurusingha’s appointment marked the beginning of a dramatic transformation that rewrote the narrative of Bangladesh cricket. Within months, the team adopted a fearless approach, abandoning outdated strategies in favour of a more modern and aggressive style. This bold shift led to unprecedented success across formats, elevating Bangladesh into a force to be reckoned with.

Rewriting the Script: The Shift from Spin to Pace

Before Hathurusingha’s arrival, Bangladesh cricket was trapped in a tactical rut, overly dependent on spinners and the home advantage. This mindset was a reflection of insecurity - a reluctance to embrace change. Hathurusingha disrupted this inertia by prioritizing pace bowling. Under his guidance, the team’s fast-bowling unit - led by Mashrafe Mortaza and comprising the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, and Al-Amin Hossain - evolved from mere support acts into match-winners.

This was a seismic shift. Pace bowling demanded better fitness, deeper analysis, and sharper execution, traits the team had previously lacked. The transformation was gradual but unmistakable: Bangladesh began to win not just on familiar, spinning tracks but in conditions where seam movement and bounce dictated terms and formats, elevating Bangladesh into a force to be reckoned with.

 Statistical Resurgence: The ODI Renaissance 

Before Hathurusingha’s arrival, Bangladesh’s ODI win-loss ratio was a dismal 0.4, and excluding matches against lower-ranked sides, their record against top-tier nations was even bleaker - 27 wins in 191 matches, with a ratio of just 0.16. Hathurusingha, however, transformed this dynamic almost overnight. During his tenure, Bangladesh won 25 of 52 ODIs, improving their win-loss ratio to 1.086.

Key milestones during this period included their quarterfinal appearance at the 2015 World Cup, where Bangladesh famously knocked England out of the tournament. They followed this success by defeating powerhouses like India, Pakistan, South Africa, and  Afghanistan at home, and nearly upstaged England in a thrilling series in 2016. Their journey to the semifinals of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy cemented Bangladesh’s status as a serious competitor in the 50-over format.

Redefining Test Cricket: A New Era 

Test cricket, long considered Bangladesh’s Achilles’ heel, witnessed a quiet revolution under Hathurusingha. Until his appointment, Bangladesh had managed to win just 4 of 83 Tests, with a win-loss ratio of 0.058. However, during his tenure, they won 6 out of 21 matches and drew 4, lifting their ratio to 0.545.

Their most notable victories came at home: Bangladesh defeated England in 2016 and followed it up with a historic win against Australia in 2017. In an inspiring away performance, the team also held Sri Lanka to a series draw in 2017, further establishing that they were no longer pushovers in the longest format.

 Individual Growth: The Rise of Bangladesh’s Stars 

Hathurusingha’s influence was not limited to collective achievements; it also spurred individual players to reach their potential. Tamim Iqbal was among the first to flourish under his guidance. From being inconsistent and heavily criticized, Tamim evolved into a dependable opener. Between 2015 and 2017, his ODI average surged from 26 to  46.38, 45.22, and 64.60 in successive years. His Test average, too, climbed from 37.29 in 2014 to over 50.

Similarly, Mushfiqur Rahim  grew into a formidable Test player. Before Hathurusingha’s tenure, Mushfiqur averaged 33.48 in Tests. That figure rose to 40.69 in 20 matches under Hathurusingha, as he recorded three centuries, including one in South Africa - the first by any Bangladeshi batsman in that region. His ODI numbers also improved significantly, with three hundreds across 50 matches.

Mahmudullah Riyad, another key player, credited Hathurusingha for his transformation from a lower-order all-rounder into a reliable middle-order batsman. "He gave me the confidence to bat higher up the order," Mahmudullah remarked. "The freedom he provided us allowed me to discover my potential as a middle-order player." This newfound confidence saw Mahmudullah play career-defining knocks in the 2015 World Cup  and 2017 Champions Trophy, turning him into one of Bangladesh’s most dependable batsmen.

Harnessing the Power of Youth 

Hathurusingha’s tenure also heralded the rise of a new generation of players. Under his leadership, Mustafizur Rahman burst onto the international stage, bamboozling batsmen with his unorthodox cutters. Meanwhile, the flair of Soumya Sarkar, the composure of Liton Das, and the all-around brilliance of Mehidy Hasan Miraz infused the team with youthful exuberance and depth.

Crucially, Hathurusingha dismantled the old mindset of relying on ageing players past their prime, making way for fresh talent. This blend of youth and experience proved vital in Bangladesh’s resurgence across formats.

