The gloom of WACA

It is done and dusted. Before Christmas. Yet again. England endured once again one of those WACA tests. They have been losing on this ground since Dinosaurs used to roam around the earth. They have only ever won one Test in the western Australian outpost back in 1978 and last avoided defeat there in 1986. This is abysmal even by England's poor standards.

In many ways, the WACA always brings out my worst memories. I will describe only two recent ones:
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                          Ashes 2013-14 WACA test (13-17 December 2013)

In Ashes 2013-14, when Cooky got a first ball jaffa by Ryan Harris (it was 16th December 2013), my heart sulked and I wanted to be dead.

WACA test in 2013 made me an atheist. The moment when England's second innings began, I had never felt as excited as that before in my life. Cooky was my favorite test cricketer back then. He was playing his 100th test match and captaining England who was 2-0 down and the only hope of retaining the Ashes was to save the game by batting out 5 sessions. Cooky had never got a golden duck in tests before. He was the highest scorer in England's first innings(He got 72). It was GAME ON.

Ryan Harris starts with the first ball. There was a huge crack in the good length area at the WACA. Cooky was on strike. Harris (known as Rhino among his team-mates) starts running. The whole of Australia and the whole world was watching. Harris picks up the pace in the background clapping noise of the WACA. He goes past the umpire, his biceps brushing his ears and he delivers the ball. Then this happened:

"Did it hit the seam? Did it hit a crack? Did it swing after pitching? Whatever it did, the opening delivery Harris conjured for Alastair Cook in the second innings of the WACA Test was truly a collector's item. this was an offering of symbolic value far beyond the fact of its taking a most important wicket in an extraordinary way. It summed up how hard Australia had worked to give themselves a chance in the series, and how wondrously all that work paid off, with a little serendipity thrown in. For the rest of his life, Harris is entitled to dine out on this ball, just as Cook is entitled to have nightmares about it."

Harris ran so hard after the wicket as if he was about to take off to the moon. None was catching him. The crowd and commentators were exuberant. All I could hear was them saying, "Oh! STRAIGHT-AWAY" after I had heard the clinking of stumps. Cooky didn't even look back and just looked at the large screen. He was on his way back. Walk of shame. Here he was. Captain of the side who had to lead from the front to give England a chance of saving the Ashes. And he was gone for a first-baller. Life can be indeed cruel.

For me, it didn't stop there. I could almost hear my heart-beat beating so fast. I thought that I will get a heart-attack. I just put my head in pillow. I put the television on "Mute" and just started chanting, "it's just a game. it's just a game. it's just a game." like a madman. A part within me just died that moment. I had never hated everything on earth so badly. All I could do was utter the swear words for Australians in a non-stop manner. I was abusing and cursing God himself. How could he do that? Why did he do that? Why would he do that to me? Was it part of some grand plan made by him? Was Cooky's getting out related to some greater good of the universe? Will Cooky get more peace in after-life because of that golden duck? Then I couldn't keep it together and I just said, "Screw God. God doesn't exist. God shouldn't exist. And even if he does and he let this happen, I am done with him." I never felt so dejected in my life than that moment. The expectation was enormous. Ah! Expectations. They are the source of all the pain.

Australia regained the urn at WACA on December 17, 2013, after enduring 3 successive Ashes losses.

The only silver lining from that WACA test was: Ben Stokes made a brilliant test hundred before England lost. So, at least WACA did manage to give us an English Hero in the form of "Ben Stokes" who arguably is the most valuable player in the world right now. I will take that.
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                  Ashes 2017-18 WACA test (14-18 December 2017)

There was so much build-up to this match. England was as usual 2-nil down in the series. The good part was that they were the previous Ashes winners, so that meant that they only had to avoid defeat here to maintain a chance of retaining the urn. England had played well at Gabba and in the day-night test at Adelaide but just were unable to win key moments. Australia was not as good as everyone thought they would be. They just managed to hang on for a longer period and they looked like a team on the downhill in second innings in Adelaide. I had a genuine belief in my heart that England was only one session away from breaking Australian resistance.

I didn't want to feel like I did in 2013 WACA test. So, I made a pact with myself. I won't follow the ball-by-ball commentary or live action for this test match. Just an occasional fling at twitter or cricinfo. I won't watch the WACA test as it had brought so much trauma in 2006, 2010 and 2013. This was a place comparable to hell itself for me. Life seemed to be at its lowest point. Aussies used to murder the opposition at WACA. No matter how much they were struggling previously, at WACA Aussies used to bend the laws of nature itself to crush anyone who came in their way.

Because of my pact, I missed out a dream-filled day from England on day 1. England was 305-4 with David Malan making a scintillating hundred. Every time I watched the score I imagined him playing the shots against Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, and Lyon. It appeased me. I really thought that this was the day England were going to turn it around. I envisioned a scoreline of England winning the Ashes 3-2. No team had won the Ashes from being 2-nil down in the last 90 years. So I thought that it was probably due anyway. Nature will conspire to make it happen. You know, nature just doesn't like anomaly like "never happened in 90 years". Bring on day 2!

It was day 2 when the hopes started to fade away. Though I was so happy for Jonny making his first Ashes ton, From a position of 368-4, England did what they always do. Explode. Hand over the advantage on a silver platter to Australia.

They got all out on 403 and hence lost a massive chance of batting Australia out of the match. Last 6 wickets adding a dreadful 35 runs. The score was undoubtedly competitive, but it was nowhere near safe. The pitch was dry, no sideways moment and England's quicks, though skillful, are medium pace at best. Australia ended the day 200 runs behind with seven wickets in hand. Smith on batting on 92.

All I could think that night was how England was going to get early morning breakthroughs and gain a handy lead of 50-60 runs which could be decisive on widening cracks of WACA. I was thinking how Steve Smith will be so alone in fighting it out with only Shaun Marsh as recognized batsman left. Next man in was Mitchell Marsh, who I have always thought as the worst test all-rounder to have ever played for Australia. I often used to joke with my brother about how Mitch Marsh was a waste of plane ticket and Australia could better use that ticket to send someone else, not necessarily a player who could at least bring something to the table.

Next day was December 16, 2017. The nemesis itself. Smith will bat out the whole day for Australia. The hope of regaining the Ashes will be sucked out after 16th December.

On this day, my worst fears came true. I promised myself that I won't watch the scoreboard for the whole day. I will keep myself busy with research work while silently wishing for England to do well. It was a tacit agreement between me and England. I won't watch the score and they will deliver me the good news at stumps.

I fulfilled my promise. England, not so much.

On this day, Australia plummeted England into the ground by hammering 346 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Steve Smith made his highest test score and Mitchell Marsh got his maiden test hundred (that too a daddy one). I felt as if Mitchell Marsh was laughing and cursing at me. I saw the highlights. He was so excited and celebrated so hard on getting his hundred. He totally shut me up. I was speechless. Though I was dejected at England losing their way, I felt strangely peaceful. There was a serene beauty in knowing that you tried your best, it just wasn't meant to be. It was the victory of mastery over fate. In some corner of my wretched heart, I felt happy for that bastard. I let it go. All my anger vanished. Breathe. just breathe. Let it go.

