The moment Holder and Bonner came into bat, West Indies had lost 4 wickets and were on the verge of a defeat. England’s bowlers had 30 odd overs to rip of the batting line up. Root rotated Stokes, Woakes and Overton while at the other end it was Jack Leach. Leach was bowling a brilliant spell as he was getting ample turn which was enough to make a batter think twice before defending a ball.
Holder and Bonner were resolute in their defence. They not only made sure to play out deliveries, but made sure that they are blocking the ball in the middle of the bat. Holder in general was busy in leaving the ball which made a statement that he isn’t finished yet, as earlier in 1st innings; he was out immediately as he was undone by the trap of Ben Stokes. Bonner was typical in his defence as he continued from where he left in the 1st innings.
Holder and Bonner consumed more than 200 deliveries amongst themselves. Holder was gritty against Leach as Leach had the knack of knocking over any batter. He was just bossing the game with lethal line and lengths, at times the batter too appreciated his bowling. Leach made the most use of a dreadful pitch for batters as picking up 3 wickets wasn’t that easy as it looks.
West Indies and England are now scheduled to clash on 16th March 2022 at Barbados. Richards-Botham Trophy didn’t started like a Bang but there was exhibition of immense determination from Bairstow,Bonner and Holder. The pitch probably was docile but it wasn’t that bad for a Cricket Fan where there was even contest with bat and ball. Barbados pitch is expected to be a turner where we can expect 2 spinners in the playing 11 for both the teams. West Indies would be proud of their performance as not only their Bonner was adept while the Pacers too made England batters down on their music. England on the other hand would be relieved as they found their old Johnny Bairstow who was batting in an aggressive manner which reminded the fans of 2018-19 season; Leach’s 3 wickets are a huge boost as now they can plan to play another spinner. All in all, no team has an advantage for the 2nd Test Match which makes the contest more even than ever; Richards-Botham Trophy is tied on 0-0 and the winner of the trophy has to win both test matches. West Indies have a wood over England, while the same can be said for England.
SNAPSHOT: Holder and Bonner bailing out West Indies from a difficult Day 5
(1) Usman Khwaja smashes a terrific Century against Pakistan at Karachi. Aussies manage to score 251-3 till the end of Day 1 Play.
(2) England and West Indies inaugurate Richards-Botham Trophy 2022 with a Draw. Joe Root and Co tried to bundle out West Indies but their batters were resolute in defence which made sure that they don’t lose the 1st Test Match.
(3) Pakistan’s curator could be questioned for preparing a road kind of pitch. Only two wickets were taken by the bowlers and one was a run out, if such template continues then PCB won’t be able to bring all the nations to Pakistan as the teams would know the output of a pitch which is not at all promising for Pakistan’s fans.
**Zak Crawley Makes A Strong Case as an Opener by Notching up a Brilliant Century*
Day 4 was a crucial one for England as the deficit was a tiny one yet dangerous. Kemar Roach got rid of the debutant Alex Lees quickly and gave Vibes of the 1st innings where he was instrumental in breaking the back of England’s batting line up. Zak Crawley took time to get his eye in, then he went into attacking mode as the old Zak was on fire. He stitched an invaluable partnership with the Captain Joe Root and both the batters were quite spot on with their shot selection. Zak was literally attacking each and every bowler, especially Roach and Holder who were getting movement. His knock has now made sure that he not only has sealed his place at the top but found his old touch. He batted exactly the same way of the Season 2018 where he had smashed a double century against Pakistan in England. ECB would be relieved as finally an opener got to 3 figures mark. Although he needs to start afresh as in the Caribbean the ball does a lot of talking. Nevertheless the batter would hope that he isn’t dropped from here onwards just like old times, it looks as if he has hit his purple patch as most of the times he was seen using his feet which made the bowler change his line and length.
