What a year it is turning out to be for test cricket. First Bangladesh beat New Zealand in NZ for the 1st time in their entire test history. Beating NZ the WTC champions is no mean task and Bangladesh has put in their best effort. Then England drew Australia in Sydney which not many expected with the form they were in was truly inspiring to watch.
The Ashes.
Last year England was beaten comfortably in all the 3 matches by the Australians. But England was not in the same mood this year. Although they did not look comfortable they had a fighting spirit the same which Indians had last year in the very same venue -The SCG. This ground has given many thrilling matches in the past but the last two would be regarded as the greatest among all.
With Stokes, Buttler, and Bairstow not fully fit all gave their best to avoid whitewash seemed very pleasing to watch. Stuart Broad as usual picked up a 5 wicket haul which he does in every Ashes. Overall we could see a better fighting English side than last year but still need to improve a lot in their batting.
Stats - Ashes 2021-22
Usman Khawaja averages 238 and is the 4th highest run-getter overall.
Mitchell Starc average with the bat - 75
Scott Boland averaging 8.64 with the ball has 3rd best strike rate after 4 innings.
Tests were drawn with the team having one wicket in hand:
AUS v ENG at Manchester, 2005
ENG v AUS at Sydney, 2022.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand.
No one would have expected Bangladesh to beat the World Champions NZ comfortably in their backyard. But beating all odds and pushing their game to another level makes many understand what a test win is all about to a country like them. Not many countries have been comfortable playing NZ at home is what makes this win even more special.
Full credits should go to the fast bowlers who have worked hard with Ottis Gibson. Bangladesh pitches have not helped their seamers a lot in the past. But the likes of Ebadot Hossain and Shofiul Islam played their A-game taking wickets at regular intervals. Ebadot in particular did not have a good start to his Test career averaging above 40 with the ball in 11 matches. He has not taken 2 wickets in consecutive tests as well.
With these stats to go and taking 7 wickets in an innings is a Himalayan task to climb. Test cricket has once again given the fans hope in 2022 and will look to carry forward this momentum.
Comments
Post a Comment