I have been an English cricket fan for as long as I have watched cricket. And because of that Australia remain the ultimate cricketing enemy to me. I have always wanted them to lose against England no matter what. But, I have always secretly admired the way they go on about their business. Always taking the game forward. "You can win from anywhere", Shane Warne used to say. The sheer ruthlessness and dominance of Oz have always inspired me. I wanted England to be like them. Brutally annihilating the opposition. Historically, England has always been soft. They have never been ruthless. They are just happy to scrap for a series win. Once they win a series, they let it slip away. They never go for the kill. They will get happy with a scoreline of 3-2 as long as they are on top. I have always hated that. I wanted England to be wild hunters. I wanted England to be those whack-job guys you meet, who after being punched in the face will spit blood and a few teeth and will tell you to fucken try harder. I wanted them to be bloody aggressive. Not mushy and weak. There was always a beauty in which Australians played cricket. The way they used to beat the shit out of everyone was spectacular. You will almost feel the happiness being sucked out of you. You will even secretly enjoy it. That was their aura.

Anyway, Long story short. Australia, after 16th December 2017 ended, were in such a position from where they couldn't lose the test match. It was either England's loss or with extreme weather interruption a stalemate of a draw.  Next day wasn't so bad. England managed to stop Steve Smith from getting a triple ton and Mitchell Marsh from a double. It was hard to even believe that they managed to take 5 Australian wickets within a few hours of play. The lead was sizeable already. But with rain and using the bat effectively, it could be saved.

Rain did its part. England players not so much. James Vince received the alleged ball of the 21st century. That missile from Mitchell Starc's hand pitched on middle stump line at 90 miles an hour, hit one of the WACA cracks and instead of going to pads of James Vince, changed direction as if it was being controlled by Starc telepathically. It deviated dramatically and disturbed the off-stump. It was the most spectacular ball I had ever seen. It was UNPLAYABLE. I couldn't imagine anyone avoiding at least a leg before to that ball. James Vince was befuddled. His face was someone like a boy who can't find his parents on a crowded airport. He had no idea what the hell just happened. Starc celebrated as hard as he could. England was fighting like a cornered cucumber.

Last day was a formality. Even with the rain, England couldn't save it. It was all over. Hazlewood spared them the pain. It was almost as if he was consoling them, "It's okay. Travel safe. It's not the end of the world". Aussies had regained the urn on December 18, 2017. The Christmas was still a week away and the Ashes was back where it belongs for now. England was not disappointed. They were just sad. They knew that they were beaten by a team who were genuinely better than them.

To me, the gloom and horror of WACA continued. The only silver lining for me in this entire episode was, "At least it was WACA farewell match." No more agony. Next matches in western Australia will happen in the newly built stadium. I can only hope that the ghost of WACA doesn't know the way there.

A Rohit's Masterclass

Another day. Another India-Sri Lanka ODI. "How do they manage to play all these games and I still manage to get so excited with all of it?", that's the question I was asking today morning before the game started.  India were on a very slippery slope. They were 1-0 down in a best of three match series. One tiny misstep and the series is gone. Just like that. India don't lose ODI series to Sri Lanka. At least not at home anyway. A lot was at stake.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand were flying. Not too much time had passed since India annihilated them 9-0 across formats in their own home and all they could feel at the end of the series was: "Thank God. That's over". This time around, Sri Lanka were playing better. They almost had India make the all time lowest ODI total at Dharamshala. They had avoided the white-wash in test series. They had one hand on the ODI series trophy already. From being 9-0 down, this was almost a surprise. Even for them. This is the stuff dreams usually are made of. Every Sri Lankan fan was happy. Coach was happy. Nick Pothas (Sri Lankan coach) even termed the Dharamshala win as: "We have found a winning formula." Players were high on confidence. Perera was enjoying the job of captain.

As as Indian cricket fan, Dharamshala was shameful. It was the worst batting from top order I had ever seen from any Indian team. If I had my way, I would have fired those XI guys or banned them for a year or so. I was boiling with anger. "How dare they? We don't reach 29-7. FFS, Use the brain to bat and all that". Everything coming out of my mouth was either a swear word or a disparaging remark about the performance of Indian team. It was dreadful to watch. They batted like a bunch of clown that day.

But as most of you must be aware of, the anger of a cricket fan is always ephemeral (At least most of the times). I was excited again to watch Men in blue take on the field today. The onus was on Rohit and co. to keep the series alive. Sri Lanka had finally managed to break their 12 game losing streak. No whitewash at least this time.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first as part of the plan. The winning formula as described by Nick Pothas. It was a good start to the game for them.

Sadly, the good part ended there.

Sri Lanka were caught in the jaws of the ultimate monster Rohit Sharma. Let me tell you whole tale from beginning.

It started with Dhawan-Rohit bromance. One of the best ODI partnerships in modern times. The masterstroke of putting Rohit-Dhawan together at 2013 champions trophy  has been ridiculously successful. All they do is pile up hundred after hundred partnerships at the top and help India win games of cricket. Both Dhawan and Rohit complement each other so well. Dhawan gives Rohit breathing space in the infancy of the innings. One of the reasons Rohit has really clicked as an opening batsman can be attributed to the fact that Dhawan gets going quickly. Since Rohit tends to take his time, Dhawan breaks the shackles at start and Rohit joins the party later. He doesn't need field restriction or any such bullshit. When he hits the ball, it stays hit. The ball goes into the crowd or in the car parking area or wherever he wants it to. Dhawan on the other hand is a sweet timer of the ball and he has often lost his wicket in pursuit of quick runs in beginning.

Start was crucial. Rohit started cautiously. His first fifty came off 65 balls. The blade was being sharpened. Dhawan had got out after a well-made 68 off 67.

Partnership with Iyer: The plan of the duo was to tuck it around. Nudge for single or double. Keep the game moving forward. Shreyas was in good nick as well. He was desperate to get the monkey of horror debut off his back. He failed miserably in his first ODI at Dharamshala and he was determined to more than make up for that here at Mohali. He played a fine innings of well made 88 off 70 balls. For someone only playing his second ODI, I'd take that everyday of the week.

Rohit finally got to his hundred. The celebration was a bit muted. Game was still on. Sri Lanka were still in the game by virtue of keeping the run rate in check. Sadly this will be the last time, they will actually feel like being in the game. For Rohit Sharma, hundred meant his second wedding anniversary had just got a little sweeter. The missus was there in the balcony. Both were sending kisses to each other. It was dream stuff for Rohit. Everything was going as part of his plan now.

Now it was time for monster to wake up. We all know how dangerous Rohit Sharma is when he completes the hundred after 30th over. Sri Lanka had till now managed to keep their head out of the water. Runs were coming, but the scoring rate was nowhere close to being in unchaseable zone. "No worries yet", thought Thisara Perera.

Thisara perera is an interesting captain. I felt extremely sad for Angelo Mathews who had to quit captaincy because of the twin failures: First Thisara Perera drops a sitter which eliminates Sri Lanka from CT'17 and then Zimbabwe beating Sri Lanka at home in an ODI series. Imagine Perera holding onto the catch, Sri Lanka reaches the semis of an ICC tournament and suddenly Angelo wouldn't have felt pressure to resign from the best job he ever had.

Perera had a dream debut as captain at Dharamshala. Everything he was touching was turning to Gold. Win the toss: Check. Bowl first: Check. (Manage to put India to 29-7: Dream comes true) Skittle India out cheaply: Check. Win the game with oodle of overs to spare: Check.
It all came together there.

Not so much at Mohali.

Rohit Sharma was the mastermind behind it.

