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!
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Looking forward to it Renata. Sounds about right.
Targa
Roar Rookie
The last 3 tests NZ v India: NZ won by 10 wickets, by 7 wickets, and by 8 wickets. Those were in NZ and England though. We have a couple of tests in India later this year which will be a huge challenge, but if Williamson or Conway get a couple of big 100s we are in with a chance.
Renato CARINI
Roar Rookie
Love the patriotism, Targa. Like many, I was thrilled to see NZ win the WTC
Targa
Roar Rookie
Or New Zealand 2020/21
Paul
Roar Guru
The scoreboard says otherwise Dave. By the same token, the scoreboard also shows England copped a hiding when half an hour into day 5, it was anyone's game. Batting last on that surface should have been an exercise is building averages, but as we saw, England collapsed in the face of some very good bowling. If England had snaffled Bumrah & Shami cheaply, I reckon Root would have fancied that run chase, but that wasn't to be.
Renato CARINI
Roar Rookie
Spot on, Paul. This indian team is very good but they're not in the world beater class, by any means. They would get hammered by Australia circa 2000 Or the west Indies, 1980 vintage.
Renato CARINI
Roar Rookie
Yes indeed, DaveJ. I have an article on this very topic set to appear next week. I have estimated that the team batting last must lead by approx. 50 at halfway For the match to be level. When I saw that England were the bookies favorites, after getting ahead by 27 on first innings, I was almost tempted to open an account. India were 3 to 1 England evens A draw 2 to 1
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Paul, very good point about England’s strength but I’d have to disagree about England outbatting India. They may have got 27 runs more, but it was when the pitch was pretty flat, while it was moving all over the place on the first day. 27 isn’t really an advantage compared to having to bat last.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
It was a great win, but I’d take issue with a couple of judgements. India have done great in those wins in Australia, but I’m not sure beating this England team was against the odds (though it certainly was going into the last day). However, a sour note must have been losing to New Zealand in the WTC (though in their defence NZ had a much better preparation). In particular, I would disagree with the idea that there wasn’t much life in the pitch on the last day - Burns, Sibley, Root, Bairstow, Buttler, Curran and Ali all got out to balls that moved off the seam. The pitch seemed flatter in the morning but got more life when England batted after it became overcast, as sometimes happens in England. I’m not making excuses for England - I was very happy to see them go down!
Paramdeep Rathee
Roar Rookie
England seemed more intent on scaring India’s tailenders than getting them out. On revenge, rather than dismissals. James Anderson was subject to a bouncer barrage from Jasprit Bumrah, and England wanted to do the same when Bumrah batted. War of words, bouncers etc followed, and England forgot to bowl the wicket-taking lengths. Worse, they kept a spread out field, hoping India’s tail would slog wildly. But Bumrah and Mohammed Shami had other plans; they played smart enough to add singles, and added an unbroken 89 for the ninth wicket. That set India up for a win on Day 5. After the game, Root admitted he might have got a thing or two wrong, and this was definitely one of those. Joe Root’s captaincy lacks imagination and reason, adding that the issue could very much be a cause of concern for England in the upcoming Ashes. The fragility of the England top-order batsmen will make the tourney tougher for the Three Lions. His tendency to have long discussions with senior players is reminiscent of Alastair Cook at his worst. There’s a difference between a captain who consults and one who is uncertain; dithering is a bad look for a captain. There are times in Australia when a captain has to be imaginative in order to force the issue and this is not one of Root’s strengths. England possesses a potential series-winning group of fast bowlers. It is the top-order batting and Joe Root’s captaincy that should be cause for concern. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood can easily tear apart English batting. “The opening combination of Dominic Sibley and Rory Burns is both ungainly and unconvincing. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood should rejoice if both names appear in the top slots on the team sheet at the Gabba,” Given the skill of Australia’s pace trio, poor starts could be a death sentence for England, At last Rohit Sharma didn’t injured archer, Ravi Ashwin didn’t said go and have a break Stokes and the biggest achievement of Varun Aaron is that he has finished Broad the batsman career, also we all know broad has passed his prime in bowling….the goat Jimmy needs clouds ……I mean come on mate…………..A ashes win for painey and his boys :thumbup: :thumbup:
Paul
Roar Guru
I think it's terrific Indian fans support their team as passionately as they do. The only problem is, some perspective seems to disappear and is replaced by overwhelming pride and optimism. Lets put this win into some perspective. An Enland team without Stokes, Pope, Woakes, Broad and Archer, had the best Indian XI 8 down for 209 and a lead of about 180 on the 5th day. This same England XI had outbatted India in the first innings, hence the lead. This same Indian XI played in the World Test Championship and were comprehensively beaten by New Zealand and were all out for 36 in Adelaide less than a year ago. They might be the self-proclaimed "Kings of Lords", but they still have plenty of issues to deal with, especially with their batting.