- The recently concluded five-match Test series between India and England was a perfect example of an exhilarating, enchanting, exciting, and exceptional display of the classical format of the game. This was exemplified recently. All five Tests went into the last day, also showcasing how keenly both teams contested without giving an inch to the other team. In the bargain, the quality contest between the bat and the ball made for an entertaining exhibition performed by some of the most exceptional talents from both sides. The series ended 2-2, with one Test showing no result, meaning both sides performed almost on an equal keel, allowing high-quality cricket to be dished out for the patrons flocking in great numbers in all five venues. No one would be complaining.
PC: Hindustan Times
- That the eventual outcome of the series was decided on the last day of the fifth Test amply demonstrates the two teams were not prepared to concede an inch even when things appeared to be going downhill. The debutant captain, Shubman Gill, was outstanding in showcasing his scintillating batting prowess, piling on 753 runs with four centuries to boot. In doing so, he would have overcome the demons of not scoring big runs overseas by notching up a record tally. Unsurprisingly, he was named the player of the series for his outstanding performance, both as a batter and captain. The series also witnessed several hundreds scored from both sides. Joe Root scored three – Harry Brook, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored two each. The reason could be that the pitches on offer were largely batting-friendly. But they played really well.
PC: Hindustan Times
- As a consequence, the bowlers generally had to toil hard to beat the defences of the batters most often. Nonetheless, lion-hearted performances from bowlers of the caliber of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Prasidh Krishna, and Josh Tongue ensured the batters were kept on a leash. Mohammed Siraj and Ben Stokes deserve a special mention for bowling their hearts out under challenging circumstances and conditions, time and again. That Siraj’s five-fer was instrumental in Team India winning the thriller in the first hour of the fifth Test proves a tremendous improvement. That Siraj could shoulder the responsibilities of the bowling attack in the absence of Bumrah is an extremely gratifying outcome for Team India.
PC: Outlook India
- The entire series was played with such intensity, competitiveness, and passion that sometimes a few players did indulge in fiery exchanges. Thankfully, none crossed the line that would have attracted severe penalty in the form of suspension and the like. Team India must be feeling as if they have won the series after the way they bounced back from the brink to roll over the opponents when they were truly on track to win hands down. Head Coach Gautam Gambhir must be heaving a sigh of relief since the series was not lost. Captain Shubman Gill has made a promising start leading a relatively inexperienced side into a fighting force. The belief that Tests are here to stay gets reaffirmed when two quality teams contest fiercely and passionately.