From first 100 to second 100, he reached at a ridiculous rate. Everything he was hitting was going for a six. Their best bowler Lakmal was torn apart by Hitman. When Lakmal was hit for 4 sixes an over, it was almost a relief for him. Nuwan Pradeep fought and fought hard. He was eyeing for that wide line Yorker. Rohit decimated him. He ended up with figures of 10-0-106-0. The highest conceded by a Sri Lankan bowler in an ODI (beating Murlitharan 10-0-99-0 in Sydney). Rohit was hitting sixes in every part of the ground. He was shuffling across the stumps and hitting it over square-leg. When the line was straighter, he was scooping them over fine-leg for six. When the fine-leg was pushed back, he was lifting them over mid-off for six. He was not playing against Sri Lanka, he was playing with them. Not even playing, rather toying with them.

In many ways, the second double hundred was inevitable. Not to boast my omniscient cricketing brain, but I had a feeling of this when he reached 120. He was hitting it as clean as whistle. The pitch had eased out and Sri Lanka doesn't have express pace. The only thing in the way was the fact that the square boundaries are huge at Mohali. But the insanity of the innings was that each one of the sixes was aimed at spectators' heads. It was as if he had a personal grudge against someone in the crowd and he was trying to hit him constantly. It was a marvelous innings to watch.

Now Rohit is having the best day of his life, while Pradeep and Lakmal are having their respective worsts. Last game at Dharamshala, Rohit was having the worst game as captain and Lakmal was having his finest. Cricket, You little beauty.

Finally, he reached from 197 to 201 with two doubles. The missus was crying now, while the whole India was applauding the Hitman show. Hardly you will see any other sport with so many emotions attached there. I can't speak from first hand experience, but I can certainly understand what she must have been going through. It is like feeling helpless as all you can do is pray. You can't change the outcome of what is going to happen next ball, whether your spouse is going to play a rubbish shot and get out, whether he will hit for a six, whether he will get hurt from a delivery. All you can do is hold your hands together and watch things unravel. That must be hard. Being so helpless. It is almost playing the innings vicariously.

This was his third double ton in ODI. It is mental to even think that all other players (around 2,300 other ones) have managed just 4 double centuries, while he sits alone at the top with 3. If everything goes as per plan, in not very far distant future, he may get another double ton. All he has got to do is to ensure that he reaches his hundred around 30 over mark and beat the hell out of the ball from then onward.

Watching this innings was a moment of utmost joy for me. This was a must win game for India and once again they managed to come back from the brink. They had managed to come back from 1-0 behind to win the series against New Zealand as well. I have a feeling that they are going to pull it off in Vizag as well. Can't wait to see that.

Ashes 2017-18 preview: The battle is ON

Finally, the most awaited sporting event in test cricket is here. England and Australia going for the prized possession of Ashes. The greatest test series between two cricketing nations.

Last time England were in Australia: (2013-14) Relief. That was the state of mind of England players last time when they visited Australia and lose inside 3 days at SCG completing the whitewash. Second whitewash in three visits to the country.  But, the times have changed. This is no longer the Australia, which played in 2013-14. Apart from a few players, most of them haven't even played in an Ashes test. Australia won 5-0. I think 2013 ashes was a very good indication of what was to follow. England managed to hang on by winning 3-0 there, but later that year, Australia completely destroyed England in their home. Both Johnson and Harris were like hounds looking for a sniff to get English batsmen out. England couldn't catch a break. Losing inside Sydney inside 3 days was almost a relief for them. This series also ended some great England players to have ever played the game. Kevin Pietersen was sacked, Graeme Swann was forced to retire. Jonathan Trott flew back home after the first test. He only played 3 tests after that. The scars left on England's players were just too much. Johnson ended up with 37 wickets in 5 games.

Second last time England were in Australia: (2010-11) England won 3-1 (all 3 wins were by an innings) First time in history, Australia lost more than 1 test by an innings in one home season. This was the Ashes which redefined England completely. They broke Australia apart. On a ground, which is said to be the cauldron for visitors, England were 517/1. Cook averaged 127, while Trott averaged 89 in this Ashes. KP masterpiece of 227 gave them Adelaide test match. Rest was formality. Australia were thrashed on their home soil by England for first time in 28 years. The only sole victory came when Johnson ran through England at WACA. When next time England visited this country, he will murder them. 

Third last time England were in Australia: (2006-07) Australia won 5-0. England captain: Andrew Flintoff. Australian Captain: Ricky Ponting. Other than one game at Adelaide oval, which was a horror loss for England, rest of them were straightforward hammerings. This series brought upon the retirements of some great players like Justin Langer, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath etc. England were simply not good enough. Australia were buzzing with skilled players and England simply had no answer to them.

Last time Australia played England (It was in England): Ashes 2015: England won 3-2. Redemption to Cook after 599 days. He found himself again. This was a series of swinging pendulum. No team seemed to seize the momentum. In first test at Cardiff, Brad Haddin dropped Root and Root made them pay by a brilliant hundred. England went 1-0 up. Then, at Lords at flat deck, England were hammered by Smith. Third and fourth tests England won inside three days by a series of 6-fors by Finn, Stokes, Anderson and Broad's dream spell of 15-8. England did to Australia what Australia had done to England 18 months ago. This series brought an end to some illustrious career of Australian players. Brad Haddin, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers all took a call on their test careers.

Ashes 2013 (In England) England won 3-0. The series was actually closer than the scoreline suggested. Cracks were beginning to form in England team. They managed to hang onto the crucial moments. Australia were rubbish in Trent bridge when debutant Agar saving them from humiliation. At Lords, they were abysmal. Then, they played some good cricket before being annihilated by Stuart Broad's magic at Chester-le-street. At oval, bad light resulted in a draw when England needed 17 off 4 overs. All in all, England were way ahead of Australia.

Ashes 2009 (In England) England won 2-1. England managed to hang onto a draw by 10th wicket partnership between Panesar and Anderson. Then, defeated Australia at Lords after 75 years. Freddie became Jesus and then lastly at Oval, Broad blew them apart while England unearthed another talented batsman in Jonathan Trott who notched up a ton on debut.

Ashes 2005 (In England) England won 2-1. England captain: Michael Vaughan leading England to victory after 19 years of humiliation. Last time England won the Ashes was in 1986-87. Australian captain: Ricky Ponting. His first Ashes loss against England. He will go on to lose two more. England got a few superstars in the form of Kevin Pietersen. Andrew Flintoff finally broke the drought of Ashes for England.

Statistics: Last 6 Ashes. England won 4 (all 3 at home, 1 away from home) Overall: Australia and England have won 32 series each and five series have been drawn.

Now, here we are. Near Ashes 2017-18. Verbal battles never cease to stop before Ashes. Warner has called it a "war" and would like to create "hatred" for England players in his mind. Hayden has called England "a rabble". Nathan Lyon has stated that "Matt Prior was scared to face Australia and wanted to return home in 2013-14 series". Handscomb has said that "He would like to hear chirps from barmy army". Cummins has said that "they would like to inflict the same pain like they did in 2013-14". Warney has given the advantage to "England". McGrath as usual must be chanting "5-0" somewhere.

Everyone is busy making predictions. KP says that Australia will win, though closely. Bell, Vaughan, Swann and a lot others have other ideas that England are going to pull this off.

England team selection: Ben Stokes is a huge miss. Lower middle order of England is arguably the best in the world. Top order, though immensely fragile seems to be finding form in the warmups. Cook: The best opener in test cricket right now. Root is the best batter in England. Bairstow has come up of age. Ali is the trump card. Woakes is perfect number 8. Anderson and Broad are the current best opening ball pair. Mark Stoneman has passed score of 50 in each outing on this tour. Malan has got a hundred in warmup too. James Vince remains a work in progress. England are a strong force by all means and I would certainly expect them to fight till the end.

