- True connoisseurs, experts, ex-players, and crazy fans would vouch in unison that the thrill, tension, excitement, and joy offered by Test match cricket are unparalleled and incomparable vis-à-vis shorter versions. Old-timers will never tire of passionately debating the virtues of the classic format offering such veritable thrills over a period of five days. Test cricket is all about winning each session. And whosoever wins the maximum number of sessions will eventually emerge successful is a known fact. Cricket fans closely following the evolution of the game would have noticed how Tests are surviving the test of time with the onslaught of a plethora of franchise-based T20 leagues mushrooming all around the world.
PC: ScoopWhoop
- Despite the unimaginable revenue generated by the proliferating T20 leagues, every major cricket-playing nation has made concerted efforts to ensure the classical format takes rightful precedence. The beauty of Test cricket is unique, and those who partake in the thrilling offerings would voice eloquent unabashedly. Of course, cliched as it may sound, the true worth of any cricketer is measured by performances in the Tests alone. As they say, the statistics never lie. A cricketer’s contributions and credentials in Tests, battling against every condition on offer, differentiate between an ordinary from a truly extraordinary one. Some of the biggest names to have played this beautiful game have left their mark in Tests, speaking volumes about the format.
PC: Outlook India
- The recently concluded two-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka yet again showed why the classic format continues to be intriguing, exciting, enticing, and alluring every session. Having won the first Test in Galle quite convincingly, touring Team India was eyeing a series whitewash going into the second and final Test in Colombo. Team India were on track to win the Test and the series handsomely before the hosts valiantly fought to force a draw when things appeared to be going downhill for them. Mind you, unlike white-ball contests, Test cricket offers a second and third chance as well to bounce back even when things are headed southwards. A session without a wicket, or a heap of wickets falling, and batters patiently battling it out is a common occurrence.
PC: The Hindu
- Not only that, but players are also expected to battle it out against the conditions as well. The nature of the playing surface will alter by the session, and this is where the skills acquired will come into the fore. In the second innings of the Colombo Test, Team India appeared to be on track to steamroll the hosts after enforcing a follow-on. However, the gritty, determined, and fighting display by Sonal Dinusha alongside lower-order batters meant the Sri Lankans escaped from certain defeat and settled for a draw. Team India must be feeling that they lost the match even though it turned out to be a draw. Team Lanka must be relieved with the eventual outcome. Looked at from any angle, the true winner here is none other than Test cricket itself. This is most welcome.
