Opinion
How does one go about writing the perfect story? What makes an intense thriller novel a bestseller? What makes a movie special?
The script. The plot twists. The protagonists. The direction.
As a viewer, you feel fortunate if you get to read such a novel or watch such a movie with most of these things done well.
But… fiction is fiction. Fantasy is fantasy. It’s all a mirage in the end.
What if we told you that real life can throw up such scripts, plots and actors, as well?
A bunch of players who can do the impossible. A bunch of players who can turn a match on its head in a matter of hours.
A team that never bows down in the face of adversity. A team that fights shoulder to shoulder for each other.
Yes, this is the new team India! In a matter of less than ten months, India has now conquered the MCG, the Gabba and Lord’s, against all odds.
Indian fans celebrate their side’s famous day five win in the 2020-21 fourth Test against Australia at the Gabba (Photo by Albert Perez – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
After the previous night’s thriller where West Indies beat Pakistan by the barest of margins in the first Test, the world witnessed India pull off the most unlikely of Wins at Lord’s by bowling out England in less than 60 overs on the last day.
Yes, Test cricket – the pinnacle of our beloved game is truly alive.
A day that started with India in no position to hold the fort and looking for scraps to just avoid defeat was swung on its head when the English captain and his pack of fast bowlers let emotions get the better of them and lost the tactical battle against one man – Jasprit Bumrah.
His barrage of bouncers against James Anderson on day 3 somehow convinced them to use intimidatory tactics against him rather than get him out, and the plan backfired.
Bumrah and Mohammed Shami held the fort and gave back a counter-punch like never before and had England down on their knees in a matter of two hours. An unbelievable ninth wicket unbeaten partnership of 89 runs giving India an unassailable lead and setting a target far out of sight for the English.
As if their performance with the bat wasn’t enough, the Indian pace quartet – Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma Mohammad Shami, and the mighty impressive Mohammed Siraj – complimented each other brilliantly again to knock over England in 50-odd overs on a pitch which didn’t have much to offer.
The cracks in the English batting line-up have been ruthlessly exposed. Massive shoutout to the entire team and a ferocious, passionate leader at the helm, Virat Kohli.
The aggression and desire to win was there for all to see. This team will not back down. This team will not give up – ever.
These ‘kings’ know how to hunt together and they have now tasted blood! Bring on the next Test.
Waiting eagerly for Leeds and we wish our lads the very best for the entire series.
Postscriptum: a message for world cricket in KL Rahul’s words.
“If you come after one of us, all the XI will come after you.”
Mic drop!
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
India have announced their 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad which is set to be played in the USA and Caribbean. The 15-man…
Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. This quote is often attributed to Albert Einstein, but nobody knows if he…
England's tour of India has ended in abject fashion as the tourists were hammered by an innings and 64 runs inside three days, with…
India have bowled England out for a below-par 218 and cruised to 1-135 in reply to seize early control of the fifth and final…
India have accomplished a nervy run-chase to secure a five-wicket victory against England in the fourth cricket Test in Ranchi. Chasing a modest 192…
In the build up to the India vs England Test series, there were reasonable predictions that India would be the ultimate challenge for Bazball.…