*Joe Root gets back to form after a Lean Patch
Joe Root the Captain would be happy that he is back into the form. He had a forgettable Ashes 2021-22 with the bat, from then onwards there were talks going on of his credibility as a batter. ECB should not forget that Joe Root is on the brink of 10,000 Test Runs which doesn’t happen in an overnight. The batter was quite relaxed at the crease as Zak took the pressure off h by smashing the bowlers all-around the park. Root got to play his natural game and once he was set, he too didn’t shy from taking the fast bowlers down. This Series is Vital for Joe Root Skipper and Joe Root batter as their fate would be decided, Richards-Botham Trophy’s inauguration is a perfect opportunity for Joe Root to reset his Captaincy Career as he hasn’t been outstanding in the role; in World Test Championship 2021-23 England are placed at bottom which doesn’t sound good when you started playing the Game. Root’s speciality was that he didn’t allow the Pacers to dominate him, he had made sure that he rotated the strike on a Consistent basis which eventually perturbed Caribbean bowlers. The Captain would be aiming to get to a big score and give England’s bowlers a chance of winning Test Chance which is distant yet attainable as we all know Cricket is a Game of Uncertainties.
*Ineffective Spells from Caribbean Bowlers*
In the Morning Session, Roach had got rid off the debutant Alex Lees and sensed that once again he can be the wrecker-in-chief. Zak’s attacking instincts and bold nature was unexpected, the pitch was docile yet an odd ball was doing the talking; the dashing batter didn’t hesitate to take on the left arm off spinner Permaul. The Bowlers got a brutal hammering as they conceded runs in excess of 3 runs per over. Captain Kraigg Braithwaite was undone by aggressive brand of Cricket which was blatantly out of the blue. England’s batters have made sure that now West Indies won’t be winning the Test Match, the lead has gone past 150 runs and only a miracle can save the Test Match from Draw. Caribbean Fast Bowlers should not get disheartened as 2 more Test Matches are still remaining to decide the winner of the inaugural Richards-Botham Trophy 2022.
*What lies ahead on Day 5 for England and West Indies*
England would be hoping to have a speedy Morning Session where they score 120-150 runs, most importantly go past 300 runs mark which would give them a psychological advantage of defending the target. West Indies on the other hand, would pray that Rain Gods interrupt atleast 1 Session as batting on Day 5 won’t be easy, if they get early 3-4 wickets then they would be knocking the door of victory in the 1st Test Match; for that to happen Roach, Holder and Joseph will have to bowl out of the skin to generate reverse swing as the red ball is more than 60 overs old.
*Fate of Richards-Botham Trophy 2022*
Before the inauguration of Richards-Botham Trophy 2022, West Indies and England’s Test Series was named as Wisden Trophy. The Last Test Series between these two nations was played in July 2020 England where England had won by 2-1. They were the Holder of the Wisden Trophy, there are umpteen chances that the 1st Test Match would be a Draw; in that scenario West Indies has to make sure that they either win the Series by 1-0 or 2-0 to win the inaugural trophy, England on the other side would be aiming to either draw remaining 2 Test Matches, win one of them or win the Series by 2-0. England and West Indies are in the same place right now, both teams are going through a transition and in doing so both team’s Boards have started a Cleaning Procedure by removing Cricketers who had poor form.
SNAPSHOT: Joe Root seen playing a cover drive shot against West Indies bowler.SNAPSHOT: Zak Crawley pumped up after Scoring a Century against West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
SNAPSHOT: Nkrumah Bonner Raises his Bat after Scoring a Hard-fought Century against the Courageous Britain.
In the very 1st over Bonner completed his century. There was no angry celebration from his side as he knows that his Job isn’t finished yet. Kemar Roach got run out, it can be said that the pacer played a critical role in the partnership. Roach played out 80 odd deliveries in his knock which indeed is a good job done.
Joe Root handed the ball to Leach in a hope that his turning deliveries would outfox the batters. Root made a mistake by not giving the ball to Mark Wood, his express pace would have been threatening to West Indies spinner Permaul. Leach has been bowling his heart out but nothing is happening. Root would be thinking of another spin bowling option which is no one than himself.