Australian team selection has been a bit bizarre. Tim Paine has been given the nod ahead of Matthew Wade. Last time he made a first class century was in 2006. To put that in perspective, Darren Lehmann, the australian coach last made a first class hundred in 2007. That speaks volumes of the confusion Australia are going through. Other than Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins, the bench strength of Australian bowling seems very ordinary. Lyon has brought pressure upon himself by constant blabbering. Handscomb, Bancroft, Marsh remain unproved in highly intensed Ashes matches. If Smith and Warner fail, they may fail to win a single test match. Player by player comparison, England stand out over Australia, though home advantage is something which plays heavy roles in such series.

My gut says England are going to win Ashes 2017-18. Prediction: England winning 3-1.

England's guide to winning this Ashes

England's Guide to Winning this Ashes

A Trip to the Green Park

So close, yet so far: This is what 4.693 million New Zealand people must be thinking right now. They let the opportunity of winning their maiden ODI series against India in India slip away. Just like that. They had exceeded everyone's expectations on this tour. Of selectors, of coaches, of the rest of the world who wrote them off. They just couldn't overcome the demons in their own head. 35 to get in 24 with 6 wickets in hand, you'd think that it was kiwi's game to lose. They did lose it.

Before the start of this ODI tour, India were flying. They had just beaten Australia quite comprehensively 4-1, the only loss coming when they chose to rest two of their best bowlers. It was almost as if they took a pity on Aussies' plight and let them avoid the bluewash. Before that, they had annihilated Sri Lanka in their own home 9-0 across all formats. Before that, runners-up in a quite impressive champions' trophy compaign. And before that, some other series win and so on for the last 2 years. They had been drubbing opponents for fun on their way to number 1 ranking in tests and ODIs.

New Zealand, on the other hand haven't been quite the same after the exit of flomboyant and the one and only Brendon 'Baz' McCullum. They had a forgettable Champions' trophy when they failed to win a single match. Two losses against England and Bangladesh and the game against Australia washed out, brought their exit in the first round. They had been struggling for quite a while in pursuit of making their way among the top teams. This series was supposed to be a no match for them. India were supposed to take them out and use these games as a practice for coming tough South African tour.

Except they didn't. New Zealand started the tour by stunning 1.3 billion Indians. They pulled off an enormous and incredible run chase in the toughest of conditions at Wankhede. The pattern was set: Use the new ball judiciously, take the top order out, choke them in the middle overs and use sweeps to negate the spin. It worked almost too well at Mumbai. Then, in the next game, for reasons none will ever know, they chose to set a target and hence fell away. This was India's turn to use the same trap against them. After both teams came out of Maharashtra to Uttar Pradesh (my current habitat): none had any idea which team was going to blink first.

I was well-set to enjoy the game without the medium of television coming in the way. I was going to Green park with two amazing computer scientists Dr. Raghunath Tewari and Dr. Subhajit Roy. Everything was well set. We reached the venue just before the national anthem proceedings. It was ON.

New Zealand won the toss at Kanpur. They went back to the same well-tested formula from the first game. Bowl first, bowl well and chase anything they put in front of you.

They did the first thing right. Last two things: not so much.

But, in their defense, wicket at Green Park was a paradise for the batsman and it was one of those pitches which will make you rue for the day you threw the bat away to become a bowler. Add pleasant weather and fast outfield to it and you have a whole recipe of disaster for bowlers. To top it all off, two of the most dangerous ODI batsmen in the world were on song. For kiwis, It was like a steel cage fight and the referee locked the door and threw the key away. There was no hiding place. Rohit and Kohli didn't play against the bowlers. They played with them. They hit boundaries at will and India were running away with the game.

Historically, New Zealand have always been the team with a lot of players who do the things in bits and pieces. They always seem to find a way to do well with limited resources they have. They never run out of bowling options, somehow manage to get you out. Their fielding have been outstanding since world war II.

This current New Zealand manages to tick most of these boxes. On bowling options though, they have a bit of a problem. They are forced to use deGrandhomme for his full quota of 10 overs. Now, he is a decent bowler by most modern standards. But, against India in India: well. Not so much. India have always been a bloody cauldron even for the best of fast bowlers. Unless New Zealand finds a good 5th bowling option, it will continue to hurt them like this.

Even after everything going against them in first half, New Zealand didn't bowl too bad. Though, no team after putting the opposition to bat would want 337 on board, I personally felt that it was decent bowling performance. Most teams do worse when two tons are scored against them. After first half, Williamson didn't seem much perturbed. His message to the teammates was clear: "Guys, this is a batting beauty. Let't hit back."

For Colin Munro, the message from Williamson was an epiphany of life. He started hitting the ball as if he had some personal grudge against it. He was in no mood to spare anything bowled at his pads. He was making runs so quickly that most in the ground were thinking that he is getting late to attend a late-night party. Before anyone even blinked, he was off to a dominating half-century and set to make a big one.

At the half-way of their innings, they were very much in control. They had the advantage of dew. They had managed to take out the threat of India's best bowler. India were forced to overuse Kedar Jadhav because of that. Kiwis had managed to keep wickets in hand. Their most experienced batsman was at the crease and the hero of the first match still to come. They were by all means the favorites to break the hearts of 30,000 people in the ground (One of those 30,000 souls was yours truly too).

Then, Yazuvendra Chahal happened to them.

They had managed to keep the spinners quiet till now. Then, came Williamson's slog sweep and finding the top of the bat landing in monstrously large gloves of Dhoni. India got an opening against the run of the play. That brought the couple of the year for New Zealand on the crease. Ross Taylor and Tom Latham are two of their better batsmen. Pleasant to watch, quick to rotate strike and making batting look easy.

But, when they bat together, they are ruthless. India tasted it in Wankhede. Surely, not again.

The required rate at this stage was nowhere near unmanageable. They needed around 8 an over for the last 18 overs. At every drinks' break, they were talking each other. We're gonna pull this off.

Then, Jasprit Bumrah happened to Ross Taylor. Or better, Ross Taylor managed to happen to Bumrah. He was batting so beautifully that he almost forgot that he could ever get 'out'. One slower one, taking extra bounce hitting the top of bat, giving India a very crucial breakthrough.

That brought Henry Nichollas to the middle. Now, Nichollas is supposed to be an average batsman. His strike rate before this game was a meagre 73. He batted in this game as if Jeus was controlling him from heaven. He looked to conquer India with bat in his hands. Henry Nichollas was destroying India's bowling with ridiculous ease. Almost none including 'me' saw that coming. Latham on the other hand was batting as if he were from a different planet. They both sucked the hope out of everyone. They created an atmosphere in which a dot ball was as rare as finding pearls on the beaches of Mexico.

It all came down to this: 35 off 24 balls with 2 overs to be bowled by someone who is having the worst night of his life.

Bhuvi is an interesting bowler. Described by Steven Smith as the best in the business along with Bumrah just before this tour. He is the go-to man for David Warner in IPL. He picks the wicket coming on to bowl at the toughest of occasions. He controls his swing telepathically. He is India's best all-round bowler in last half a decade. He was not having a good time at Green Park.

Bhuvi knows it better than anyone: In cricket as in life, forget the past and embrace the present. When he bowled that 47th over, he was a different human being than he was in last 3 hours. He managed to sneak a missile onto the leg stump of Nichollas and gave away 5 runs. The LEDs were glowing and whole India was celebrating Diwali again. I was on my feet and so were the other 30,000. On other days, it was just another Bhuvi's over. Today, it was a test of his will, fight and character and he managed to overcome it.

