Test Cricket Answers the Call

With two stunning results in just over twenty-four hours, Test cricket has put a stake in the ground; reminding droves of adoring fans the world over, why it remains the game’s pre-eminent format.

In Kingston, it was 33-year old Kemar Roach who was the hero for the West Indies. The fast bowler who – as a youngster – answered the call of his skipper and famously ruffled up Australian captain Ricky Ponting twelve years ago, has fearlessly led an underperforming Windies attack for more than a decade. This day however, coming in at number nine with his side still more than 50 runs behind Pakistan – and a vastly inexperienced tail for company – he answered a challenge of a different kind.

Joy for the Windies

“I have never been in a situation like that before, batting with the tail,” he said. “I am part of the tail, so for me it was to go out there and believe.”

And believe he did. Crafting an unbeaten and match-winning 30, Roach partnered with and guided 19-year old Jayden Seales through the tense climax of the match. The pair added 17 for the last wicket, handing the home side a famous victory.

Seales, who earned MOTM honours for his eight wickets (and invaluable 2*) in just his third match, was left speechless; the magnitude of a Test match victory too much to comprehend for the young fast bowler.

“Test cricket is a dream come true for me,” he said. Overcome by the joy of the moment, that is all he could muster, leaving the podium during the presentations to try and process what had just been achieved.

If joy lies in the fight, there can be no greater joy in the game than a Test victory.

Fittingly, as the Red Stripe lagers were opened and enjoyed in Jamaica, the champagne corks were being popped in the stands on the other side of the Atlantic; England and India playing out a classic at Lord’s.

Test cricket in its purest form, an even contest between bat and ball made for gripping cricket across the first four days at the Home of Cricket. For India, KL Rahul – who was not in the first choice XI before the series began – backed up his strong performance at Trent Bridge with a dominant century and a spot on the Lord’s Honours Board.

Stunning effort on day 1 from KL Rahul

Mohammed Siraj, whose combative style provides an interesting counterpoint to the more mild-mannered Mohammed Shami continues to find his feet at the highest level. Perhaps his aggression is even rubbing off on the traditionally genteel Bumrah, who was more than willing to rough up Jimmy Anderson in the first innings.

On the other side of the Long Room, the hosts again called on their captain. And yet again, Joe Root answered; this time completing a stunning century on Saturday. When considering the distinctly uninspiring and brittle nature of those around him in the order, suffice it to say that without their skipper in the form of his life, this England side would be, well, ‘rooted.’

So, to the final day with the game in the balance.

England reasonably entered the day as favourites, a position only enhanced after the dynamic Rishabh Pant edged behind early on; exposing a hitherto fragile Indian tail. Perhaps Bumrah and Shami took Heed from Kemar Roach, or maybe they were spurred on by the increased English aggression (Mark Wood who didn’t take to the field at the start of play due to injury came on to bowl one hostile spell at the pair), but in any case, they added a further layer of intrigue to this incredible match; both reaching personal bests in the Test arena. By the time Kohli declared, they had compiled an unbeaten 89 to give the tourists an unassailable lead, and just over 60 overs to bowl themselves to a famous victory.

It has long been said that a cricket side is made in the image of their captain. It holds firm for this Indian team, who, behind their ever-excitable Kohli, are imbued with a fearlessness and infectious passion, as well as a genuine belief that they can win from anywhere. So, under overcast skies and with protagonists Bumrah and Shami bowling from either end, they quickly had two wickets and England on the ropes – the fragile underbelly exposed once again.

Try as he might, not even Root could withstand the irresistible Indian force this time – groaning as he edged to his opposite number behind the wicket just after the tea break. From then on, it was a matter of when, no longer if, as Bumrah, Siraj and Ishant went about completing victory for India.

For every exalted fist pump, wide-eyed ‘come on’ and celebratory shushing from the flowering Siraj and his Indian teammates, there were thousands more from delighted supporters in the stands, and millions from back home. The gravitas of a Test match victory felt the world over as India seized victory and an invaluable series lead.

Test cricket has been questioned by many. Its merits and ability to attract a crowd have been challenged by the rise of t20 and more recently by the advent of The Hundred. Many have endorsed the trialling of four-day Tests to entice a result and encourage more enterprising cricket – ironically Joe Root among them.

This week, Test cricket rose to the challenge and answered the call. In Kingston or in London there needn’t have been a fancy slogan to remind those in attendance that “every ball matters” – because in the long form, the cricket can speak for itself.