West Indies would be thrilled as now they have found a proper middle order batter in the form of Nkrumah Bonner. The dismissal of Roach made Bonner more responsible as now he is playing determined shots better than ever. Bonner has got ample support from Permaul as he has now got his eye in. Caribbean Pacers would be watching more keenly as the bowl is keeping low and the bowlers are getting a lot of uneven bounce and movement.
Post Drinks break, Evening Session is showing us that how this Test Match is moving. Batting is by no means easy now which means that England are in a precarious position. West Indies would be eyeing to get a Crack at England’s batters before the end of Day’s play, a small session of 5-10 overs would be icing on the cake. On the other side, England are not yet down and out, they should not let lead go beyond 100 otherwise making a comeback would be tough. All in all, West Indies look all set to win the Inaugural Richards-Botham Trophy’s 1st Test Match unless and until England play out out of their skin and produce a miraculous performance.
West Indies started off their post drinks break Afternoon Session wittily. Bonner was playing a typical Test Match knock where he left deliveries and made sure that West Indies are in a strong position. Roach on the other side displayed immense mental application as blocking too was not an easy task. The West Indies batters now have made sure that can deepen the agony for Joe Root & Co.
Joe Root knew that the fast bowlers are tired and he gave the ball to Jack Leach. The left arm off spinner got the turn, bounce and was seen troubling the batters more often than. He opportunities twice, one for Bonner and another one was for Roach. On both the occasions the slip fielder dropped the catches and gave a life to these batters. It is often said Catches win Matches, Root would be angry and would be banging his head on the door for missed opportunities, because now the team has lost the plot and advantage.
West Indies know that any lead around 150 would seal the Test Match for them. Bonner is on the verge of a Fantastic Century whereas Roach now has started to change the gears. Roach and Bonner played out the Session and went unscathed. The partnership amongst the two batters is of 40 runs and in doing so they have consumed a lot of balls that too in excess of 140.
The Evening Session would definitely and undoubtedly give the Cricket Fraternity an idea of which way the Test Match is heading. 123 overs have been bowled so far, the new ball is distant; once again the Pacers will depend on reverse swing which indeed is a tough task. West Indies now would be aiming to get a Dominating Session, 1st Hour holds the key here; if they score 50-70 odd runs then they would believe that they are in the Driver’s Seat. On the other Side England know that they have let the opponent took the control of Test Match, the likes of Woakes and especially Wood need to rip off the remaining batters, otherwise it would be a Cake Walk for Caribbean bowlers.
SNAPSHOT: Nkrumah Bonner Making an Impact as the Lead for West Indies begins.
Post lunch session was pivotal, especially the first hour. Jack Leach, the left arm off spinner got rid of well set Joshua Da Silva. His departure made the Session spicy as later Alzarri Joseph too was dismissed. English bowlers were roaring as they got back into the groove.
Bonner, then went into ultra defensive mode as it was the need of the hour. He was making sure that he doesn’t get enticed by flighted deliveries of the left arm spinner. Root used short ball rampage to irk him but Bonner didn’t lose his cool. Craig Overton and Mark Wood tried everything to see Bonner’s back, but they were unsuccessful.
After a testing half an hour, Bonner stitched a small partnership with the lethal pacer Kemar Roach. England’s Captain was a bit impatient as he didn’t want West Indies to get a lead. Bonner is on the verge of a hard fought century whereas he knows that the longer he stays at the crease, the higher are the chances of West Indies getting a disturbing lead for England.
The phase after post drinks break could be pivotal. The deficit is in 20s and West Indies still have 3 wickets in tank. West Indies management are wary of the fact that batting 4th won’t be at all easy, they should try to put the leg on the accelerator and score runs as the pitch has started to misbehave and deteriorate. On the other side would England knows that their top order is vulnerable to the new ball and they know how Roach, Holder and Joseph created a havoc in 1st innings. All in all, this Test Match has been topsy-turvy for both the teams, England’s players are already in the field for more than 100+ overs, they would be tired and as of now the shoulders are dropping off; if West Indies play out another session then they would be literally bossing the game.
