Whilst the Stokes/McCullum theory of cricket might be lauded by those who prefer the hit-and-giggle of the T20 game, the glory of test cricket is that it is possible for a side, not quite as talented as the opposition, to bat out for a draw on the last day - sometimes the last two days, as was the case at The Wanderers with Atherton and Jack Russel at the wicket. Many of test cricket's greatest results and most exciting finishes have been gutsy efforts in the last session, after five days of great entertainment, whilst batting out for a draw. To me, one of sports most entertaining spectacles.
When Bazball works it really works. But when it doesn’t it becomes farcical aka the Aussie loss to India in the 2nd Test. No doubt ODI and T20 influence has changed the Test arena and shot “selection” Many more Tests will be won or lost than ever before. And in 3 days and less. Is this a natural progression of Test cricket - probably. Is it commercially driven - who knows? With fewer tests being played by everyone except India, England and Australia it will be nigh on impossible to compare the other Test playing nations in the same vein. Still believe there is a place for more guts and grit and less glory and I doubt 6 runs an over can ever become the norm in Test cricket. As to Team before Individual - this has always been so But not exclusively and to the absence of any reason other than the principle. Time will tell but I suspect the present England side are just fortunate to have a balance of skill sets than suits their current style - especially against lesser bowling attacks
Whilst the Stokes/McCullum theory of cricket might be lauded by those who prefer the hit-and-giggle of the T20 game, the glory of test cricket is that it is possible for a side, not quite as talented as the opposition, to bat out for a draw on the last day - sometimes the last two days, as was the case at The Wanderers with Atherton and Jack Russel at the wicket. Many of test cricket's greatest results and most exciting finishes have been gutsy efforts in the last session, after five days of great entertainment, whilst batting out for a draw. To me, one of sports most entertaining spectacles.
When Bazball works it really works. But when it doesn’t it becomes farcical aka the Aussie loss to India in the 2nd Test. No doubt ODI and T20 influence has changed the Test arena and shot “selection” Many more Tests will be won or lost than ever before. And in 3 days and less. Is this a natural progression of Test cricket - probably. Is it commercially driven - who knows? With fewer tests being played by everyone except India, England and Australia it will be nigh on impossible to compare the other Test playing nations in the same vein. Still believe there is a place for more guts and grit and less glory and I doubt 6 runs an over can ever become the norm in Test cricket. As to Team before Individual - this has always been so But not exclusively and to the absence of any reason other than the principle. Time will tell but I suspect the present England side are just fortunate to have a balance of skill sets than suits their current style - especially against lesser bowling attacks
Manners, what exactly did Mitchell do wrong in Stokes’ eyes? Not clearing the fence? Standard practice to turn down singles surely?
Really enjoyed reading this post, great constructive comments. David Wilson
Perth, Western Australia.