Chandika Hathurusingha’s stint from 2014 to 2017 was not merely a successful chapter in Bangladesh cricket - it was a blueprint for transformation. He redefined the team’s approach, empowered individuals, and fostered a culture of discipline and professionalism. His tenure underscored that cricket is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and that success lies in clarity of thought, trust in youth, and the courage to evolve.

The Hathurusingha era proved that Bangladesh can stand tall among cricket’s elite - not by imitating others but by crafting their own identity. His return now holds the promise of unfinished business - a chance to consolidate the gains made during his first tenure and build a team that not only competes but wins on the biggest stages.

For Bangladesh cricket, the lessons from Hathurusingha’s reign are clear: bold decisions, relentless professionalism, and an unwavering belief in the process will pave the way for sustained excellence. The story of Bangladesh’s transformation under Hathurusingha is not just one of victory—it is a testament to the power of change, both on the field and within.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Andrea Pirlo: The Architect of Elegance and Genius

When one speaks of elegance, class, and technical brilliance in football, Andrea Pirlo’s name inevitably rises to the forefront. Known as the Maestro, the Architect, or simply the Professor, Pirlo’s artistry on the pitch transcended the physicality of the sport, elevating it to an almost ethereal realm. His career, a masterclass in vision, technique, and composure, redefined the role of the deep-lying playmaker and etched his name into football’s pantheon of legends.

The Genesis of a Genius

Born on May 19, 1979, in Brescia, Italy, Pirlo’s journey into football was atypical. Unlike many footballers who emerge from humble beginnings, Pirlo’s affluent upbringing afforded him opportunities that nurtured his burgeoning talent. Enrolled in a paid school and introduced to football at an early age, his prodigious skill was evident from the start. His peers instinctively sought him out on the field, recognizing his uncanny ability to read the game and execute decisive passes.

Pirlo’s potential was quickly identified by his hometown club, Brescia Calcio, where he made his Serie A debut at just 16 years old under the tutelage of coach Mircea Lucescu. His immediate impact and maturity belied his age, and by the following season, he was an indispensable part of Brescia’s squad, helping them secure promotion to Serie A.

Trials and Transformations

In 1998, Inter Milan acquired Pirlo for over €2 million, a testament to his burgeoning reputation. Joining a squad that boasted luminaries like Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio, Pirlo’s future seemed destined for greatness. Yet, his time at Inter was fraught with challenges. Limited opportunities, managerial upheavals, and tactical misfits curtailed his progress. Loan spells at Reggina and a return to Brescia, however, proved pivotal. It was at Brescia under Carlo Mazzone that Pirlo was repositioned as a deep-lying playmaker, a role that would come to define his career.

The Milan Renaissance

Pirlo’s true ascension began in 2001 when AC Milan acquired him for €18 million. Initially a substitute, Pirlo’s fortunes changed under Carlo Ancelotti, who recognized the young midfielder’s potential to revolutionize the game. Positioned at the base of Milan’s midfield, flanked by the industrious Gennaro Gattuso and the versatile Clarence Seedorf, Pirlo became the fulcrum of one of football’s most celebrated midfields.

The 2002-2003 season marked the dawn of Pirlo’s golden era. His precise passing, unparalleled vision, and tactical intelligence orchestrated Milan’s attack, culminating in victories in the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League. Over the next decade, Pirlo’s influence grew, guiding Milan to domestic and European glory, including the 2007 Champions League triumph—a poetic redemption against Liverpool following the heartbreak of 2005.

The World Cup Triumph

Pirlo’s brilliance extended to the international stage, where he was instrumental in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory. From his sublime goal against Ghana to his four assists and ice-cold penalty in the final against France, Pirlo epitomized composure and class. His ability to dictate the tempo of games earned him the Bronze Ball, solidifying his status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

A Juventus Renaissance

In 2011, Pirlo’s move to Juventus was seen by many as the twilight chapter of his career. Instead, it became a renaissance. Under Antonio Conte and later Massimiliano Allegri, Pirlo’s genius flourished. Leading Juventus to four consecutive Serie A titles, he shattered records and redefined expectations of an ageing playmaker. His contributions were instrumental in Juventus’s resurgence, including their run to the 2015 Champions League final.

The Pirlo Role: A Tactical Revolution

Andrea Pirlo’s tactical versatility enabled him to excel across various midfield roles, though he was predominantly deployed as a central midfielder, often in the role of a deep-lying playmaker, by both his club and national teams. His exceptional vision, passing precision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game made him a unique asset. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in his position, Pirlo’s name has been etched into the annals of football history, with players, managers, and pundits alike acknowledging him as one of the finest midfielders of all time. Throughout his illustrious career, he was not only seen as one of the best of his generation but also as one of Italy’s greatest-ever players.

