Big cricketing battles have filled the scene for as long as the game has been played. For many like me, while there is no denying the shorter form of the game is very entertaining, test matches are the ‘real’ thing. A struggle between bat and ball underlined with sustained physical and mental fitness as well as strategy over five long days, sometimes in grueling weather conditions.
England has been the major focal venue, where lush green grass, stadia that retain traditional architecture and format while adopting modern purpose built additions, and the beer flows freely among the diehard followers braving rain and shine. Names like “Lord’s”, the home of cricket and the “Oval” are synonymous with the game itself. One of the greatest honours is to have represented your country at either venue.
Given natural attributes to playing cricket in English conditions it is said “it’s almost impossible to beat England in England” and this summer’s test series between England and India has, yet again, confirmed this. India has been literally slaughtered. Their status as world test cricket championships dismantled amid growing signs of an ageing combination.
We talk of physical fitness; however selectors continue to gamble with this not realising the tremendous impact it has if the player succumbs. By afternoon of the first day of the first test, Zaheer Khan, India’s spearhead had broken down. They were left with three bowlers to see them through the test match, supported by a couple of part-timers. Net result was there was no breakthrough. Yes, Praveen Kumar bowled his ‘heart out’ but at his pace all he could rely on was a little movement both ways. This allowed a run-starved Pietersen to walk down the wicket and stun any movement before it could occur.
India also had given the 100th Tendulkar 100 at the 100th test between the two countries huge hype. It drew huge crowds, even on the last day while India would struggle to save the match, in anticipation of the little man achieving his goal. That is some pressure on a single soul. There is no denying age slows one down and despite inherent talent, even the great Tendulkar is not what he once was. I have no doubts the 100th century will come, perhaps, even in the remaining test, but it is a struggle.
Dravid’s enormous stature combined with almost perfect technique has had him scoring prolifically, the only batsman to have a grip on the situation. But he, too, is getting long in the tooth and his failures on the field have proven costly nullifying the advantage. Other Indian batsman, Raina, Yuvraj and Laxman have looked lost in combating the moving ball and Sehwag, having recovered fitness, completely out of his depth. With his technique, unless a freak display pays off, Sehwag cannot really thrive in English conditions. He is too committed to playing the stroke, relies on hand-eye coordination; while the ball moves all-day and late, it is well nigh impossible to collar the bowling the way he can on subcontinental tracks.
Continued domination by the stars has limited opportunities for youngsters. Of course, one has to accept the fact that a Tendulkar or a Dravid are not commonplace. They are a once in a lifetime, if one is lucky, phenomenon. Their record, even if most runs were scored in India, is unsurpassable. A batting average of 56.95 over a twenty-two year span for Tendulkar, only bettered by Barrington, Weekes, Hammond and Sobers, and 52.93 over fifteen years for Dravid is no mean feat. And no wonder Indian selectors have stuck to them over thick and thin.
England on the other hand has come a long way. Their bowling depth has increased dramatically: they have three in the side, another number equally good sitting on the sidelines, and they have led the way in the revival of classical swing bowling. And they hunt in packs, something so important in this game. They have also not allowed themselves to be led astray by the success in the 20/20 to dominate their batting. Sustained, quality innings by Cook, Pietersen, Bell, Morgan have led the run glut against a tired, unimaginative Indian bowling side. In doing so, England has regained the title of world test champions. Their rise has been meteoric given the 51 all out at Sabena Park two years ago. Their retaining the top slot depends on their resolve and hard work; they surely have the player resource to do that.
I am sure India has been stung by the absurd display during this summer. The fourth test at the Oval can only give them an opportunity to redeem some pride. England hold a 757 run advantage in the three tests played so far. I am sure that is some kind of a record. Selectors need to have the courage to go beyond names and have an open mind with regard to grooming youngsters in the test format. This goes for all countries. For me, seeing a giant toppled in a battle of the greats, it has been a great English cricketing summer.
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