The only thing between India and 2-1 was one man. Short in height, but tall in stature: Tom Latham. As long as he was there, India had a problem.

Then, it was again the same hero, who has done it so many times in last 2 years and IPL. The superstar: Jasprit Bumrah. Latham dared to sneak a run. deGrandhomme stranded him in the middle. Bumrah smashed the stumps with his accurate as hawk throw and New Zealand knew in that second that they were beaten by Bumrah's brilliance.

In the end, India won by 6 runs. The maximum number of runs you can achieve in one ball theoretically. Yes. The margin between the teams was only that much. India, undoubtedly were the better side on the day. But, spare a thought for New Zealand. Everyone said 3-0 to them before the series. Add one six to their scorecard and they had their maiden ODI series win in India. They lost, but hardly they have ever got so many positives out of a lost series. They have a skeleton for their ODI team for 2019 world cup.

New Zealand managed to almost beat the current best ODI team in their own backyard. Almost.

For me, it was a match to remember. It was my first ODI game at Green Park and I was delighted with the outcome. I have a lot of happy memories from this game which I will remember for a long time. Now, onto T20I series. Can't wait.

Australia Tour of India 2017

Australia and India both have been proud nations in terms of cricket. Australia, on one hand have dominated the whole cricketing world for a very long time and unarguably the greatest cricketing nation of all time. India, however have progressed spectacularly well in last 20 years and they have as good a team as they ever had. In the beginning of this year in 2017, Australia toured India for 3 tests. Later on, in September-October they came back to complete the limited over leg of the tour. The 4-match test series between them was a huge success. From DRS brain-fade of Steve Smith to O'keefe destroying India in the first match, From Pujara marathon knocks to Rahane's dynamic captaincy, it was a blockbuster series. I have already written over that here.

Coming to this limited over leg of the tour, Australia came to India with possibly the worst momentum they could have. They didn't win a single match in ICC Champions Trophy 2017. That makes them the only top nation who have failed to win a single match in Champions Trophy since 2009 (when they had won the tournament). They were rusty in the test series against Bangladesh where they somehow managed to hold onto a drawn series after losing the first test. Though Bangladesh are a very formidable opponents at home, still this was the first test loss of Australia against Bangladesh and I still think Australia should have done better than a draw.

India, on the other hand were flying. Before this series, they were number 1 in tests and number 2 in ODIs with the trailing points for first spot in ODIs shrinking. When, this series was done, they were number 1 in both formats quite comprehensively. They were close to flawless in Champions Trophy 2017 when only possibly the best all-round performance by Pakistan halted their march in the finals. Just before this series, India annihilated Sri Lanka in all formats 9-0 in their own backyard. They were ready.

ODI Series (5 matches)

First ODI, September 17, 2017 - Chennai
Australia started the series splendidly. They had India down at 11 for 3 and 87 for 5 when they let it slip away. MSD showing his vast experience and Hardik using his newly found wings destroyed Australian attack to push India to 283, which was very close to Everest on slow Chennai pitch. Zampa and his leg-spin were hammered all around the park by Pandya. Australia were asked to chase 164 in 21 overs after the rain break, but India were just too good. A fine spell by Bhuvi and Bumrah in beginning followed by magic of wrist spinners sealed the deal in India's favor.

Second ODI, September 21, 2017 - Kolkata
Probably, the best chance Australia had to come back into the series. They had India all out at 250 and should have chased it down quite comfortably. Instead, they chose to mess it up. Yet another collapse at Eden Gardens brought them very close to losing the series. Wrist spinners once again proving out to be Aussies' kryptonite.

Third ODI,  September 24, 2017 - Indore
For Australia one of the major concerns in the opening two games was the form of Hilton Cartwright. He was brought into the team as a backup opener, but Bhuvi and Bumrah were just playing with him. He struggled to put bat on ball in both games and it was almost a relief when he got out. Both his ODI innings were deeply painful and agonizing to watch. Australia were missing big man Aaron Finch badly. But, no more. He was back. And back with a bang. Finchy made a ton and Australia were set for 350+ when Finchy and Smithy were batting till 37th over. Another masterpiece by Bhuvi and Bumrah restricted them to sub-300 total and now it was India's game to lose. India's job was made reasonbly easier when Smith chose to give very short spell to Cummins and Coulter-nile. Both Rahane and Rohit Sharma milked the Australian bowlers and after they put on a 100+ partnership, it was a cake-walk from there. A few quick wickets in the middle brought some excitement, but the door was closed by Hardik Pandya coming in at number 4 and guiding India to a series victory. 3-0 up. India went to Number 1 ODI team as per ICC rankings.

Fourth ODI,  September 28, 2017 - Bengaluru
Finally, Everything came together for Australia for the first time in the series. Won the toss, batted first, batted big. Warner getting a fine ton in his 100th ODI, while Finchy missing out on consecutive ones. India took it for granted and chose to rest their best two bowlers and paid the price. 334 in 50 overs proved to be a little too much for India in spite of excellent batting. To me, Rohit Sharma run out by flying Steve Smith was the turning-point of the match. Pandya and Jadhav gave Australia a bit of scare in the end, but one of the most spectacular displays of death bowling by Richardson put the game in Australia's bag and hence they avoided the embarrassment of blue-wash.

Fifth ODI, October 1, 2017 - Nagpur
This was a game, which was almost meant to be. India showing their pure class and beating Australia in a one-sided contest. Bhuvi and Bumrah were brought back as number 1 ranking came at stake. Australia were restricted to 242 and it was made to look like an absolute joke when Rohit Sharma single-handedly took care of the chase. Australia were beaten 4-1 and India were established as a new number 1 ODI side in the world.

T20I Series (3 Matches)

Then, came T20 series. A series of 3 matches to finish off the tour. As is often the case, T20s bring the teams closer together and it is often a very good way to finish a bleak tour on a high. To Australia's disappointment, Steve Smith got injured before the series and had to fly home. David Warner was appointed as stand-in captain for the series. Australia got some fresh faces for the series like Henriques, Christian, Behrendorff etc. They were raring to go.

First T20I, October 7, 2017 - Ranchi
I have always hated the idea of toss being the crucial factor in a game. Both the T20s in the series were remarkably similar and very much decided by the toss itself. India did to Australia what Australia later did to India in the series. In Ranchi, India chose to bowl first and Kuldeep Yadav making a mess of Australian middle order. They were 118-8 when rain came. Later on, India were asked to chase 48 in 6 overs which was ridiculous. It was easily taken care of and India were 1-0 up putting Australia in tremendous pressure.

Second T20I, October 10, 2017 - Guwahati
This was the first international game ever at newly built stadium of Guwahati. This match transpired very similar to first game, with only difference being the roles of India and Australia reversed. Jason Behrendorff produced a sensational spell of swing bowling to destroy the India top-order. A score of 118 was made to look even smaller when the dew set in. Moises Henriques showing his vast experience of IPL and finishing on a beautiful unbeaten half-century. Series: 1-1 with all to play for.

Third T20I, October 13, 2017 - Hyderabad
It is indeed annoying when the match gets called off without rain even coming. Leading up to the match, Hyderabad was soaked in rain for almost 2 weeks and hence the outfield was deemed not-fit-for-play. Australia and India sharing the series 1-1 and deservedly so. Both teams were equally flawed in T20 leg of the tour and it was overall a nice result.

