Test cricket continues to fascinate

Anybody who witnessed the test matches played in the recent weeks, would not dare to say that test cricket is starting to lose its prominence .From Sydney to Cape Town the action was simply spectacular. Undeniably it was a mind boggling, nerve racking contest, by the time the matches concluded, the majority of spectators had lost some chunk of their nails.

It was a thrilling contest between bat and ball thanks to a flawless pitch, which played true all through the course of five days. The batsmen were able to score runs comfortably, concurrently the bowlers too got some purchase from the deck. Much credit has to be ascribed to the groundsmen, who did a brilliant job.

Both the venues attracted a large number of spectators, who got their money’s worth. The Sydney test match saw some rearguard action from the Pakistanis, who were on the lookout for some retribution, as they were annihilated by the Aussies in the first test match. The Pakistanis dominated the Aussies for the first four days, but enigmatically squandered the opportunity and ended up on the losing end, yet again displaying their volatility. In contrast to this, the Australians once again showcased their tenacity and competitiveness. The SCG for now has seen three close finishes in three successive years.

Over in Cape Town much was expected from the hosts the South Africans who were trailing the English since their shocking defeat in Durban. The Proteas arrived in Cape Town under enormous pressure from their home fans, it was an ideal venue for the Proteas to square the series having fond memories of the ground. Unfortunately the home side was once again robbed of a win, as they were in Centurion. Sadly for the South Africans Graeme Onions once again stood between them and a much needed victory. The South Africans as a whole nation were dejected and grief-stricken. Smith and his men must be wondering as to why is this game being so cruel to them time and again. At the end of it all cricket and more importantly test cricket was the winner.

These closely contested matches proved once again, that test cricket can be so wonderful. The crowd too poured into the ground in large numbers, it’s a clear sign that test cricket is in good stead.

Despite all this there is a lot of talk about the future of this format. The cricketing boards, the former and current players are all unsure about the eminence of the game. The MCC and the ICC are contemplating about making rapid amendments to the format. There have been talks of introducing day-night test matches, the usage of pink ball is also taken into consideration. Yes all possible ways are being tried to preserve test cricket, but is there an absolute necessity to change the rules in the first place, do we need to go against the tradition which has been there for about 130 years?

Clearly the countries outside the sub-continent aren’t facing too much of a problem with the format, the reason I say that is because of the quality of pitches they provide. The problem arises only, if the pitch is not a sportive one. The flat batting paradise wickets in the sub-continent are the ones that make test cricket monotonous. To a great extent the BCCI, PCB, and SLC are responsible for not giving top precedence to test cricket. They seem to be shying away from their responsibilities. There is too much emphasis on 20-20 cricket, both in the international and domestic front. Instant Money from T20 is making these boards go away from their objectives.

Yes it’s sad that the Pakistani fans can’t watch their heroes at home, but it’s very vital for the PCB to arrange sufficient tests when they tour abroad, The BCCI too needs to fit in at lot more tests in the years calendar. The cricketing boards and the ICC need to relook at the FTP (Future Tour Programme) and look to add more tests in the future. Squeezing a test match here and there in an already cramped schedule is not going to resolve matters.

For the moment though let’s enjoy and cherish the exhilarating moments that test cricket is still providing us with, and wish that the administrators don’t go against the tradition, and above all they put together more number of test matches in their itinerary in time to come, because quite honestly this will enable the format to hold its own in the future.

Mystery continues to surround Pakistan cricket

After being overwhelmed by the Aussies in the first test in Melbourne, the Pakistanis were desperate to bounce back in the New Year’s test match at the Sydney cricket ground. Historically the pitch at the SCG has always been conducive to the sub - continent teams, in that regard the Australians were wary of a Pakistani backlash.

As Ricky Ponting got the call of the coin right he chose to bat first, which was a brave decision, as the conditions were overcast and the wicket also had a tinge of grass to assist the seamers.
The decision to bat first soon backfired, as Mohammad Sami &Mohammad Asif ran through the Australian batting order reducing the total to a paltry score of 127. In reply the Pakistani openers laid a strong foundation for the batsman to follow, the middle order capitalized on the start and went on to get a respectable score of 333.
The Australians batted with more purpose in their second innings, as they were facing a colossal deficit of 206 runs. Opener Shane Watson made a dazzling 97 to give the innings the required impulsion. The Aussies were breathing easy, but, as we all know Crickets a funny game. As it turned out to be the Aussies lost 5 wickets for not much in quick succession with a lead of only 50, which was inadequate at that point leaving the Aussies in a big hole.

In a remarkable turn of events Michael Hussey and tail - ender Peter Siddle added on 123 runs for the 9th wicket stretching the lead to 175 which was not a winning total by any means, but certainly a competitive one, leaving the Pakistanis 176 to get for the win.
Inexplicably the Pakistanis allowed the Australians to get away. Mohammad Yousuf the Pakistani captain was sluggish, defensive and reluctant to take any risk, as a result he played into the Australian hands. The advantage was soon frittered.
The Pakistanis were confident of the chase, the Aussies too fancied their chances.

Again the openers started solidly, but his time the middle order failed to consolidate. Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah got out playing a reckless short .The Pakistanis were tottering at 77for 5, having to get another 99 runs for victory. Now the Pakistanis were banking on the Akmal brothers to see them home, but, worse was to follow, a brain damage from Umar Akmal and the tail resulted in Pakistan getting bundled out for 139.

In the end it was a meek surrender by the Pakistanis falling short by 36 runs.
Yet again the Pakistanis continue to leave its viewers dumfounded.
Now who is to be blamed for this embarrassing loss?

Was it the captain’s fault that he allowed the game to drift. Did complacency creep in to the Pakistani camp as it has so often managed to, Or was the test match cricket pressure a bit too much to handle for the young Pakistani side?

Whatever the reason, this has been the story of Pakistan cricket for a long time. It’s so infuriating to a see a team with such abundance of talent lose a match in such fashion. How can a team lose after having dominated four days in a row? Time and again they have found themselves snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Clearly there is no dearth of ability, but still they panic and choke at the crucial juncture, which leads to their downfall.

It’s sad that the captain has to bear the brunt of the loss, but a captain is always as good as his team. The experienced players have to lead by example. And for a moment spare a thought for Mohammad Asif who bowled his heart out on the first morning. He must be absolutely devastated.

It’s time that every individual from the team steps up and takes responsibility rather than pointing fingers at others. And making sure that the next time a similar situation arises they are able to cross the line.