SNAPSHOT: Nkrumah Bonner holds the Fort of West Indies after an early collapse on Day 3 Afternoon Session
The dismissal of Holder in Morning Session had given Britishers a chance to make a comeback in the Test Match. The onus was on Stokes to rip off the line up of Caribbean batters. Although, he didn’t got any ample support from the likes of Wood and Woakes. Both the batters present at the crease were calm and made sure that they don’t let the game slip off.
SNAPSHOT: Bonner and Joshua irking England team and snatching the Test Match from Joe Root’s England
Bonner was literally rock while doing defence. Joshua followed the trend and he at the times was a bit scratchy too. He survived a lbw decision too which he later got it overturned. The wicket keeper batter’s strokeplay was a treat to watch. He not only took the pressure of Bonner, but made sure that the scoreboard was ticking regularly.
The Captain Joe Root’s nemesis of Captaincy continue as he isn’t getting productive results neither from the Pacers nor from Jack Leach. Root knows that he is playing with fire, his captaincy is on a thin edge. He has been given a Second Life that too a short one of 3 Test Series. If he doesn’t make it count, then ECB will have to make tough calls, which they have already have started.
The Afternoon Session of Day 3 would decide the fate of the Test Match and eventually of the Test Series. Root needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat quickly, otherwise 2019 tour would be repeated. On the other side West Indies would hope that the two batters continue the good work and get a threatening lead of 100 runs. If Caribbean batters and tail enders would fret Joe Root and Co, then West Indies would be in the Driver’s Seat.
The Morning Session of Day 3 was expected to be a critical one. Holder was all set, so was Bonner. The Captain Joe Root gave the ball to Ben Stokes.
Stokes was trying his best to reverse the ball as the red ball was more than 70 overs old. Holder initially was solid in his defence. He was gritty and showcased a lot of determination to see of 1st hour.
71st over it was, Stokes was bowling his heart out. He was in his 2nd over of the day. Stokes angled the ball away from Holder and he as usual was letting the ball go. On the brink of 72nd over, Holder got a bit carried away and nicked the ball to the keeper Ben Foakes.
Stokes has made a resounding statement that Holder may be one of the Best All-rounder, but he is an All-time Great. This dismissal has just opened the Test Match for England. The deficit though remains a problem, but Holder could have inflicted a lot of damage. In 2019 Test Series, 1st Test Match it was; he was well set and then smashed a Gigantic double century. The road for England may look a bit easy now but they have a long rally ahead.
SNAPSHOT: Ben Stokes Elated and Jubilant after getting rid of the Dangerous Jason Holder
South Africa broke their shackles to defeat the Gigantic India. TEST Series as of now is squared by 1-1, with the final one scheduled on 11th January at Cape Town. There was elation even in closed doors as South Africa proved a point that they are not a finished product. India on the other-side looked humdrum as defeating 240 runs wasn’t a tough task given the affluence India has in pace department. The Test Match got wrapped up on 4th day itself; which ICC would be keeping an eye on it as earlier in 2020 there have been talks of making a “Test Match” a 4-day affair.
SNAPSHOT: Skipper Dean Elgar & Temba Bavuma delighted after winning 2nd Test Match.
South Africa’s chase started on 3rd Day and they were quite cautious in their approach. The openers Dean Elgar & Aiden Markram didn’t allow the quartet: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Shardul Thakur & Moahammed Siraj to settle; as both the openers rotated the strike on a consistent basis & were ready to pounce on an opportunity. The opening partnership was of 47 runs in 10 overs. Aiden Markram the dashing batter was in full form as he played a cameo of 31 runs in 38 balls.
The man with the “Golden Arm” Shardul Thakur perturbed every batter through his cunning variations. The stand-in/ temporary captain K.L. Rahul used fiery tactics alike the “Youth Sensation” Virat Kohli, who was out of the Test Match due to lower back spasms. At the end of Day 3 Proteas scored almost half of the runs with 8 wickets in tank. In an attempt of experimentation Rahul lost the plot as giving easy singles & a regulation boundary made the job half done.
