The Test Cricket is the best format of the Cricket for the players. Players get five days, twenty sessions, 450 overs minimum and two innings to try and re-try their strategy and channelise their energy to exhibit the physical skills. The emotion of the game is fuelled by the patriotism as it is a battle between two countries. The fear of onslaught is always imminent requiring players to apply temperament, resistance and resilience to save their fort in the form of batting, bowling or fielding. The hostility and intimidation tests the mental aspect that requires patience to penetrate. The war of words amplify the test of exasperation. The pitch preparation for the test cricket has evolved a lot and a big applause to groundsman all around the world.
England team sailed through rough winter in Australia, spent the spring before a drawing board and the Sun is so far with them this Summer. On the outside, it looks a team of XI were put together and asked to play this Summer what they know the best. Root took the test route, Bairstow and Pope T20, Stokes fulfilled the demand on the day, Anderson busy writing record books, Potts wizard of Harry Potter spells and Broad any day can-do with the ball. A satisfying team effort.
The most recent pattern in the Test Cricket is a team that can revive within five days are the most successful. Gone are the days of batters delight at the cost of bowlers nightmare. Under Stokes’s captaincy, England team have found the spark to revive securing and handing a white wash (in the making while I wrote this) to New Zealand.
The Fifth test against India under the third captain in a series is a different ball game. Team India have already aced with their Revival and Resilience in couple of overseas series which England team haven’t done yet in the recent past. Bumrah a bowler Captain has an excellent opportunity to make a mark. A lot of patriotic inspiration to take from the legend Kapil Dev to do something special in English soil. The openers are key in the Test Cricket, it will be interesting to see how Dravid want to play his cards after a Covid breaking news.
Physical - Both
Mental - India can’t lose the series. A slight psychological advatage.
Resilience - India have yesteryears successful track record in the Overseas.
Conditions - England has the advantage.
Social Media - Vaughan vs Jaffer
Players battle -
Kohli vs Anderson
Ashwin vs Root
Stokes vs Bumrah
A team that can revive will be the fittest.
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