Test Cricket - A Class

Written on 5th Jan 2010

Just got back from my regular evening routine, turned on the laptop and logged in to watch 4th day of Aus vs Pak 2nd test match in Sydney.

After having 1st innings dismayed total 127 all out, Australia were leading 80 runs having lost 8 wickets by end of 3rd day.

I thought they would have bundled with the lead around 120-130 runs. However, Siddle and Hussey were still playing.

A record partnership for 9th wicket for 100 runs came with admirable century from Mike Hussey.

Pak started chasing 179 with a day and half in hand, openers played at blistering pace bringing boundaries from Siddle

especially. Bollinger got 1st wicket with his cross seamed delivery which has broken the gates for Aussies.

Ponting brought Johnson who took 2 wickets in his first over, Haddin literally plucked the ball from the air to his right.

Catches win Matches, another one by Nathan Hauritz grabbing a bullet back from Pakistan Skipper who hammered 3

classic boundaries just an over before tea by the same bowler. No idea whatsoever why Mohammad Yousuf played that shot

back to the bowler. Next to fall, Misbah Ul Haq went for a cut towards backward point found Hussey who rejoiced.

Suddenly, Pak were 5 down for 70 odd runs, Australia right back into the game in their own way. I believe only this team

in the world can fight back in the game whatever the situation.

Pakistan was folded for 139 in 38 overs somewhere in between T20 and ODIs (20 - 50 overs).

Pakistan hasn't played any Test cricket last year due to various reasons, no team toured their country for security reasons. Lack of Test cricket

made them lack of confidence and it seems to me like they completely forgot winning a Test match.

India reached the milestone of becoming No.1 team in Test matches recently, would they be able to play like Aussies. Perhaps they could.

However, India lost a ODI vs SL same day or day before actually played in different part of world. I started disliking the high scoring ODIs & T20s

after witnessing India - SL series at home.

Test cricket is a class, T20 is for mass.