On Day 4 two sessions were wiped out due to inclement weather. Evening session finally had the last laugh & match resumed. Rahul’s captaincy didn’t yield results as on one side the skipper “Dean Elgar” was solid in defense, he literally took blows on his body & helmet. Elgar’s survival mode was so productive as he made the bowlers bowl to his strengths. Elgar would rue the fact that he missed out on the century (96 runs in 188 balls), yet he would be booming with confidence as Proteas still have their fortress under control. (* India hasn’t won a Test Series since South Africa’s readmission) Elgar got ample support from Rassie van der Dussen who was playing shots irrespective of getting outputs. There was a fear factor present in the form of Rassie. Rassie managed to score 40 runs in 92 balls, his partnership with Elgar proved to be decisive as both were involved in 82 runs partnership.
SNAPSHOT: Rassie van der Dussen playing cover drive with absolute sheer brilliance.
Elgar & “White Ball Skipper” Temba wrapped up the match & won the Test Match by 7 wickets.
SNAPSHOT: Dean Elgar waiving his bat after completing 50 runs.SNAPSHOT: Temba Bavuma playing a shot elegantly & playing a role in the triumph
Team members of India were blissfully annoyed as they tried every trick yet Proteas didn’t succumb to the white noise. Last 6 months for Rahul has been a roller-coaster ride as in June he wasn’t a part of playing 11 & now he captained Test team & going to captain ODI Format. India should have gone for the lethal brand of bowling as losing by 7 wickets is a bit tough pill to swallow. There is some sort of uncertainty regarding Virat’s participation & if he isn’t fit then South Africa would be thrilled as Virat on his day can decimate the opponent through bat & captaincy.
SNAPSHOT: K.L. Rahul & Dean Elgar playing the game in right spirit.
India had won the toss & elected to bat first. The veteran batters Cheteshwar Pujara & Ajinkya Rahane once again failed to trouble the scorers as they were dismissed for a single digit. The skipper K.L. Rahul has now made a habit of taking burden on his shoulders as he scored a half century a (133 balls) on a spicy wicket. Ravichandran Ashwin the crafty spinner formed partnership with the “unorthodox” Hanuma Vihari & posted a decent yet challenging total of 202 runs. Ashwin played a quick-fire knock of 46 runs.
Marco Jansen the tyro fast bowler took 4 big scalps & was seen having a banter/sledging with the “Yorker Sensation” Jasprit Bumrah. Duanne Olivier played a critical role by sending Pujara & Rahane in quick succession as his presence was too hot to handle for batters.
SNAPSHOT: Marco Jansen & Jasprit Bumrah were seen a spat so much that Umpire had to intervene.
The entire bowling department of South Africa hunted in a pack which is must to succeed. India had a short burst with the ball as they were bundled out in 63.1 overs. Shami got rid off Markram quickly & later India’s bowlers tightened up the screws as Proteas managed 35 runs in 18 balls.
On Day 2 South Africa were scoring runs easily & looked as if they would get a size-able lead. Just before half an hour away from Lunch, Rahul gave the ball to Shardul Thakur. Absolutely from nowhere Thakur priced out the skipper Elgar (28 runs in 120 balls) & got rid of the well settled batter Keegan Petersen (62 runs in 118 balls) & eked out 3 wickets in his 5 over spell. He triggered 3 wickets & created panic in South Africa’s camp.
SNAPSHOT: Shardul Thakur got mesmerized after dismissing Aiden Markram.
After the lunch break of Day 2 Temba Bavuma took the team out of the muddle by notching up a half century in 60 balls. His dismissal paved the way for India as the score was 177-6 wickets. The tail-enders somehow grabbed a lead of 27 runs. This time Shardul Thakur accomplished the job of wrapping up the batters & tail-enders as he took his career best of 7-61 in 17.5 overs. Thakur proved to be a Trump & Wild Card as his spell changed the dynamics of the Game.
In response to 27 runs lead South Africa got rid of the “Big Fishes” Mayank Agarawal & K.L. Rahul. Marco Jansen who had a small stint via Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021 (MI) made the most of his experience. Rahane & Pujara resurrected the innings by rotating the strike & a typical boundary. At the end of Day 2 India’s lead was 58 runs with 8 wickets remaining. The Coach Mark Boucher was worried as he knew the momentum shifted very quickly.
