Himadri Sarkar
What a Test match it was! Metaphorically speaking, it was such a nail-biter that all the nails were bitten off! It was an incredible win that literally snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Needing a mere 36 runs to win with four wickets remaining and a whole day to spare was easy meat for Brendon McCullum and his band of bazball cricketers. But cricket is one game where a quirk of fate has been an under-liner. With each delivery that the Indian pacers sent down, the packed stadium held its breath and alternately roared. And much before the end of the day, it was “Hurrah” for India.
Who says Test Cricket is dead? What a thrilling finish. Oval was packed and all were praying for an Indian victory. 36 runs and 4 wickets in hand were looking like an easy victory for England. Time was not the factor and even ones and twos could have taken England past the line. But then this man, Siraj, had other ideas. A never say die and totally committed man who could bowl at a sustained pace 140+ Kmph for many overs at a stretch without complaining of fatigue. The series result could well have been 3-2 in India’s favor but for Siraj’s played on ball which trickled down to the stump to end India’s struggle. This was in the third test at Lords. This series has done two things– Gautam Gambhir is retained as India’s coach. He was under tremendous pressure from many experts including Sunny Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Manjrekar and others for his team selection by not playing Kuldeep who is a potential match winner and perhaps the best wrist spinner in the game today. It was almost certain that he would have lost his job had India lost the series. Another good thing that happened to Indian Cricket is that Siraj has come of age and perhaps cemented his place in the team in all formats of the game. This has reduced dependence on Bumrah to a great extent who is prone to Injuries. Congrats to Team India for this magnificent win by six runs thereby leveling the series. This was the thinnest margin of victory for the Indian team but it was a victory specially meant for the lion-hearted.
(The views expressed are personal opinion of the author.)