Australia, no doubt will be hurting after the tour. They have an Ashes to prepare for. They managed to win only 1 test, 1 ODI and 1 T20 on India's tour, which clearly proved India's dominance in their home conditions. Australia have got a young team and they are still a long way off from being the team we grew up watching. Ashes, being played in their home will be a good chance to shed some poor memories of 2017 and slowly march their ascent to the top of the world. 

The magnificence of Jimmy

Let's wind the clock back for a decade and half. The year is 2003. England are playing a test match against Zimbabwe at the Home of cricket, Lords'. A 20-year old Lancashire kid making his debut has been handed the ball. When he bowls his 18th delivery in test cricket, a Zimbabwe batsman heard the rattle of stumps behind him. The stumps will continue to rattle by the same kid for next 14 years. The last one to hear it yesterday was Kraigg Braithwaite. Put into the history books by the shy kid from Manchester. Surely, none would have thought that the kid will become the greatest bowler England ever produced. Overshadowing the likes of Bob Willis, Trueman, Sir Botham and so on. It is amazing how the kid first became a man and then the master. The master, who reached the magical figures of 500 test wickets? The feat only 2 fast bowlers and total of 5 men in cricket history have achieved. Oh yes Jimmy!

Despite having a dream debut of picking up a 5-for at the biggest venue of cricket, Jimmy didn't have the greatest of times in the beginning. He struggled for consistency and batsmen weren't much bothered. He missed the bus on 2005 Ashes and he was overlooked over Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, Darren Gough, Simon Jones etc. He got the Ashes taste finally in 2006-07 which was a horrible experience for him. He took 5 wickets each of which cost him 82.60 runs. England were destroyed by 5-0. It was an awful beginning. He toiled harder and harder. He was dropped multiple times, but he came back strongly and today he is arguably the most skillful fast bowler of all times.

The journey from being dismissed as 12th man to being the best fast bowler wasn't easy. He had to learn so many new tricks. In the early phases of his career, he was mostly an outswing bowler with occasionally keeping it straight to get the nicks. It used to work for him at Old Trafford for Lancashire. But, needless to say International cricket is bloody cauldron itself. If you don't keep evolving, teams will figure you out. He later learnt the art of in-swingers and since then, he has never looked back. It is as if he is having fun out there in the middle. He reads batsmen and stays one step of them. He is now more dangerous and indecipherable than ever. His team-mate and friend Stuart Broad recently stated that He has never seen Jimmy bowled better in his career. Like a vintage wine, he is getting finer and stronger with age. For instance, he averages 20 with the ball in his last 28 tests, which suggest that his best days for England might well be ahead of him. 

It is easy to be dismissive of such achievements by shrugging off the shoulders and saying, "But Murli picked up 800 wickets!". Well. Being a fast bowler myself (at times, mostly I am dibbly-dobbly), I can tell you how much your body inflicts pain upon itself. You have to hurt your body deliberately to generate the pace in extreme conditions. You have to sweat through the day and can't afford to let your guard down. Building constant pressure by dots after dots. Playing the game within the game. Setting up the batsmen by bowling so many outswingers only to bring one in to hit the pad or wickets. Bowling is pretty tough work.

In cricket, laws clearly favor the batsman. Bats are getting bigger and better. Boundaries are shrinking. Pitches are covered, rolled and tailor made for batting. This game is often thought of as cricket vs bowlers. Even among bowlers, Fast bowlers have the most insurmountable job to do in test cricket. They are expected to give the team breakthrough with the new ball to set the game up. They are expected to clean up the tail. They are expected to gain reverse swing and tilt the game after 80th over. Sometimes, they are even expected to save the team with bat too. Too much work. Really.

Anderson does each of these jobs beautifully. He has picked up wickets in all parts of the world. Even in Asia, his record is magnificent. After India lost to England in 2012-13, In words of MS Dhoni, "Anderson was the difference between the sides." That is how good Jimmy really is. He has picked up the dream wicket of Great Tendulkar a record 9 times. Anderson has a knack of picking wickets of top-order. According to statistics, Of Anderson's 501 Test wkts, 299 have been top-5 bats (around 60%). Some comparisons: Glenn McGrath 57.7% Wasim 48.5%, Stuart Broad 52.1%,  Malcolm Marshall 53.2% Dale Steyn: 53.2%. It clearly shows that he has worked harder and his wickets have put England in much better position of winning games.

Undoubtedly, Anderson is a modern great of the game. He has picked up most of his wickets after 2011 which shows that batsmen, coaches etc. had so much access to his video-tapes, data, analysts etc. He remained an enigma to the batters no matter what they threw at him. In last decade, a lot of laws have been manufactured to help the batsmen. Well. Jimmy doesn't care. He goes and works out the batsmen for a living. He wins England games of cricket. He is a true role-model for any young fast bowler. He doesn't pick up social media fights. He is humble, shy, dutiful, hardworking and a true sportsman of the game. Very recently, during England-South Africa test series, James Anderson became the first bowler to have ever picked up a test wicket from an end named after him itself. Jimmy bowling from James Anderson end at his home-ground. It doesn't get better than that. It was his 481st test wicket. Now he has raced to 501. There are still so many left in the tank. So many batsmen waiting to be shown the door of pavilion by Jimmy's magic. One can easily wonder if he will end up as highest fast bowling wicket-taker in test cricket history. Next Stop: Walsh 519. Then, comes McGrath 563. Not too far, I'd say.

Despite all the stardom and being the spearhead of England pace attack for almost a decade, Anderson has always stayed true to himself and hates the limelight. He is always content with being the man England relies upon in times of need and personal achievements are only a cherry on cake, not the driving force. In his words, "I just love playing cricket. It's my biggest passion and always has been since I was a kid. To be able to do it for my country - to be able to play in Test matches at Lord's - is something I could never dream of doing. The milestones are nice, but they're not what drive me. I want to help England win games of cricket. That's why I turn up every day trying to improve myself. I'm loving playing cricket. I'm really enjoying playing in this team and hopefully that can continue for a while yet."
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Anderson, from right-arm over the wicket. The ball pitched outside the off-stump on the slope of Lord's. Kraigg Braithwaite leans forward to drive it. The ball took a shape and found a way between his bat and pad as if it was being controlled by an invisible monster. It disturbed the furniture behind Braithwaite. James Anderson opens his wings and takes a celebratory flight. Fly, Jimmy, Fly.

How to save Test Cricket?

Test cricket is dying. Slowly, but surely. Viewers are diminishing, interest of people waning, superstars of the game opting out of the game. A calamity is looming test cricket. If unchecked, it might well be the end of test cricket as we know it.

Test cricket has been there since March 15, 1877 and even after 140 years of evolution, it continues to mystify me with its fragrance and charm. It survived two world wars. It went through all sorts of transformations. It continued to be played even before air-journey was possible. Players used to tour other countries doing weeks of journey for this beguiling love. One thing which remained constant throughout is: Test cricket remained the most magical of all sports. In this ephemeral and crazy world, test cricket is something which makes sense.

Test cricket is the ultimate form of sports. In test cricket, the victory has to be absolute. You have to get 20 wickets of opposition to win a test match. It doesn't happen by fluke. You can't skirt a player or two to win a test match. If someone's got your batting/bowling attack, it will bite you and the only way out is through.