On Day 3 Rahane & Pujara fretted bowlers. It was entertaining to see how Pujara was in attacking mode. During Drinks break India ‘s lead was 124 runs. It looked as if South Africa gifted the match, then Kagiso Rabada the speedster eliminated Pujara & Rahane by bowling peach deliveries. Within a blink of eye Rabada changed the course of the match.
SNAPSHOT: Cheteshwar Pujara & Ajinkya Rahane gave a glimpse of historic partnerships.
Rishabh Pant came in & then Rabada enticed Rishabh. Within 3 deliveries Pant threw his wicket & made sure that Proteas are in full control. Lead at that time was 140 runs with 5 wickets left.
SNAPSHOT: Rishabh Pant looks dejected as the sledging/ banter proved to be too hot.
Hanuma Vihari stood tall from one end & made sure that India posted a competitive target of 240 runs. South Africa’s quartet was slaying like anything as there was no respite. Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen & Kagiso Rabada all of these 3 took three wickets each.
SNAPSHOT: Hanuma Vihari playing a cover drive shot & resurrecting the inning.SNAPSHOT: Kagiso Rabada is pumped up after breaking the back of India’s batting lineup.
With the series being squared by 1-1. The contest at Cape-town would be grueling as South Africa have made a comeback from nowhere. Mark Boucher the Head Coach would be pumped up whereas Rahul Dravid the Head Coach knows that the loop-holes have been exposed.
In 2006-07 South Africa vs India Test Series, Rahul Dravid was the captain of India & Mark Boucher was the wicket-keeper of South Africa. South Africa had levelled the Series by winning in Durban & co-incidentally the 3rd Test Match is going to be played at Cape-town only. Given the history India would be hoping that the fortunes would change as in 2006-07 South Africa had thrashed India convincingly.
India wants the Batter Virat Kohli, as he is under a lot of pressure regarding off-field issues. Unfortunately, if Virat isn’t fit then there should be absolute role clarity as players need to acclimatize themselves to the situation. The blunder of Rishabh Pant is an example, if he would have batted responsibly then the result might have been different, putting entire blame on him is not right, but it is often said “Wicket-keeper is the heart of the team”. India has got everything to excel, unfortunately on the given day match is played on field not on paper.
South Africa would be in shock as in this Test Match they were without Quinton de Kock as he quitted Test Cricket to focus on White ball. Quinton was a huge blow as his acrobatic glove-work & furious batting was a major skill. Even in his absence South Africa gave a Reality Check to India.
On the current performances India looks unlikely to win as South Africa look ominous.
Bangladesh have created history by defeating the World Test Champions, New Zealand. 1st Test Match was played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The Test Match was scheduled & played from 01st January – 5th January. For Bangladesh it is a phase of merriment as defeating New Zealand in their own backyard isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
SNAPSHOT: Mushfiqur Rahim & Skipper Mominul Haque are spellbound after defeating Kiwis
In 2020-21 season the likes of India & Pakistan were whitewashed & buried alive by Kiwis. 2022 Year has definitely brought smiles in Bangladesh after a disastrous 2021 T20 World Cup. Bangladesh was without the services of Tamim Iqbal & Shakib Al Hasan due to injury & personal reasons. On the other side New Zealand had a power-packed team except skipper Kane Williamson who is nursing elbow injury. Bangladesh was given a moderate target of 40 runs to chase. In attaining the target Bangladesh lost couple of wickets & hunted the total inside 17 overs.
SNAPSHOT: Mushfiqur Rahim thrilled after scoring the winning runs & reigniting Test Cricket.
The entire camp was jubilant as before the start of Day 5 the match was evenly balanced as New Zealand’s score was 17-5 (*exact score was 147-5). The veteran Ross Taylor & the Rising Rachin Ravindra were present. Before the commencement of 2022 Season Ross announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
Ebadot Hossain the speedster castled Taylor’s stumps & ignited a belief that Bangladesh have a chance to create “History”. Ross Taylor would be annoyed with himself that his lack of concentration & shot selection opened the gates for Bangladesh. After Ross’s dismissal the skipper Momiul Haque went into ultra -attacking mode as Ebadot & Taskin wrapped up the tail-enders. Ebadot took his maiden 5 wicket haul, most of the times he was looking for hitting immaculate line & lengths.
