West Indies Triumphs in Australia: A Victory for the Ages

 Author- Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.

This Blog was first posted Here. 

Shamar Joseph of the West Indies (R) dismisses Josh Hazlewood of Australia, sealing a win for the West Indies (AFP)

In the world of cricket, few moments resonate more deeply than when an underdog rises to conquer the seemingly invincible. Such was the case in a thrilling encounter at the Gabba (Jan 25-Jan 28, 2024), where the West Indies secured a historic victory against Australia. This wasn’t just any win—it was a statement, a demonstration of the indomitable spirit of a team written off by critics before a ball was even bowled. Against all odds, they overcame the mighty Aussies on their home turf, a feat not achieved in nearly three decades. This is the story of that epic battle, where bravery, resilience, and sheer willpower culminated in one of the most memorable victories in the history of West Indies cricket.

The Setup: Underdogs with a Point to Prove

Heading into the match, the West Indies were facing a mountain. They had been thrashed in Adelaide by 10 wickets. Australia, on the other hand, were their usual dominant selves, especially in the familiar and often unforgiving conditions of Brisbane. But as captain Kraigg Brathwaite would later reveal, the team had been fired up by a disparaging comment from former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg, who labeled them "pathetic and hopeless." These words, rather than demoralizing the Caribbean side, ignited a fire within them. They entered the Gabba with a point to prove—to themselves, to their critics, and to the world.

First Innings: A Fight to Stay Alive

Electing to bat first, the West Indies' start was nothing short of a disaster. By the 26th over, they were reeling at 64/5, with both openers back in the pavilion and the Australian bowlers breathing fire. The game seemed to be following the script that everyone had predicted. But then came a partnership that would change the course of the match. Joshua Da Silva and Kavem Hodge, both relatively inexperienced at this level, batted with maturity beyond their years. Together, they pulled their team out of the mire, adding crucial runs to take the West Indies to a respectable total of 311.

It wasn’t a commanding score, but it was enough to give the West Indies something to fight with. Australia’s first innings was nothing short of a roller-coaster. Within five overs, they were reduced to 24/4, with Pat Cummins and his men struggling against a rejuvenated West Indies bowling attack. Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey offered some resistance, but Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach ensured that Australia never truly got on top.Surprisingly, the Aussies declared their innings at 289, giving a 22-run lead to the West Indies. Little did they know that this slim lead of 22 runs would become the reason for their historic loss.

Second Innings: The Pendulum Swings

The West Indies’ second innings began with cautious optimism. A slender lead wasn’t much to play with, but it was enough to build pressure on the Australians. However, once again, their top order crumbled, and they were staring down the barrel at 64/5. The match seemed to be slipping away, but a gritty 35 from Alick Athanaze and an invaluable 33 from Justin Greaves helped push the total to 193, setting Australia a target of 216, a number that seemed both achievable and daunting, given the circumstances. 

The Australians, chasing what they would have considered a modest target, were expected to cruise to victory. But cricket, as we know, is a game of uncertainties, and this day at the Gabba was to be no exception.

The Final Act: Shamar Joseph’s Heroics

If there was a hero in this match, it was undoubtedly Shamar Joseph. The young pacer, playing in just his second Test match, was the embodiment of determination and courage. The previous day, he had been struck on the toe, leaving him in severe pain. Many expected him to be out of the match, unable to bowl. But Joseph had other ideas. Fueled by his desire to make a mark and driven by the support of his teammates and coach, he took to the field, ready to give his all for his team.

And what a performance it was. With Australia at 113/3, cruising towards their target, Joseph produced a spell of bowling that will be remembered for ages. First, he dismissed Cameron Green and Travis Head in successive deliveries, breaking the back of the Australian middle order. Then, after the drinks break, he returned to take four more wickets, including that of Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins. His final figures of 7/68 were nothing short of remarkable, especially given the circumstances.

At the other end, Steven Smith, the stalwart of Australian cricket, stood firm. He watched as his partners fell one by one, trying desperately to shepherd the tailenders towards the target. But with just nine runs required, Joseph produced a moment of magic, clean bowling Josh Hazlewood to seal the victory. The West Indies had done it. They had achieved the unthinkable.

The Aftermath: A Win for the Ages

As the final wicket fell, the scenes at the Gabba were nothing short of euphoric. The West Indies players erupted in joy, knowing they had just pulled off one of the most significant victories in their cricketing history. For Australia, it was a humbling experience, a reminder that in cricket, nothing can be taken for granted.