Test cricket is struggling to keep its viewers engaged. As technology progressed, so did the life-styles. People are busier these days and to find time for such a long sports is something which doesn't come easily. Following steps I can think of to save test cricket in this dire situation:

• Day/Night tests: This is certainly an intriguing experiment done by ICC in 2015. Australia vs New Zealand Adelaide 2015 was the first test match played as a day/night test. The experiment was a huge success. Play starting at mid-afternoon. Two hours play before taking 20 minutes tea-break. Play resuming and then another break after 2 hours as dinner break. It all looked very exciting. This way more viewers can attend the game without affecting their work-life. It added a new dimension to test cricket and could prove to be a lifeline which ultimately saved test cricket.
  The biggest issue which remains is the pink ball. Players have complained about the softness of old pink ball and about the fact that it starts moving around laterally too much as night progresses. The toughest time to bat is an hour before the dinner break when the evening and flood-lights take over. It also raises the issue over the traditions of test cricket. Should the statistics of D/N tests be merged with Day tests knowing that they have been under very different circumstances? What about ensuring that the pink ball behaves in the same manner as red? Can both type of test cricket co-exist or should day tests be scrapped in favor of its young infant? So many questions need to be answered before day/night tests take over.
  
• Four day tests: The concept of test matches lasting four days is an exhilarating one. As seen in last decade or so, most of the test matches have hardly gone beyond 4 days and the number of draws is almost negligible. So, instead of stretching the game for 5 days and 3 sessions every day, the idea is to play 2 sessions of 50 overs each for 4 days. Each session should take around 3.5 hours to complete with 45 minutes break for lunch. It will fasten the pace of the game and we will be losing only a total of 50 overs from the 5-day quota. Good teams will still win and because of shortening the duration, the intensity of the game will inflate for sure. Though it has yet not been tried on international level, talks are being floated around for its initiation. I would definitely like to see this as an experiment. It could be combined with day/night tests as well to provide extra spice.
  Issues with this will likely be: tiredness of players. Playing two 50 over sessions for 4 days in a row will be a demanding one. It will take its toil over the mental and physical health. Since the number of overs proposed in a day are 100, flood-lights need to be used in the last hour or so.
• Two-tier test cricket: A lot of talks are going on around the future of test cricket as being a two tiered one. Teams like Sri Lanka and West Indies have slipped to the nadir in their cricket history. They are getting swallowed by the strong teams in 5-day format(home and away both). So, the proposal is to make the test arena two-tiered. Now that Afghanistan and Ireland have been added as test nations, there are total of 12 full members. So, the division could be six teams (based on the ICC test rankings) each playing home and away series with each other in their group over the duration of 4 years and then finally leading to a test championship. Have a look at the years in which test countries got their status: England - 1877, Australia - 1877, South Africa - 1889, West Indies - 1928, New Zealand - 1930, India - 1932, Pakistan - 1952, Sri Lanka - 1982, Zimbabwe - 1992, Bangladesh - 2000, Ireland - 2017, Afghanistan - 2017. As you can see, most of the countries got the test status so so long back.
  It is certainly unfair that some country getting the test status even before the introduction of modern game continues to rip the benefit forever. Cricket is a challenging game and you need to be on the top of the game everyday to ensure your existence. If someone can't cope up with the challenge, it is only upright that they be slided down to division two where they can reinvent themselves and come back stronger. Letting them brutally crushed by the strong teams won't their morale or test cricket any good. Test cricket is one format, where you need to be at the top of your game for a long duration to make your presence felt. 5 days is enormous time to compete against someone you are not upto. By having two-tiered test cricket, number of one-sided games will reduce, viewers will more engaged, no match will be a meaningless one and it will be for the greater good of the game.
   
• Increasing the match fee to 75k $ for each player: Match-fee is like elephant in the room when it comes down to any kind of sports. I think one of the most important factors in decline of test cricket is funding level to the players. Financially adept countries like India, England, Australia can afford to pay huge chunks of money to their players to keep them available for their crucial games, while poor countries like West Indies, Sri Lanka, Pakistan etc. are forced to see the back of their superstars to the T20 leagues and things like Kolpak etc. It is a gloomy situation. ICC can step in and take proper steps for the equitable distribution of money among the board and players across the countries. A standard match fee of 75k$ should be reserved to each player in playing XI irrespective of the country and series.

• Forcing the star players to play: In recent few years, some of the players have started to choose which series to play in. It is disastrous for the health of cricket. It creates uneasiness about unfair treatment in dressing room. Some players get insecure about their positions knowing that they might be dropped once big guns come back. For example: AB DeVilliers opted not to play the longer formats citing reasons over injury and workload. He participated in IPL, CPL last year which aggravated his injury. Though perfectly understandable is the fact that he is father of two children and this is certainly the time for him to earn enough money to have financial security for future, it has caused detrimental effect on test cricket. Undoubtedly, AB is a gifted cricketer and a crowd-puller. Any team with him in it is a force to reckon with. It is disappointing from the game and fan's perspective that he chose to take such a measure. Other examples of star players who have taken a sabbatical from test cricket are Chris Gayle, MS Dhoni etc. It is responsibility of board and the players to reach a mutually agreeable condition under which these players continue to represent their countries in the longest format.

• Encouraging the viewers: Test cricket can't thrive without engaging its viewers. In England and Australia, there is still an enormous craze for test cricket. But, other countries like India, West Indies, Sri Lanka etc. have lost the touch with the viewers. A lot of interesting steps can be taken to continue their participation. For example: Giving free entry to kids in the stadium, autographs of their heroes, lowering the ticket-fee, increasing women participation in the game etc. Fans are the most vital cog in the prospering of test cricket. Test cricket can't blossom without keeping an eye for them.

• Role of ICC: In recent years, ICC has taken a lot of steps in ensuring the uniformity and widespread of the game. Two new test nations have been added, DRS protocol is being used all over the world with the same conditions, rules are being modified to make it a fairer game and so on. ICC must pitch in "Cricke for Olympic" for shorter formats of the game. Test cricket shouldn't be messed up with. It should remain the pinnacle of the sports. MCC and ICC must collaborate to find the right equilibrium over 4-day and day/night tests.

Test cricket is our game's purest heritage. The sacredness of cricket depends on the continued flourishing of test cricket. Test cricket is a real test of character, determination and grit of an individual. It reveals our true-self.

A toast to test cricket which is 140 year old now and may it long forever.

The rise of Moeen Ali and England's triumph

Old Trafford: There were so many things about this test match which caught so much attention. James Anderson bowling from James Anderson end, Pressure on South Africa to protect the streak of not losing a series in England since 1998, Faf under pressure to not lose his first test series as captain, Pressure on Root to start well in his first test series as captain, So many careers of newbies like Jennings, Malan, Kuhn, De Bruyn etc. on line and so on. There were so many speculations going on over the combination.

All the matches played in this series were quite similar in a lot of way. Team winning the toss (England on 3 occasions, South Africa on 1) chose to bat first, put a respectable total, gain a reasonable lead and then winning comprehensively defending in fourth innings. Despite the role played by toss, I firmly believe England were more consistent after a long time with bat and ball and always stayed ahead in 3 out of 4 games in this series. South Africa missed the services of AB, Steyn and Philander (in the last test) badly. Better team won at the end.

South Africa have a lot to think about their combinations. With AB almost certain to call it a day on red-ball career, they need to groom someone for number 4. Bavuma has been solid, but he is fragile as well. He gets starts and then throws it away. De Kock batting position has been very fickle and he needs to be given a healthy go at a fixed position. I would want him to bat at number 7. He can do a lot of damage coming down the order and taking the attacks apart. Hashim Amla's power seems to be on the wane, still he is the best they have at this moment. Faf just had a bad series. Elgar has been the biggest positive in last 3 years for South Africa. With just a little tweak here and there, there is no reason why they can't be a good test team.
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Let's talk about Moeen Ali. A person who believes in Cricket, faith and family. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't like him. Hating him is like hating nature, rainbows, sunny day in winter and cricket itself. He comes from a poor background in Birmingham and is a perfect example of how talent trumps every adversity thrown in the way. He is an epitome of humility and gentleness. England have found a gem in Moeen the test cricketer.

