Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Test Cricket, huh? It delivers drama like no other format can, and I was literally fuming I had to get up for work a few hours later!
The series is now over… And as you can tell, I’m disappointed with Ravi Ashwin. Yes, the batsmen perhaps could have stood up more in this series, but conditions in Southampton were in his favour to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
The worst part? I have to congratulate England on their series win.
No Aussie should be put in that position. Ever.
But, I will do just that. Congratulations England, particularly for holding nerve in the key moments. The two closest Tests in this series have fallen their way, and India would be ruing missed opportunities, especially on the first day when England’s top order collapsed like a house of cards once again.
And by the way, if anyone predicted Sam Curran (who was my man of the match, by the way) would have the impact he has had on this series, give me the proof now. You’re a freak! If he’s in your Dream 11 team, very well done.
Without further ado, and with the third Test providing some classic moments, I will explore each player’s performance and rate them out of ten. As always, it is a little bit of a light-hearted piece.
Enjoy!
England
Alastair Cook: It’s got to the point where England start their innings one down, which is just so sad given the magnificent player Alastair Cook has been for England. The end is looking near, which is exactly the case, with Cook announcing his retirement. 2
Keaton Jennings: It got to the point where England started their innings actually two down, and after a first innings dismissal Keaton Jennings would like to delete out of everyone’s memory, he did fight well in the second innings. However, if Jennings gets another game, I’ll be more surprised than finding a pot of gold by chance out on the front lawn. 4
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| Meme material |
Joe Root: Certainly hasn’t had the impact a player of his ability should. It has got so awkward for Root that Moeen was sent at three in the second innings. If Kohli v Root was a boxing match, the crowd would boo for not getting value for money. 5
Jonny Bairstow: Commented in the first Test that Bairstow is exposing his stumps too much. I’m sure this leaves England fans with their hearts pumping, and India fans with their eyes bulging with interest. He’s playing with a white ball cricket technique at the moment. 1
Ben Stokes: Very handy with both bat and ball. His second innings knock was slow, but the partnership with Jos Buttler was absolutely crucial. Also ensured the pitch wore out more and more. Great second innings catch to see the back of Shikhar Dhawan. Solid effort. So too his punch on Adil Rashid! 7
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| Laugh out loud… |
Jos Buttler: The summer of Jos. Super second innings knock, curbing his natural attacking instincts to help England get a lead that would prove too much for India. 8
Moeen Ali: Showed Ravichandran Ashwin how to bowl on this pitch. Didn’t worry about the carrom ball, quicker ball, slider and whatever else Ashwin tried. Bowled with patience and made use of the rough. Nine wickets to go with his first innings 40, and finished man of the match. “I wish I could play India at home every game,” said Moeen. “They’ll start comparing me to Shane Warne.” 9
Sam Curran: India’s biggest nemesis. He has stood in the way of two Indian victories in this series. Brilliant batting again down the order, and kept the pressure on with the ball. His runs and the first innings wicket of Kohli was huge. Will definitely be in my Dream 11 team for the 5th Test. 9
Adil Rashid: Highlight was getting punched in the face by Ben Stokes. 3
Stuart Broad: He absolutely meant to get KL Rahul in the second innings with that peach of a roll ball. Jokes aside, it was another good performance by Broad, constantly asking questions of the Indian batsmen. 7
James Anderson: No success in the first innings, prompting to wonderful Dennis to suggest he lacks strike. 559 Test wickets suggests otherwise, mate. 6
India
Shikhar Dhawan: Left the ball really well in the first innings, but he just couldn’t resist the bait in the end. Has hung in the there but just no big score. 4
KL Rahul: You wouldn’t even wish your worst enemy gets the ball KL Rahul did in the second innings. His struggles continue in this series. I bet he’ll be keen to get a run on the flat Australian pitches later this year. 2
Cheteshwar Pujara: Phenomenal first innings hundred that kept India in the Test. Arguably his finest Test innings to date. Slightly angled bat in the second dig leading to his downfall. 9
Virat Kohli: Survived a review that prompted a chat on Twitter that would have lasted a week had he won India the Test. Nonetheless, it was another good performance from this incredible player on another challenging batting track. Went past 500 runs in the series. Special. 7.5
Ajinkya Rahane: Would have been having nightmares of Ben Stokes during the Test, as well as the third umpire, who deemed Ben Stokes to have bowled a legal delivery. Followed up with a superb second innings fight, but couldn’t quite carry on. 6.5
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| A tweet for the ages.. |
Hardik Pandya: Performed so incredibly well in the third Test that India just couldn’t dare to leave him out here for Ravindra Jadeja. Unfortunately, he couldn’t deliver here, headlined by a disappointing chip to Joe Root at short midwicket in the first innings. 2
Rishabh Pant: One extreme to the other. 29-ball duck followed by a shot-a-ball 18 off 12. Needs to find a balance, does Pant. Glovework needs some improvement, also. 3
Ravichandran Ashwin: “It’s all well and good for Moeen to bowl offspinners”, said Ashwin post match. “But can he bowl a good carrom ball?” This literally was Ashwin’s mindset in this Test, hellbent on quicker and carrom balls instead of focusing on the beautiful shape he generates from his conventional offspin. A very disappointing performance from a player still trying to shake off his “Asia-only” tag. And don’t get me started on that reverse sweep… 3
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| Interesting question by Ashwin in his press conference… |
Mohammed Shami: Mighty impressive. The uproar had he been left out for Ravindra Jadeja would have mimicked an anti-Donald Trump rally. 8
Ishant Sharma: Went past 250 wickets in the Test, and continues to bowl brilliantly. 8
Jasprit Bumrah: Gave us one for the “cricket funnies” compilation with Keaton Jennings’ dismissal in the first innings. Another excellent effort, and just confirms his importance to the Indian team. 7.5
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So, there we have it.
Series victory to England, who take out the second very tight Test of the series.
Can India gain consolation at The Oval, just like they did at Johannesburg earlier this year?
P.S. I have joined Dream 11, and absolutely can’t wait to start playing. Join in the fun today, with the possibility of winning cash!
Thanks for reading!
