Staggering Indian Fightback at Oval

Epic Conclusion and Crocodile Sandwiches to come...

More of a photo-feature today after a breath-taking second day of the final Test at the Oval. India’s fight-back from imminent Test and series defeat ranks amongst the finest in living memory and the possibility of sharing the series 2-2 is now very real. More importantly, however, was ‘A day for Thorpey.’

Graham Thorpe, who batted with his trademark headband in 100 Tests for England, would have turned 56 on the second day of the Test match had he not ended his life a year earlier after years of anxiety and depression. The headbands were bought and worn in his memory but, far more importantly, to fund the ‘Bat and Chat’ initiative and raise funds for the mental health charity, ‘Mind’.

The last two specialist batsmen failed to restart from 204-6, Karun Nair (57) falling lbw to a (very) rare straight ball from Josh Tongue and Washington Sundar heaving a Gus Atkinson bouncer to deep square leg. And then it was done, 224 all out.

Ben Duckett led a steroidal response. There was no need for anger; it may just have been the freedom and delight of a wicket with pace and a modest target. Two reserve-ramps for six in his exhilarating 43 from 38 balls before another led to his downfall. Zak Crawley was the Million Dollar man again in his 64 from 54 balls. It was staggering entertainment. 92 for the first wicket in less than 13 overs. Staggering.

Which is exactly what England did in reaching 247 in reply, earning an insignificant lead of just 23-runs. In taming a horse or dog, it is sometimes necessary to release the leash. England had India on its knees but insisted on whipping. The dog bit back – hard. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna claimed four-apiece and suddenly England’s dominance amounted to nothing more than a paltry lead of 23-runs.

Cricket fate is lovely and horrible in equal measure, and it often recognises those players which treat it a little too lightly. But a fitting climax to an almighty battle may await. After 60 sessions of Test cricket attrition, the decider could be done inside three rain-curtailed days. The quantity of play may be down by 66% but the quality of entertainment would up by 100%.

Test cricket is so much more than a game. It’s not just a test of the players’ physical and mental aptitude, it’s an examination of all of our emotions. Why do we love Test cricket? Why can we look away, or turn the sound down, fearing the worst, only to tune back in seconds later?

Ball-by-ball commentary on the TalkSport Cricket YouTube Channel. You know how and where to find it! If not, just look for the TalkSport App and follow the instructions. Look forward to your company.

· And finally, for M-o-C subscribers, especially those of the dearly appreciated and precious ‘paid’ variety, I have made a mad decision to travel straight from London to Darwin to cover South Africa’s white-ball series against Australia. A new, exciting generation of Proteas cricketers is emerging. I’ll be commentating for ABC radio but set for a commendable financial, freelance shortfall. I’d never ask for a contribution but will, however, be grateful for a coffee (or subscription) from anyone who enjoys my forthcoming daily diaries from Australia’s Northern Territories. Crocodile sandwiches etc…

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