SNAPSHOT: Ebadot Hossain (saluting) is delighted after getting rid of the “Big Fish” Ross Taylor
Will Young the tyro cricketer was the only batter who went beyond half-century mark. He played a well defining knock of 69 runs in 172 balls.
New Zealand’s batters were so much drained while fielding that there was a lack of intent (*standing on the field for 176 overs may be the reason).
New Zealand had managed to score 328 runs while batting first. Shadman Islam & Mahmudul Hasan Joy exhibited appropriate brand of “TEST Cricket” as they blunted the new ball quite easily. Not a single batter scored a century, but there were ample contributions made:
Mahmudul Hasan Joy :78 runs in 228 balls
Najmul Hossain Shanto: 64 runs in 109 balls
Mominul Haque: 88 runs in 244 balls
Liton Das: 86 runs in 177 balls
Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson & Neil Wagner were exhausted as they tried all the tricks in the book, yet the batters were sturdy to pull of a heist. Bangladesh managed to put a humongous total score of 458 runs. A lead of 130 runs was invaluable. Each & every fast bowler had to bowl multiple & long spells. The pick of the bowlers was the thunderous Trent Boult who took 4 wickets.
Bangladesh had opted to bowl first as there was a tinge of grass present. The left arm fast bowler Shoriful got rid off the big fish Tom Latham. Will Young the novice opener made the most of the opportunity as he displayed complete mental application; he scored 52 runs in 135 balls.
The multi-talented Devon Conway once again proved his worth by notching up a brilliant century of 122 runs in 227 balls. It looks like Devon Conway is a master of all the formats, as he had played a crucial role in T20I World Cup (*Semi Final knock against England of 46 runs in 38 balls)
SNAPSHOT: Devon Conway cherishing the moment by scoring his 2nd century & 1st at New Zealand
The experienced campaigner Henry Nicholls played a terrific knock of 75 runs in 127 balls. The specialty of Nicholls’s knock was that he always wanted to score, irrespective of the runs. There was a surprise element present this time, lower-middle order & tail-enders didn’t contribute. The likes of Jamieson & Southee are expected to contribute at-least 50 runs amongst themselves.
New Zealand posted a decent total of 328 runs. The runs where hard to come due to the impeccable bowling of Bangladesh’s pacers & spinners. Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers. He was well accompanied by the crafty off spinner Mehidy Hasan who also took 3 scalps.
TEST CRICKET
2022 has started with a Bang & with an Upset as who would have even thought that Bangladesh would defeat New Zealand. Bangladesh’s playing 11 was quite young irrespective of experience. This match literally could be said as “David & the Goliath”, Kiwis are the true embodiment of the game.
Bangladesh have made a statement that they are not a team who just visits a nation & goes back empty handed. Not to forget Bangladesh have bagged 12 WTC (World Test Championship) Points. New Zealand would be shell-shocked that how come Bangladesh defeated them. New Zealand are yet to win a Test Match in 3 Test Matches (* 2 against India in November-December).
New Zealand are placed at 6th position with 4 points
Bangladesh is placed at 9th position with 12 points
The argument of Kane Williamson’s absence is plausible. Black Caps would like to avoid the ignominy as loosing a series would be dreadful.
Before the series Mominul Haque was seen saying that it’s difficult to trust the process without result. Bangladesh defeated New Zealand as they had the players to succeed, it is often said that the Board & Management should trust the players, which BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) did.
The entire Cricketing Fraternity (BCCI, CA & ECB) would be jolted as well as thrilled that one more nation has joined the league of Legends. The beauty of “Test Cricket” is that you can make a comeback on any given day. Now the pressure is on New Zealand as their throne can be snatched away, whereas Bangladesh would look to go one step ahead & dominate New Zealand.
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