- The increasing global popularity of T20 leagues has put pressure on test cricket.
- West Indies selected seven uncapped players for the two-test series in Australia.
- India was defeated by England’s aggressive style of cricket in Hyderabad.
The increasing global popularity of T20 leagues has put pressure on test cricket; nevertheless, two exciting finals in Brisbane and Hyderabad on Sunday gave the format a boost.
Purists continue to worry about the format’s future since T20 teams may end up being players’ main employment and because most boards believe test cricket is not financially feasible. But in Brisbane, West Indies surprised Australia, and in Hyderabad, England pulled off an incredible comeback against India.
Test cricket
West Indies selected seven uncapped players for the two-test series in Australia, after all-rounders Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers chose to play cricket for their respective teams. After winning in Adelaide in just over two days, Australia appeared to be formalizing a series sweep in Brisbane.
With his 7-68 in Brisbane, Shamar Joseph—bowling with a damaged toe—made history as the game’s rising star and sealed a thrilling victory for his side.
The legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar noted that Joseph’s “amazing spell” demonstrated the “amazing grit and drama” that test cricket could offer. India, who had only lost three home tests since 2013, was defeated by England’s aggressive style of cricket in Hyderabad.
Debutant bowler Tom Hartley took 7-63 to pen one of England’s greatest away victories, while Ollie Pope played maybe the greatest innings by a visiting batter in India with an amazing 196 to reverse the deficit.
Observing that the match was played at a pleasant tempo and that both teams never gave up, India coach Rahul Dravid found some solace in the fact that the tournament was positively marketed.