Pirlo’s journey began in a more advanced role, where he was initially deployed as an attacking midfielder. On occasion, he even featured as a supporting striker. Though his talent was evident from a young age, drawing comparisons to the legendary Gianni Rivera, Pirlo’s early career was marked by struggles in these more forward positions. His lack of pace, compounded by the competition from more dynamic and athletic players, hindered his impact in these areas.

Recognizing his limitations in advanced roles, coaches such as Carlo Mazzone, Fatih Terim, and Carlo Ancelotti repositioned Pirlo to a deeper, more central role on the pitch. This tactical shift allowed Pirlo to leverage his innate creativity and intelligence. The deep-lying playmaker role suited his style perfectly, granting him the space and time necessary to orchestrate attacks from the back. It was in this capacity that Pirlo truly flourished, dictating the rhythm of the game with his trademark long passes and precise deliveries, creating opportunities from deep within the midfield. His ability to control the game from a seemingly defensive position, often operating just in front of the defence, was revolutionary—so much so that this role became colloquially known as "the Pirlo role," a testament to his mastery of the position.

In the twilight of his career, Pirlo's adaptability was again on display under the management of Massimiliano Allegri, who utilized him on the wing during his final season at Milan. This tactical tweak highlighted Pirlo's ability to provide accurate, cutting crosses, further demonstrating his multifaceted skill set. Thus, Pirlo's career is a reflection of both his technical brilliance and his tactical intelligence, which allowed him to transcend positional limitations and leave an indelible mark on the game.

Andrea Pirlo's playing style was characterized by a profound technical mastery that compensated for his lack of physical attributes such as pace, stamina, and defensive prowess. While not known for his work rate or tackling ability, Pirlo's composure on the ball became his defining trait. His touch, technique, balance, and elegance were second to none, allowing him to glide across the pitch with a fluidity that belied his lack of physical dynamism. His close control and dribbling, coupled with his flair and creativity, allowed him to navigate tight spaces, often using deft feints to beat opponents and retain possession. These attributes enabled him to create time and space for himself, facilitating his ability to orchestrate play and deliver incisive passes.

Despite his physical limitations, Pirlo's sharp footballing intelligence allowed him to anticipate plays and cover ground in midfield with remarkable efficiency. His ability to read the game and intercept passes demonstrated that speed of thought could often compensate for a lack of raw pace. As a playmaker, he was lauded for his exceptional vision and awareness, traits that enabled him to dictate the tempo of the game. His movement and positional sense were key to his success, as he effortlessly found pockets of space from which to launch attacks. Pirlo’s distribution was equally varied and precise, ranging from quick, short exchanges to more ambitious, risk-taking passes. His long-range passing, both on the ground and in the air, was particularly renowned, with his ability to execute pinpoint deliveries with either foot—a skill that set him apart as one of the best passers in football history. Even under pressure, Pirlo rarely relinquished possession, instead maintaining an unrivalled composure that allowed him to consistently thread passes through opposition lines. His ability to contribute to his team’s offensive play, whether through assists or goals, was a testament to his all-encompassing vision and technical acumen.

Beyond his general playmaking abilities, Pirlo was a dead-ball specialist, renowned for his precision in free-kicks and penalty-kicks. He was widely regarded as one of the best free-kick takers of his era, drawing admiration for his versatility and ability to both score and create chances from set pieces. Pirlo’s free-kick technique was an art form in itself, particularly his ability to curl shots with pinpoint accuracy from close range. This skill was honed through the rigorous study of Roberto Baggio during their time together at Brescia, with Baggio’s technique serving as a significant influence on Pirlo’s development. As a youngster, other iconic players such as Zico, Michel Platini, and Diego Maradona also shaped Pirlo’s approach to free-kick taking.

Pirlo’s mastery extended to long-range free kicks, where his unique technique—borrowed from the "knuckleball" free kicks of Juninho—enabled him to strike the ball with both power and swerve. This technique, which the Italian media later dubbed the maledetta ("accursed"), became one of Pirlo’s signature moves. His proficiency from set pieces was unmatched, with Pirlo sharing the record for the most free-kick goals in Serie A with Siniša Mihajlović. His ability to bend the ball around walls and past goalkeepers was a defining feature of his career, further cementing his reputation as a player capable of altering the course of a game with a single moment of brilliance.

Legacy of a Maestro

Pirlo’s retirement in 2017 marked the end of an era. His farewell match, the “Night of the Maestro,” celebrated a career that had redefined footballing artistry. Tributes from luminaries like Roberto Baggio, Marcello Lippi, and Gianluigi Buffon underscored his unique brilliance.

