Cricket admirers had lot to cheer about three test matches played at three different parts of the world in three different conditions. At gripping, turning, bouncing Gall wicket in Sri Lanka, Pakistan managed to prevail over Sri Lanka beating them by 4 wickets.
At Old Trafford Manchester three lions cornered Kangaroos taking impressive 67 runs first innings lead bashing Aussie bowlers for 384/4 in 72 overs responding to Australian score of 317 all out. With three days still to play England assumed control in the test. At Port of Spain in West Indies strong India batting first against the home team reached 287/4 at stumps on day one.
Pakistan Sri Lanka Test:
Pakistan repeated its feat winning yet another test at spin favoring Gall wicket by the end of the morning session overhauling the small target set by the home team scoring 133/6. The wicket was gripping and turning. Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya taking 4/50 with his left arm spin threatened but the target was too small for the tourists. The home team scored 312 only in the first innings. Pakistan ridding on a brilliant partnership of young talents Saud Shakeel (208*) and Aga Salman responded well scoring 461.
The massive 149 run lead placed Pakistan in impregnable position on a wearing wicket. Pakistan bowled with passion and fielded energetically to restrict Sri Lanka to 279 in the second innings. Noman Ali (3/75) and Abrar Ahmed (3/68) were given excellent support by the Pakistani fielders grabbing some brilliant catches. Dhananjaya de Silva like his first innings (122) appeared the lone warrior scoring 82. Home team could get only 130 runs lead. By stumps on day four Pakistan wiped off 48 losing 3 wickets.
On the last morning Lankan spinners Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis exploiting the turn and bounce made it difficult for the tourist . However, the target was too small. Imamul Haq scored unbeaten 50. Brilliant Saud Shakeel plundering a quick fire 30 took Pakistan across the rope. Pakistan became the strongest side touring the island winning highest number of test matches. The only other test of the series will be played at Colombo. This Pakistan team looks well prepared with great pace attack, quality spinners and some young talented batsmen apart from Babar Azam. The fielding of the team was exceptional. Pakistan team is having useful exposure in Sri Lanka where their ODI team will soon appear in Asia cup.
England Took Control of Old Trafford Test
At stums on day two at Old Trafford England displaying their aggressive Baz ball cricket assumed control of the test. Responding to Australia’s first innings of 317 all out England bashing Aussie bowlers reached 384/4. Zak Crawley smashing 189 in 182 deliveries with 21 fours and 3 sixes set the tone for a possible England win and level the Ashes series 2-2. Joe Root played yet another stroke full innings of 84 and Moeen Ali contributed 54. Ben Stokes on 24 and Harry Brook on 14 were at the wicket at stumps of day two. England has already taken 67 runs lead. Unless Australia taking wickets early on day three restricts England within manageable lead England is going to win and square the series 2-2.
After losing the first two tests in dramatic fashion England has brilliantly bounced back in the Ashes. The series has so far been played in great flavor and excitement fitting to the contest of the two traditional rivals of cricket. For some reasons Australian attack appeared toothless and batsmen lost their capacity for grafting and grinding against quality bowling. 2-2 levelling of the series at the end of this test will make the 5th test extremely interesting. Off course it is too early to conclude as there is still 9 sessions of three days left. Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty. The English way of playing test now is changing the face of test cricket. Such strategy will give test cricket a new lease of life if others follow.
Strong India Kept Its Dominance Over West Indies
It goes without saying that once invincible West Indies is now a shadow of its past. On the other hand, team India is among the best. Like the first test of the series India kept its dominance going posting 287/4 by stumps of day one. Once again veteran Rohit Sharma and Rookie Yashavi Jashwal had a dynamic opening stand of 139. But this time unlike the first test West Indies managed to grab few wickets restricting Jashwal (59) and Rohit (80). Shubman Gill (10) and Ajinka Rahane (8) also failed. But King Kohli pairing with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja resurrecting the innings led India to 287/4. Port of Spain Wicket is known for turning into spinner’s paradise.
If India gets up to 450 plus West Indian batsmen will struggle against Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. It is too early anyway. Who knows West Indies may turn around and give a good account of them. King Kohli (87 *) back in his brilliant best is set for scored his 29 test century which will equal his achievement with the Great Donald Bradman.
BDST: 1347 HRS, JULY 21, 2023
MN
