Test cricket, as you can judge by the name, is the most testing format of the game. We often see upsets being pulled off in the shorter formats of the game, but it seldom happens in Test cricket because the longevity of the game ensures that the higher skilled side eventually comes out on top.In recent years though, there has been a valid concern regarding the future of Test cricket due to the rise in popularity of T20 cricket in particular. At a time like this, Test cricket desperately needs some enthralling contests in order for younger audiences to retain interested in Test cricket. There have been plenty of great Test matches in Test cricket’s 145-year old history, and a few more of such Tests in the years to come would do the game no harm whatsoever.
We bring to you some of the best Test matches over the past years.
Thrilling finishes galore! Who said Test matches are boring?
5. England vs New Zealand
New Zealand toured England in June 2021 for a two-match Test series prior to the WTC finals. The match which features on this list is the first match of the series at the Lord’s. Kiwi skipper Williamson won the toss and decided to bat first.
The Kiwis scored a total of 378 in the first innings in which 200 runs were scored only by their opener Devon Conway and his name was embossed on the wall of fame at the historical venue. England got all out for 275 runs with Rory Burns being their highest run-getter with 132 runs and Tim Southee took a six-wicket haul in the first innings.The New Zealand team posed a target of 273 for England on the fifth day and they failed to take more than three wickets in the second innings. England couldn’t hit the target required in the remaining overs and hence the match was drawn in the end. The Player of the match was awarded to debutant Devon Conway for his brilliant 200 runs.
4. Bangladesh vs West Indies
This match is a tale of a debutant who hit a double hundred and won the match for West Indies. It was the first match of the series and Bangladesh elected to bat first. Mehidy Hasan, the bowling all-rounder of Bangladesh hit his maiden century along with Shakib Al Hasan’s 68 guided the team to a score of 430.West Indies, in the first innings managed to put, only a score of 259 with Kraigg Brathwaite being their highest with 76. In the third innings, Mominul Haque of Bangladesh played his part by hitting a ton and declared on the fourth day with 395 runs to be chased. The West Indian top-order batters failed to stay longer in the crease. Nkrumah Bonner came at number four and steadied the ship with surviving 245 deliveries and hitting 86.Kyle Mayers was on a good touch in his first innings as he got 40 runs and he went on to create history in the fourth innings by scoring a double hundred in his debut. Though the other end was unstable, Mayers kept one end firm and he unbelievably won the match for West Indies and it was the fifth-highest run chases ever in the Test history.
3. England vs Australia
The Oval Test match between England and Australia way back in 1882 is arguably the most significant Test match ever as it gave birth to the furious Ashes rivalry between the two countries.
Australia, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, made just 63 in their first innings. England, in their reply, couldn’t fare much better as they were, in turn, bowled out for 101, thereby giving them a lead of 38 runs over Australia.Given England’s considerable lead in the circumstances, they would have expected to beat the Australians comfortably, especially after they needed just 85 runs for victory due to Australia being bundled out for 122 in their 2nd innings. But they inexplicably collapsed, once again, for 77 and gave the Australians a narrow 7-run win.A British newspaper, The Sporting Times, wrote a satirical obituary after the match, stating that English cricket had died and their body will be cremated and the ashes will be taken to Australia. This led to England captain Ivo Bligh vowing to regain the Ashes prior to their tour of Australia that year and led to the start of the Ashes Test matches between England and Australia.
2. West Indies vs Pakistan
This is one of the most thrilling matches of the year 2021 as this went till the end without being able to decide the winner. It was the first match of the series of West Indies against Pakistan. West Indies won the toss and bowled first. Pakistan was all out for 217 runs (Fawad Alam 56, Jayden Seals- 3/70 and Jason Holder 3/26).West Indies faced an early setback after their opener and number three batter got out for a duck. The skipper Kraigg Brathwaite hit 97 runs and got out. Jason Holder added 58 runs and the team finished with 253 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi took a four-wicket haul in that inning. Pakistan again displayed similar batting and gave a low target of 168 (Babar Azam 55 and Jayden Seals 5/55).It was an easy task for West Indies to chase down this lost score as there were still two days remaining. But Pakistani bowlers bowled exceptionally well and dismissed the batters in quick intervals. After Jermaine Blackwood got out for 55, the match tended to slide on any side. Kemar Roach held his position at the crease and hit 30 runs and the match was won with just a wicket remaining. It was unpredictable till the last delivery was bowled.
1. Australia vs India
This is the most memorable match for Indian fans and on contrary, it was a forgettable one for the Aussies. It was not only the series decider match, but it was the ticket to the WTC finale for the Indians. This match was played at “Fortress Gabba” as Aussies say, as they have not lost even a single match here since its inception. The toss was in favour of the hosts and they batter first.Marnus Labuschagne’s 108 and Tim Paine’s 50 aided the team to score 369. India managed to score 336 runs and fell short by 33 runs. The highest scorers of India were number seven and eight batters, Washington Sundar (62) and Shardul Thakur (67). Josh Hazelwood picked a fifer in the inning. In the second innings, Australia got all out for 294. India had to chase 328 runs to seal their series victory and their position in the WTC final.The Indian batting lineup proved its capabilities. Shubman Gill was the highest in the innings with 91 runs. Pujara batted 211 deliveries and hit 56 crucial runs for the team. Rishabh Pant at five anchored the innings though the wickets were falling in the other end. He scored 89* runs off 138 deliveries and won the Player of the Match and created history by breaching the “Fortress Gabba”.
India will play 3rd Test of the ongoing Border -Gavaskar Trophy against Australia from 1st March in Indore.
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