Pirlo’s legacy transcends statistics and trophies. He embodied the poetry of football, a player whose every touch was a brushstroke on the canvas of the beautiful game. From Brescia to Milan, Juventus to the global stage, Pirlo’s career is a testament to the enduring power of elegance, intelligence, and artistry in football. As Carlo Ancelotti aptly put it, “Pirlo spots a pass in a split-second that lesser players could spend a lifetime waiting to see.”

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

A Tale of Redemption and Triumph: Allan Border’s Australia in the 1987 Cricket World Cup

It was a journey across continents, a pilgrimage undertaken not for mere sport but for a story that would transcend the boundaries of cricket itself. On that November afternoon in 1987, at the Eden Gardens in Calcutta, Allan Border's Australia crowned themselves world champions, etching a new chapter in cricketing history. The game’s denouement—a tense seven-run victory over England—was more than a contest of bat and ball; it was a symphony of resilience, strategy, and, ultimately, redemption.

The Semifinal Shadows

Just days earlier, cricket fans had witnessed a heartbreak of a different kind. In the semifinal against England, India’s skipper Kapil Dev, the hero of 1983, had fallen to an ill-judged slog sweep. His counterpart, Mike Gatting, dismissed it as a “silly” stroke, the kind that unravels well-laid plans. Yet irony has a sharp sense of humour. In the final, with England cruising at 135 for 2 in pursuit of 254, it was Gatting’s turn to err. His audacious reverse sweep off Border ended in ignominy, a top edge spiralling into the grateful gloves of Greg Dyer. The symmetry was poetic, the consequences catastrophic for England.

The Forgotten Gem

Australia’s 253 seemed precarious at one point, their innings floundering at 188 for 4 after 44 overs. But then came an unsung hero, Mike Veletta, whose unheralded brilliance transformed the game. His ferocious assault on Phil DeFreitas—plundering 45 runs off just 31 deliveries—breathed life into Australia’s total. In an era preceding T20’s audacious finishes, Veletta’s cameo was revolutionary, adding a crucial 65 runs in the last six overs. It was a knock that would fade into the annals of cricket but remained pivotal in that moment.

The Turning Tides

As dusk descended upon Eden Gardens, England, too, felt the creeping shadows of panic. Bill Athey’s run-out, orchestrated by a young Steve Waugh, set the tone. Paul Downton succumbed to a careless stroke, his downfall engineered by the unassuming Allan Border. Emburey, a seasoned campaigner, fell victim to another run-out, the chaos reflecting England’s unravelling mindset.

Border’s leadership was almost mystical in its efficacy. Every move he made seemed divinely inspired. His decision to reintroduce Craig McDermott for a brief two-over spell mid-innings slowed England’s charge, building pressure that would later prove insurmountable. His faith in Waugh, then a 22-year-old yet to blossom into his eventual greatness, was rewarded as the young bowler held his nerve in the death overs with unerring precision.

A Flicker of Hope, Extinguished

Even as England faltered, there was a moment when the scales threatened to tilt. DeFreitas, heralded as the heir to Ian Botham, unleashed a flurry of boundaries against McDermott—4, 6, 4—rekindling faint hopes. But where McDermott faltered, Waugh stood firm. His guile, concealed beneath his innocuous medium pace, outwitted the English lower order. When DeFreitas mistimed his aggression, Bruce Reid’s towering presence in the outfield snuffed out the flicker of rebellion. Waugh’s penultimate over conceded a mere two runs, leaving the impossible task of 17 runs from the final over.

McDermott, redeemed after his earlier punishment, delivered the coup de grâce. Foster and Small were no match for the task at hand. With every ball, the dream crumbled further, and Australia clinched a seven-run victory—an outcome that seemed improbable mere weeks before.

A New Dawn for Australia

Australia’s triumph was not just a victory; it was a statement. Only three years earlier, the team had been in disarray, reeling from the retirements of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee, and Rod Marsh. Border had inherited a team in shambles, burdened with the weight of rebuilding. The World Cup victory symbolized the culmination of that arduous journey, a triumph of grit and character over despair.

As Border lifted the trophy, his typically stoic visage softened into a smile—a rare, luminous expression that captured the essence of what his team had achieved. It was not merely the culmination of a tournament but a vindication of a captain’s belief in his team, a redemption arc that echoed far beyond the boundaries of cricket.

In that moment, it was clear: some journeys are worth crossing the world for, not for the destination alone, but for the stories that unfold along the way.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar