THE RECORD MAKER

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain [July 20-24, 2023].

We discussed the first test of the 2023 India-West Indies Series in the previous post. This piece will discuss the second test, which is special for all the Indian fans even though it ended in a draw. In a must-win game, West Indian Captain Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and elected to field first. The decision turned out to be a horrendous one as the duo of Jaiswal and Sharma gave India yet another solid start. Both Jaiswal and Sharma got to their respective half-centuries as Hosts struggled to pick up wickets. 

Eventually, in the 31st over, Jason Holder dismissed Jaiswal for 57 as the Indian scorecard read 139/1. However, soon the Visitors were reduced to 182/4 as Windies continued picking up wickets at regular intervals. It appeared that they will bowl India out under 300. But this is when King Kohli rose to the occasion. Kohli, who was playing his 500th international game, took the sting away as he scored a magnificent 121 of 206 balls. It is interesting to note that Kohli hit just 11 boundaries in his innings. This implies that he scored the maximum amount of runs by running between the wickets. Such intent and commitment towards the game is rarely seen these days. It was a proper old-school knock, which took India to a respectable total of 438. 

In response, the West Indies scored 255 in their first innings. To be honest, it appeared that the only thing that the Windies were trying to do was to avoid follow-on. Furthermore, the rains too helped the hosts in pushing the game towards a draw. Even though Indians did everything in their capacity to force a result, the rains made sure that the game ended in a draw. 

The Indians were thus successful in winning yet another test series in the Caribbean. However, this match will always be remembered due to the gritty knock of Virat Kohli in his 500th game. He is truly a Record-Maker. 

To watch the knock of Virat Kohli, Click Here. 

DREAM DEBUT

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Windsor Park, Roseau [July 12-14, 2023].

In the summer of 2023, the Indian cricket team toured the West Indies to play 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20 Internationals. The Indian squad was on the tour to the West Indies following a heartbreaking loss in the WTC Finals. As a result, they were keen to put the painful memories behind them and come back stronger. 

On a spinner-friendly wicket, West Indian Captain Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision turned out to be a horrendous one as the duo of Ashwin and Jadeja blew away the West Indies batting line-up. The hosts were bundled out for just 150 in their first innings as Ashwin claimed yet another fifer. In response, the Visitors posted an impressive 421 in their first innings. The same happened because Captain Rohit Sharma and debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal scored magnificent hundreds in tough situations.  Interestingly, the batting conditions were not easy, but the duo just made it look simpler. Both Jaiswal and Sharma batted sensibly and did not take any unnecessary risks. Captain Sharma led from the front, and Jaiswal obediently followed his captain's footsteps. 

It is pertinent to note that the debutant batted for around 500 minutes in his very first innings. While doing so, he faced 387 deliveries in which he scored a majestic 171. Furthermore, Jaiswal also played his shots in between, which entertained the small crowd present in the stadium. Apart from Jaiswal and Sharma, King Kohli too scored a gritty 76 as the hosts struggled to pick up wickets. At a score of 421/5, Indians asked West Indies to bat again. 

It was certain that the Windies would lose the test, but no one could have imagined that they would get bowled out in just 50 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin was once again the leading wicket taker as he picked up 7 wickets in the second innings. The Visitors won the match by an innings and 141 runs, for which debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal was awarded the man of the match award. It was indeed a dream debut.

To watch the innings of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Click Here. 

THE RUN STAND

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne [December 26-28, 2006].

In the Australian summer of 2006-07, the English cricket team toured Australia to defend their Ashes title. Unfortunately they lost the first three tests in a row, and the hosts regained Ashes in Perth. As a result, when both teams reached Melbourne, the clouds of Whitewash were looming before the visitors. 

On match day we witnessed intermittent showers and a lot of clouds in the sky. However, despite all of this, English Captain Andrew Flintoff, after winning the toss, elected to bat first.  It is interesting to note that the pitch had a lot of seam movement and was green, wet, and erratic, which made the life of fast bowlers easier. Even though England made it to lunch at 1/36, Ian Bell was lbw to Stuart Clark shortly after the lunch break. The score reached 2/101 after what looked to be a solid partnership between Paul Collingwood and Andrew Strauss. Collingwood was then taken out by Brett Lee after Ricky Ponting caught him in the slips. Strauss, who had just hit fifty, was clean bowled by Warne two balls later, thereby taking his 700th Test wicket.