Shamar Joseph was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series. His performance, given the context, was nothing short of heroic. But this victory was about more than just individual brilliance. It was about a team that refused to give up, a team that believed in themselves even when no one else did. It was about showing the world that West Indies cricket, often derided and dismissed in recent years, still had the fire, the passion, and the talent to compete at the highest level.

Kraigg Brathwaite, in his post-match interview, summed it up best. "This is just the beginning," he said. "We wanted to show the world what we’re made of." For the first time in nearly 30 years, the West Indies had beaten Australia in Australia, and they had done it in style. This victory will be remembered not just for the result, but for the way it was achieved—with heart, with grit, and with the kind of determination that defines champions.

In the end, the West Indies' victory at the Gabba wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard—it was a win for the spirit of cricket, a win for the underdog, and a win that will be cherished by fans across the Caribbean and beyond for many years to come.

Nissanka’s Century Shines in Sri Lanka’s Epic Victory at The Oval

                   Pathum Nissanka finished unbeaten on 127 as Sri Lanka romped to victory. © Getty

Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.

This Blog was first posted Here. 

The final Test of England's summer wasn’t supposed to end this way. Fresh off five consecutive Test wins, the hosts were confidently eyeing a flawless 6-0 summer sweep. But Sri Lanka had other plans. With an awe-inspiring eight-wicket win at The Oval, Sri Lanka not only defied the odds but also etched their name in the history books. The victory was their fourth Test triumph on English soil, and it came on the back of a blistering unbeaten century by Pathum Nissanka—one that will be remembered for years to come.

England’s Strong Start: Pope's Brilliant Century

England came into this game with sky-high expectations. Despite missing their talismanic captain Ben Stokes, they had demonstrated exceptional form, dominating their opponents throughout the summer. The absence of Stokes seemed to matter little as the new captain Olie Pope scored his seventh century. Pope's 154 anchored England's first innings score of 325, but even he couldn’t foresee what would unfold in the coming days.

Ben Duckett’s rapid 86 set the tone early on, with England moving at a brisk pace. The attacking style that has become the hallmark of the Bazball era was in full display, as Pope and Duckett powered England past the 200-run mark with relative ease. But despite these performances, there were warning signs. Dan Lawrence, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith all failed to capitalize on their starts, and England’s middle-order wobbled just enough to allow Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. By the time Milan Rathnayake and  Dhananjaya de Silva mopped up the lower order, England were all out for 325—a solid total, but not insurmountable.

Sri Lanka’s First Innings: A Fight to Stay Afloat

Sri Lanka’s response didn’t exactly inspire confidence at first. Their top order crumbled under the pace and movement of England’s seamers. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a quick-fire 64, but wickets kept tumbling. Karunaratne’s uncharacteristic run-out and Chandimal’s golden duck left Sri Lanka reeling at 93 for 5. It seemed like England was on course for another clinical win.

But Dhananjaya de Silva had other plans. The Sri Lankan captain, combining dogged defense with timely aggression, found an able partner in Kamindu Mendis, who ground his way to 64. The pair’s crucial stand rescued Sri Lanka from collapse, but once they fell, the tail didn’t wag for long. Sri Lanka managed 263—well behind England but enough to keep them in the contest, especially given the bowling-friendly conditions.

England Collapse Under Pressure

As the match progressed, the pressure seemed to shift. What had initially appeared as a straightforward match for England began to slip through their fingers. Their second innings was a disaster. Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando took full advantage of the swinging conditions, decimating the top order with precision.

Ben Duckett fell for just 7, and once again, England’s batters floundered. Joe Root, the rock of their lineup, was trapped lbw by Vishwa Fernando for just 12, and Harry Brook perished after contributing only 3 runs to the scoreboard. England’s middle order was blown away in a session of frantic shot-making that resembled panic more than planning. When Jamie Smith’s defiant 67 finally ended, England had been bundled out for just 156, leaving Sri Lanka with a target of 219—a daunting chase on English soil, but certainly within reach.

Pathum Nissanka: The Hero Sri Lanka Needed

From the moment Sri Lanka stepped out to chase 219, there was a sense of determination in the air. Pathum Nissanka, in particular, was in a zone of his own. Starting with controlled aggression, he blazed his way to a century that will be remembered as one of the finest in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history. Nissanka’s intent was clear from the outset—he wasn’t just going to anchor the innings; he was going to take the game away from England.

The fact that no Asian team had ever successfully chased a target over 200 runs in England added another layer of complexity to Sri Lanka’s task. But Nissanka was undeterred. His 127 off just 124 balls was a masterclass in adaptability, as he first attacked England’s weary seamers on Day 3 and then shifted gears to play a more cautious, calculated innings on Day 4.

