An amazing cricket match; Who said twenty 20 will replace test cricket? Probably one of the best matches one could have imagined especially considering the uncertainties whether this test match would have happened at all in the first instance. Congrats to every one involved in the match..from administrators, security, Chennai crowd, officials, staff and players specifically England team who showed the determination and will to come back to Chennai for playing the tests after the unfortunate incidents at Mumbai 3 weeks ago. India emerged victorious, but I feel the real winner is cricket.
It was an enthralling five days of pure test cricket feast. Two centuries from Strauss in each innings, a gritty half century from Dhoni in the first innings, the 2-wicket over from Swann that broke India's backbone in the first innings, Collingwood's second innings timely century (that probably saved his place in the team) , Sehwag's amazing 83, Yuvi's 80+ and Sachin's 41st century. The MOM award was deservedly given to Veeru, though he missed out on a century provided the impetus, platform and more importantly the belief that India can and should go for a win rather than defend to save the match( as Dhoni himself admitted at the post match ceremony). But for Veeru this test may have ended in a draw or an England victory.
Dhoni has now won four out of four test matches as captain and as I have said before many times he is the right person for the job, forming the correct link between youth and experience in 'team-India'. As India won lot of people will forget the weak link in the present Indian side ie Rahul Dravid ('Media's darling') who will most likely get another chance at Mohali. Iam sure everyone knows that one cannot be in the team just because of impressive past records. Hope he comes good in the next test.
From England's point of view it is disappointing to have lost a test match that they dominated for about 70% of the time. They may have to rethink their strategy especially on the scoring rate and some key bowling options. However, I thought KP's captaincy was quite good and inspiring.
Two days ago (at stumps on third day) I thought England were in a very strong position and if India can turn the tables, India should be considered as the second best test team (after Australia). They did exactly that today..Well done India and well done England too who competed extremely well in this test except the last 4 sessions.
I hope we can expect another cracker of a test match at Mohali in 3 days time....
About Me
- PCV
- London, Leicester and Kerala
- I am a Medical Doctor, born and brought up in Kerala, settled in England for last 27 years. Interested in almost any and every field under the sun. I believe in 'Simple living and simple thinking'and try to follow this principle in life...This is a snapshot of what I wish to write; but many of the things I want to write are still under the iceberg! Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu
3 comments:
Really appreciate the English team's decision to return, thereby defeating the very purpose of the macabre act which unfolded in Mumbai. Magnificent, I'd say on that!
Coming to the match, I'd have been quite disappointed had the MOM gone to Sachin. The single element which took the match away, unbelievably, from KP&co; kudos to Veeru, however inconsistent he may be.
I agree Anju...people may argue why was Strauss or Sachin NOT given the MOM award, but at the end of the day it was Veeru who made all the difference between the 2 teams..
Well done to the England team for returning back to India and playing. They deserve the full credit.
I think Veeru rightly was awarded the MOM. He was the one who turned the game on its head.
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