After that, Warne claimed four more wickets as England fell apart and were all out for 159. For just 58 runs, England had lost their last eight wickets. It looked like Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden could seal the match in no time when they started batting, and England's annoyance got heightened when several impressive lbw claims were turned down by the umpire. However, in the tenth over, Flintoff had Langer and nightwatchman Lee caught behind on consecutive deliveries, which gave him a great deal of confidence again. At 2/48, Australia ended the day.

England dominated the second-day morning session, taking the prize wickets of Ponting, Michael Hussey, and Michael Clarke for a total of just 18 runs. Australia appeared to be in serious trouble at 5/84, with maverick Andrew Symonds walking into the crease. However, Hayden and Symonds managed to turn the tide of the match back in Australia's favor for the majority of the next two sessions, as England was unable to capitalize on their early gains. Interestingly it was the two batsmen's attitude was what everyone found most impressive. It was a precarious situation. One more wicket and the game was done and dusted. However, the duo came all guns blazing and made a mess of the English Bowling Line-up. 

Australia resumed the third session at 5/226 after Hayden reached his century just before tea. With a strong six to long on, Symonds went on to score his first Test century. The match looked nearly lost for England, even though Hayden was dismissed late in the day for 153, quickly followed by Adam Gilchrist (for one run). With Symonds and Warne remaining at the crease, Australia had rallied from 5/85 to 7/372 (213 Runs Lead) at the end of play.

Similar to the morning session the day before, England gave themselves some reason to be hopeful at first. It was only Warne who offered any opposition as the tail got demolished after Symonds' early dismissal, leaving Australia all out for 419 (a lead of 260). The score did not look as daunting as it could have otherwise, as the initially bowler-friendly pitch seemed to have flattened out somewhat.

Regretfully, England were all out for just 161 runs after giving in to the relentless pressure halfway through the last session. In what was undoubtedly England's worst performance of the series so far. as they were now 0-4 down in the series. Because of his tenacious 40* at bat and his bowling stats of 5/39 and 2/46, Warne was chosen Man of the Match. However, in the opinion of the author it was the run-stand between Hayden and Symonds which was the real game changer. At a place where every other Batsmen struggled to bat, Hayden and Symonds displayed their class and aura. 

To watch the run-stand between Hayden and Symonds, Click Here.  

A TRIBUTE TO VIDARBHA

 

Image Credit- The Indian Express.

Vidarbha are the winners of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Edition. It is interesting to note that they were the finalists of the previous edition as well. However, last time they failed to clear the final front as Mumbai got better of them in a one-sided affair. Nevertheless, this did not dampen their enthusiasm, and they went on to win the Ranji Trophy the next year in spite of all odds. 

Since then, numerous odes to Vidarbha have been penned. This Indian Express opinion piece encapsulates everything. As a result, the editor has posted that news piece in this blog. Hope the readers will enjoy reading it just like the editor did. 

Australia vs India: The Semi-Final That Belonged to Steven Smith

Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.

This Blog was first posted Here. 

The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed an epic clash between two cricketing giants, Australia and India, in the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup. What unfolded was a masterclass in batting, sharp bowling, and a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. But amidst the whirlwind of runs and wickets, one name stood tall: Steven Smith.

Australia Sets the Stage with a Formidable 328

Batting first, Australia piled up a massive 328/7 in their 50 overs. It was a total built on the back of a stellar performance by Smith, supported by valuable contributions from Aaron Finch and late fireworks from Mitchell Johnson.

The Smith Show: A Century of Class

Steven Smith, batting at No. 3, walked in after the early dismissal of David Warner. From the outset, he exuded calm and control, stitching together a crucial 182-run partnership with Finch. Smith’s innings of 105 off 93 balls was a blend of elegance and aggression, as he meticulously found gaps and dispatched the loose deliveries. His footwork was sublime, reminiscent of a seasoned boxer maneuvering around the ring. Smith’s ability to manufacture shots, especially against the spinners, was breathtaking. He scored 77 of his 105 runs on the leg side, showcasing his proficiency in pulling and flicking with precision.

The century, his fifth against India that summer, came off just 89 balls. It wasn’t just the runs but the manner in which he scored them that broke India’s spirit. Smith’s innings provided Australia with the platform they needed, and even when he fell to a short ball from Umesh Yadav, the damage was done.

©ESPN Cricinfo

Supporting Acts and a Fiery Finish

While Smith’s century was the highlight, Aaron Finch’s gritty 81 was crucial in stabilizing the innings. Finch struggled for fluency but held one end, allowing Smith to play freely. Glenn Maxwell and Shane Watson couldn’t capitalize, but Johnson’s blistering 27 off 9 balls at the death pushed Australia to an imposing total.