Partnering with Dimuth Karunaratne, who added just 8 runs at the top of the order, the start of the Sri Lankan innings was indeed a nervous one. When Karunaratne was dismissed, there was still alot of work to be done, but Nissanka held firm, dispatching boundaries at will. By the time Kusal Mendis fell for 39, Sri Lanka were already cruising and required only 110 more runs to win. Angelo Mathews, the veteran, then joined Nissanka to calmly guide their team past the finish line.

England’s Disappointment: What Went Wrong?

For England, this defeat was a sobering reminder that even the best-laid plans can unravel under pressure. Their batting collapse in the second innings, especially from seasoned players like Root and Brook, was as surprising as it was disappointing. Ollie Pope, the stand-in captain, admitted post-match that Day 3 had been the turning point. England’s inability to capitalize on their strong start, combined with Sri Lanka’s relentless bowling, shifted the momentum.

Pope’s frustration was evident as he spoke about the collapse. "We shot ourselves in the foot," he admitted. England’s aggressive brand of cricket, which had served them so well throughout the summer, seemed reckless on this occasion. The middle order's shot selection was questionable, and their over-reliance on Root was glaring. Without significant contributions from other key batters, England looked out of ideas.

On the bowling front, England's pace attack had been reliable all summer, but it failed to make the kind of impact that was expected at The Oval. Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson toiled hard, but Sri Lanka’s batters, especially Nissanka, played them with supreme confidence. Perhaps the fatigue of a long summer caught up with the English bowlers, but credit must also go to Sri Lanka for the way they handled the pressure.

Sri Lanka’s Triumph: A Glimpse of the Future?

For Sri Lanka, this was more than just a win—it was a statement. After two difficult weeks, they found their rhythm in this game, and in doing so, they unearthed several future stars. Nissanka’s innings was the highlight, but Kamindu Mendis and Milan Rathnayake also played vital roles. Sri Lanka’s pace attack, led by Avishka Fernando Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando, out-bowled England on their home turf—a remarkable feat in itself.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva hailed the victory as one of the happiest moments of his career, emphasizing the resilience his team showed. "Taking 20 wickets in these conditions is not easy," he said. Sri Lanka had not only taken those wickets but had done so in style, outplaying England at their own game.

This win was also a significant confidence booster as Sri Lanka looks ahead to future challenges. With players like Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Rathnayake coming to the fore, Sri Lanka’s Test future looks bright. They have the talent, and if this performance is anything to go by, they also have the temperament to compete against the best in the world.

Final Thoughts: A Summer to Remember

While England’s summer didn’t end as they had hoped, the 5-1 record is still an evidence of their strength as a Test side. But the real story of this final Test belongs to Sri Lanka—a team that defied expectations and delivered one of the most memorable victories in their history.

As the curtains fall on this Test summer, Sri Lanka can return home with their heads held high. They’ve proven they can compete—and win—against the best, even in foreign conditions. And for Pathum Nissanka, this innings will forever be a part of his legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s finest young talents.

THE DK SHOW

 

Image Credit- The Times of India.

Venue- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo [March 18, 2018].

India was facing Bangladesh in the finals of the 2018 Nidahas Trophy. Both the teams in the previous encounters have played very competitive cricket. As, a result everyone was expecting another mouth-watering clash between the two neighbors. And Boy! What a game it turned out to be. 

The match went up to the last ball with Men in Blue needing to score 167 runs to win, and at one point were struggling at 133 for 5 in the 18th over. The Bangladeshis were going Hammer and Tong. Following Manish Pandey's wicket, Karthik came out to bat. At this stage India needed 34 runs from the final two overs. The match was on a knife-edge. One more wicket and the game would have turned towards the Men in Green. Vijay Shankar, who was sent before Karthik, was finding it difficult to hit big shots, which was why India ended up landing in a precarious situation. However, in the next 15 minutes Karthik destroyed the Bangladesh Attack, scoring 22 runs in the 19th over that Rubel Hossain delivered and then hitting a six off the last ball to send India to victory in the T20 tri-series final versus Bangladesh. It is difficult to explain Karthik's innings of 29 not out from 8 balls when India was looking at their first T20 cricket loss to Bangladesh, but the batsman from Tamil Nadu had some other plans. 

Bangladeshi Captain Mashrafe Mortaza trusted Soumya Sarkar with the ball, and he performed admirably, giving up just three runs in the first three deliveries of the final over. But the next three balls turned the tide of the match in India's favor; Shankar hit a boundary off the fourth ball and was dismissed in the next delivery. But most importantly for India, Karthik was on strike for the last ball after the batsmen were able to cross the sides. At that moment, Sarkar erred by bowling a full delivery outside off stump, which Karthik precisely timed to smash over the covers for a flat six, winning the match for India and setting off wild celebrations.

