This is a fan’s humble reflection.
The word Transition ideally refers to the transfer of negative to positive energy. So it is, physical + mental times execution = Positive outcome. If one aspect on the LHS is going down then RHS outcome would be different. In Test Cricket, this equation must be a balanced equation to be successful in a consistent manner.
If you deep dive into the formua, physical refers to practice, talent, skill etc. Mental has lot many factors team selection, bonding, strategy, decision making etc. Mental part is the one that invigorates negative to positive energy defining the transition that can be witnessed by the audience.
The new Team India has a pattern. When they are beaten badly early in the series they prepare their mind to rise and play. If they are in comfort zone, they probably have a mindset of sticking to the process is sufficient to cross the line and things go wrong when there are setbacks.
The SA and Australia series have many things in common and a good comparison material to find out the missing zing:
— In Australia, India picked themselves from early debacle to finish high towards the end. It was just the other way in SA. The transition graph would reflect many mountains 🏔 in it and you know what high and low mean.
— Bowlers were exceptional.
— Pant played the last test cameo to keep team in the contest.
— Shardul was outstanding in a single innings from the entire tour.
— Gabba and Centurion - Myth demystified
The result is different though. Why? It is evident that top order and middle order batters didn’t stay in the middle longer. The grind was the difference between India and SA batters.
It is high time Team India shift gears from the sporadic transition and take control (consistency) having won couple of overseas test series and experience is in abundance already. A quote to end “Do not let what is out of your control interfere with all the things you can control”
Absolutely SumpMic. The last sentence is the key. Rely on what you have control of.