India’s Chase: Hope and Heartbreak

A Promising Start, Then the Collapse

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma gave India a solid start, adding 76 runs for the first wicket. Dhawan, fluent and aggressive, looked set for a big score until he fell for 45, trying to force the pace against Josh Hazlewood. Then came the body blow. Virat Kohli, India’s chase master, perished for just 1, top-edging a short ball from Johnson. His dismissal silenced the crowd and shifted momentum firmly in Australia’s favor.

Dhoni’s Lone Battle

Ajinkya Rahane (44) and MS Dhoni (65) tried to resurrect the innings, but wickets kept tumbling at crucial junctures. Dhoni, as he has done so often, carried India’s hopes, launching a couple of trademark sixes to keep the chase alive. But when Glenn Maxwell’s direct hit ran him out, the dream was over.

The Summer of Steve

Steven Smith was rightfully named the Player of the Match, not just for his hundred but for his presence throughout the game. His sharp fielding, quick thinking in reviews, and the psychological edge he gave Australia were invaluable.

To watch that innings of Steve Smith, Click Here. 

THE JASON ROY SHOW

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- The Oval, London [June 29, 2016].

In the Summer of 2016, Sri Lankan Cricket Team toured England to play 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 1 T20 International. The Test Series ended in a 2-0 victory for the hosts, whereas in case of ODIs they were 1-0 ahead after the conclusion of the third game. Hence it was a must win game for the Lankans in the Oval. Interestingly in this do or die game, it was the English Captain Eoin Morgan who won the toss and elected to field first. The Hosts as we can see were simply sticking to their tactics of go for the chase of whatever you get.

As expected, the pitch was a batting paradise. Even though the Hosts did get an early breakthrough, but the remaining Lankan batters came all guns blazing. Riding upon the half-centuries of Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews, the Visitors posted an above par total of 305 in 42 overs. Unfortunately, the rain played a spoiler in between as we lost a good number of overs. As a result, the English now needed 308 runs in their 42 overs to win the game as well as the series. 

The run chase was very much on. Afterall the Hosts had a formidable batting line-up. But no one could have expected that the match could become a one-sided affair. The English chased down 308 comfortably with 6 wickets and 11 balls to spare. The match was easily won and so was the series. 

Jason Roy played an innings of his life as he scored blistering 162 of just 118 deliveries. His innings comprised of 13 boundaries and 3 massive sixes. He was literally in his very best as he smoked every Lankan bowler who came into attack. Apart from Roy, Root too scored a quickfire half-century as England chased down this total with ease. The Match was done and so was the series.

To watch the innings of Jason Roy, Click Here. 

THE RUN FEST

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- WACA Ground, Perth [November 13-17, 2015].

In the Australian Summer of 2015-16, New Zealand Cricket Team toured Australia to play 3 test matches. The Hosts won the first test comfortably at the Gabba and the action now shifted to the Western Coast of Australia. However, something very unusual happened this time. The WACA pitch prepared for this test was a batting paradise unlike what Perth usually offers.  Historically Perth is known for its bounce and pace. But this time it was a flat deck. As a result, Australian Captain Steve Smith decided to bat first after winning the crucial toss. 

And Boy! What happened next was something truly extraordinary. David Warner came all guns blazing as he smoked the Kiwi attack from the very first session of the match. Whoever came into bowl received same treatment. It was pure delight to watch Warner bat. Even though Usman Khawaja too played a wonderful knock, but his knock got overshadowed by the heroics of the Explosive Opener. The Mighty Bull went on to score 253 as the Australians declared at a mammoth total of 559/9. Apart from Warner, Khwaja scored a gritty 121 as Kiwis struggled to take wickets in the WACA heat. 

In response the Visitors batted sensibly and posted a huge 624 in their first innings. Ross Taylor scored a monumental 290, whereas Kane Williamson scored a solid 166. The Kiwis were thus successful in taking a crucial first innings lead. For Australia Mitchell Starc ended up taking 4 wickets. However, the moment which grabbed the headlines was when Starc bowled a ball with a pace of more than 160 kmph. The crowd literally went crazy when they saw the speedometer. 

Even though this test match ended in a draw, but it will always be remembered by cricket fans all around the globe. Afterall, this test produced multiple moments to cherish about. Firstly, the run fest which we witnessed. Second for that absolute peach which Starc bowled. And lastly because this test turned out to be the farewell test of the Great Mitchell Johnson.

 

To watch the knock of Warner, Click Here.

To watch the knock of Taylor, Click Here.

To watch the knock of Williamson, Click Here.

To watch that delivery of Starc, Click Here.