Every Indian and Sri Lankan was full of joy, whereas the Bangladeshis were in agony. It was match worth a final. It was a complete Box Office. It had everything.  The Heroics of DK will be remembered for ages. He indeed became a household name after this incredible performance. 

To watch the 19th over of the Indian Innings, Click Here.

To watch the 20th over of the Indian Innings, Click Here. 

References- 1. Rohan Sen, On this day: Dinesh Karthik heroics help India stun Bangladesh in Nidahas Trophy final, India Today.

2. Jamie Alter, Nidhas Trophy Final: Dinesh Karthik's Epic and other Last Ball Finishes in T20Is. 

THE LEGEND OF CAPTAIN COOK

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne [December 26-30, 2017].

In the Australian Summer of 2017-18, English Cricket Team toured Australia to defend their Ashes Title. Unfortunately they lost the first three tests on a trot and the Hosts regained Ashes in Perth. As a result, when both teams reached Melbourne, the clouds of Whitewash were looming before the Visitors. Captain Smith won the toss in MCG and elected to bat on what looked like a batting paradise. Riding upon David Warner's 103, the Hosts ended up scoring 327 in their first innings. Apart from Warner, Captain Smith and Shaun Marsh too scored gritty half-centuries. Whereas for the English, Stuart Broad and James Anderson picked up 4 and 3 wickets respectively.

327 was a challenging total and it was necessary for the English Top-Order to perform. It was not going to be easy, but this is when Alastair Cook joined the party. It is interesting to note that he was not having a great series till then. However, this is when he played one of the greatest knocks ever seen in the MCG. Cook scored a staggering 244* of 409 deliveries. His innings comprised of 27 boundaries- He literally scored in each and every part of the ground. Yes. His catch was dropped on a couple of occasions; both by Steve Smith. However, he made full use of it and went on to demolish the Hosts. Due to his heroics the English ended up scoring 491 in their first innings.   

The Aussies for the first time in this series were in a state of panic. As, a result they preferred to play for a draw than for a win. Captain Smith scored a solid 102* as the Hosts reached a total of 263/4. The Match was drawn. The Whitewash was avoided. However, this match will forever be remembered for the knock of Alastair Cook. Interestingly this was his fifth test hundred in Australia and with this he had a hundred in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. 

An achievement which he should always remember and be proud of.  

To watch the knock of Cook, Click Here.   

 

THE BEST OF MR ICC

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Sophia Gardens, Cardiff [June 6, 2013].

The ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Edition took place in England. Interestingly when the Indian Team reached English Shores, no one gave them any chance. Afterall it was a young squad who had very less idea of the English Conditions. Furthermore the previous English Tour was so horrendous that no cricket fan will ever forget. Hence, India were certainly not the favorites to win the cup.

On the morning of 6th June, South African Captain AB de Villiers won the toss and elected to field first. To everyone's surprise Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan came out to open the Indian Innings. Prior to this match, Rohit Sharma used to play as a middle order batsman, whereas Shikhar Dhawan was nowhere in the ODI setup. Interestingly it was his aggressive knock against Australia in Mohali which made his selection possible in the ODI Squad. 

However, the duo was under extreme pressure. Afterall they were about to bat in a position which was earlier held by players like Sehwag, Gambhir, Ganguly and the Great Sachin Tendulkar. So, it was not going to be an easy task for them. However, the way in which they responded to this challenge was quite amazing. 

The Duo shared an opening partnership of 127 runs in just 21.2 overs. They started off slowly but with the passage of time they gained pace. Every South African Bowler went for runs as Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan scored all over the ground. It was a quite a treat to watch. Afterall our opening pair shared a 100 runs stand after such a long time and that too in overseas conditions.      

Rohit Sharma scored a solid 65 of 81, whereas the Star Performer of the Game, Shikhar Dhawan scored a quickfire 114 of just 94 deliveries. His innings comprised of 12 boundaries and 1 six. He literally blew the Proteas Bowling Attack. Due to his heroics India posted a strong total of 331 in 50 overs. 

In response the Proteas were bowled out for 305 thereby handing India their first win on English Soil after 4 years. It was a moment of joy for every Indian Fan to see their team perform well in English Conditions. This win gave us such a tremendous boost that we went on to win the Champions Trophy 3 weeks later. However, the same would not have been possible without the efforts of Mr. ICC - Shikhar Dhawan. The Man who led from the front in these prestigious tournaments.