Moeen Ali is not very talkative. He is a silent achiever. He is humble and as honest a cricketer as you will ever find. He has picked up a test hat-trick. He picked up so many vital wickets in this series. He slams innings like 87 and 75* when England desperately needed it.  Moeen Ali is the only one to achieve 250+ runs and 25 or more wickets in a four-Test series. Since his debut, Moeen Ali has won 5 Man of the Match awards for Moeen Ali in Tests - the joint most for England, alongside Joe Root, in this period. Only Steve Smith has higher (6).

Statistics don't always tell the full story, of course. Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes give England enviable depth in the middle order. Combine that with the superb form of Johnny Bairstow and they have the best lower middle order in the world. Moeen Ali has been a catalyst in the making of this England side.

Moeen Ali's rise has been enormous. From a bowler who used to succeed because batsmen wanted to annihilate him, he has come such a long way. He has taken so many top-order wickets that it is fair to call him a proper bowler. He is not like other off-spinners. He bowls quick and gets drift and the ball skids through. It has been one of the reasons he has been so successful in English conditions. He picked up 18 wickets against India in 2014 who are adept at spin. He has made a double of 2000 runs and 100 wickets faster than Sir Botham, Hadlee, Kapil, Sobers, Kallis, Imran Khan. He is a bloody good cricketer.

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Final Words: It was surreal to watch James Anderson bowling from his own end. Marcus Trescothick has an end named after him in Somerset, but there is a big difference between hitting sixes to your end and picking up wickets from your end. Jimmy had a great test match by picking 7 crucial wickets. He seems to be certain to make the Ashes trip this summer and reach the summit of 500 test wickets against West Indies in the coming series. He still has a lot to offer to this English side.

England still have a lot of questions to answer. Who will replace Jennings and Malan? Should Dawson be given another go? How good will Toby Roland-Jones be in Australia? What is the ideal spot for Johnny Bairstow to bat? There are 3 holes in top 5 which needs to be rectified before Ashes in this summer.

This series win will boost their confidence and hopefully they find all their answers in due time.

England: Consistently inconsistent

Finally, the humiliation is over. If you are an England fan, you will be relieved that the game didn't go to fifth day. It was almost comforting. The whole batting looked like a comedy show. Dean Elgar said last night that Proteas didn't want an easy win. Maybe England heard them. As if they were so desperate to prove him wrong, they didn't show any fight at all. Total surrender. Complete submission.

England have been amazing in terms of inconsistency for the last two years in test cricket. Since 2015, this is the 8th occasion on which they have lost a test match in the very next match after pulling off a victory. They have now lost 6 of their last 8 test matches. In this match, their combined two innings spanned for 96.1 overs, while South Africa's first innings stretched for 96.2 overs. You don't win many games by batting for less than 100 overs. They didn't last 2 sessions in second innings. Everyone talks about how much talent is there in this England's side. It annoys me a lot. Brutal fact: They don't deliver when it matters.

Their team selection is comical. Let me highlight more over this.

According to coach Trevor Bayliss, Moeen is England's 2nd best and Dawson is the best spinner in the country. (I doubt even Dawson's mum will agree with that). Moeen has picked 14 wickets and won Lord's test for his country. Dawson got a pair there. Dawson doesn't look threatening with ball, that is totally fine. He was picked over Rashid as he is miserly in giving away runs. The problem is : In both the tests, he gave away too many vital runs. His batting was bonus, which ran out of luck against world class Proteas attack. (He got 66* on debut against India, which led to his preference over Crane and Rashid). Sometimes, I wonder what would a team with 11 Dawsons look like (Imagine the 12th man is Dawson too). What in almighty God's name they are gonna do? Can't bowl. Can't bat. Fields at innocuous positions. By his reaction on the field, it seems as if even he has no idea why he is getting picked.

Coming to Gary Ballance. He has no idea what he is doing in the middle of a ground with a wooden thing in his hand. There is no doubt that he earned his England recall by scoring oodle of runs in county championship. (For the record, he was averaging almost 100 when he got picked). But, on international arena, he is just so clueless. His technique continues to betray him. He doesn't know whether to go forward or on back-foot. He was standing almost pacific ocean deep in his crease even when Vernon was pitching the ball so full. By the time he makes a decision, a whole parliament session is over. His weak craftsmanship against full balls were exposed dangerously in 2015 Ashes by Australian pair of Mitchells. He has already been dropped twice for his poor technique, I doubt there will be any way back for him to live this dream once another sack happens. He needs to pull up his socks and if he is lucky enough to be included for Oval test, that will be probably his last chance. He needs some vital runs if he wants a ticket for Brisbane later this year.

Opening pair: I can write a whole romantic novel over Cooky's long search for true love in the form of opening partner. Ever since Strauss retired, England have tried 11 openers (if my memory serves me right in this old age). Still everyone comes, hangs out for a while and then Cook is left frustrated. It is not that the openers England have tried have not been given long runs. Just the mere fact that the gap between County championship and international cricket is proving out to be too much to adjust. I liked young Hameed. It just disappoints me so much that he got injured when he was in sublime touch against India. This county season, his form has been abysmal. I really adored Keaton Jennings. From Durham. Good mates with Woody, Stokes and Collingwood speaks highly of him. His father has been an amazing influence over his cricket. He looks good when he bats. Getting a ton in your first game on Indian soil is something not many players achieve. Sadly, even he is turning out to be just another heartache. It is not that he has played very badly in this series. But, he seems to be getting too many unplayable balls, which indicates that he is not international quality yet.

Mark wood is proving out to be too one-dimensional. In white ball cricket, he is the go-to bowler for Eoin Morgan. He can run, bowl fast and reverse swing the old ball. A perfect weapon for any captain. But, I doubt he is yet ready for the rigors of test cricket. He last played a test in 2015 and has never played two tests back to back. He is averaging 197 in this series. One wicket in two games. That wicket too of JP Duminy. It is simply not good enough. Perhaps it was a mistake to include him for Trent Bridge. Maybe Toby Roland Jones should have been given his debut here. Well. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Everything looks so clear when we look at things in retrospect. Ah!

Another issue which is hampering their progress is : There are just too many all-rounders in this England team. Once Woakes returns, there will be 8 players in this line-up who can ball and 10 players who have got a first class hundred. It is certainly nice to have this cushion of skill in your team, but right now it is backfiring for England. Moeen doesn't know what his role is. He was not given the ball till first 45 overs in first innings and later he was the one who picked 4 wickets in second innings. Either he is doing too much, or nothing at all. Stokes: normally a helluva cricketer when on song. This series, he has not done justice either with bat or ball. He is bowling too many release balls at the moment. Bairstow, Root, Cook, Anderson and Broad have looked good, but haven't found much support from others.

This defeat won't be hard for any England's cricket fan to swallow. After all, they have been doing this for a while now. They are getting used to this. Anyway, tomorrow we have England and South Africa ODI game in Women's world cup. I can only expect that Knight's team haven't watched the highlights of this game and put on a better show.

Well. Enough already. Like it is: With England cricket, happiness is a rare episode in the general drama of pain. Let us await what unfolds in Oval.