To watch the Highlights of that Match, Click Here. 

 

Evolution of India's Approach in Test Cricket: A Journey from Dominica 2011 to Kanpur 2024

 Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.

This Blog was first posted here. 

Test cricket has always been seen as a game of patience, skill, and endurance, but over the years, we've seen a shift in how teams approach the longest format. No team exemplifies this transformation better than India. The contrast between India's performance in Dominica 2011 and their aggressive push for victory in Kanpur 2024 is a testament to how the mindset of Indian Test cricket has evolved—one that values intent and the will to win, even in seemingly impossible situations.

Dominica 2011: A Conservative Call

In July 2011, during the third Test match of India’s tour of the West Indies at Roseau, Dominica, India found themselves needing 180 runs in 47 overs on the final day. With seven wickets in hand and a run rate that seemed manageable, they had the chance to push for victory. But after 32 overs, when 85 runs were required in 15 overs, both teams agreed to shake hands and settle for a draw.

That decision, while perhaps pragmatic, reflected a different era in Indian cricket—a time when the team was more willing to settle for a draw rather than risk defeat. The mindset was about securing series wins without venturing into uncharted waters, even if there was a sniff of victory in sight.

Kanpur 2024: A New Dawn of Aggression

Fast forward to September 2024 at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. The match was rain-affected, with 2.5 days of play washed out, making a draw the most likely outcome. But this was a different Indian team, one that has been molded by a shift in philosophy over the past decade.

India, in a rare show of relentless intent, forced the game to a conclusion, clinching an improbable 7-wicket victory. They took calculated risks, played with aggression, and refused to settle for anything less than a result. This is a team that believes in pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in Test cricket, and they have the skill set and belief to back it up.

India recorded a famous win in Kanpur to seal the series 2-0 © BCCI

The Catalyst: Adelaide 2014

In my opinion, this transformation began in Adelaide in 2014, where India’s fearless approach came to the fore. It was the first Test of the series against Australia, and India, chasing 364 in the fourth innings, came tantalizingly close to an incredible win. Instead of playing for a draw, India, under the leadership of a young Virat Kohli, opted to chase down the target. Though India eventually lost the match, the intent to win rather than survive set the tone for the team’s future in Test cricket.

This match was a watershed moment. It signaled the birth of an aggressive mindset, where India would no longer be content with playing out for a draw, but would instead push the limits in search of victory. Kohli’s captaincy, with its emphasis on fitness, aggression, and backing players to take risks, became the cornerstone of this transformation. From that point onwards, India began to view Test matches as contests to be won, not merely survived.

The Road to Kanpur 2024

Over the years, India has built a team that is not only mentally tough but also has the depth and skill to dominate in all conditions. Whether it was their historic series win in Australia in 2020-21, where they defied injuries and odds, or their stellar performances in England, India’s new brand of cricket has consistently pushed the envelope.

The triumph at Kanpur in 2024 is a culmination of years of changing mindset and preparation. Even in the face of adverse conditions, India’s willingness to force a result demonstrates a team that plays for the win. A team that believes in making opportunities, not waiting for them.

Conclusion

The shift from Dominica in 2011 to Kanpur in 2024 showcases how India’s approach to Test cricket has evolved. What was once a team that might have been content with a draw is now a team that seeks out victories, no matter the odds. This evolution has been powered by a new mentality—one that embraces risk, believes in its own ability, and is driven by a desire to dominate world cricket.

And as fans of Indian cricket, we can only marvel at how far this team has come, from settling for handshakes to shaking up the world of Test cricket with sheer willpower and aggression.

NEW INDIA

Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.

Image Credit- The Week.

The evolution of Indian Test cricket's approach is best reflected in the stark contrast between the Dominica 2011 and Kanpur 2024 matches. In Dominica, India needed 180 runs from 47 overs with 7 wickets in hand, but chose to settle for a draw after 32 overs, even with a manageable target of 85 runs in 15 overs. This cautious mindset, prevalent at the time, prioritized safety over risk.

Fast forward to 2024, at the Green Park Stadium, where 2.5 days of play was washed out, making a draw the likely outcome. Yet, India pushed aggressively for victory, securing a remarkable 7-wicket win. This bold approach, focusing on forcing results rather than settling for draws, demonstrates the significant change in the team’s mindset.

The transformation, I believe, began in Adelaide in 2014, when India was chasing a daunting fourth-innings target of 364 against Australia. Though they narrowly lost( all thanks to Lyon's Heroics ), the intent to win rather than settle for a draw marked the beginning of a new era. Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, India embraced aggression, fitness, and belief, building a team willing to take risks and play to win.