INDIA WON THE TEST SERIES AGAINST BANGLADESH (2-0)

 Despite of losing 55 overs on day 1 and complete wash out on day 2 & 3, India managed to win the 2nd test match in Kanpur quite comfortably. On day 4 Indian team were on mission and showed clear intent that they are playing for winning the match. Every batter came and started attacking, only Pant and Jadeja weren't able to score. Pant is expected to perform in these situations. It was historic test match as India scored fastest 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 in a test match. India showed the world why they are one of the best test cricket team, and we continue to dominate in test matches.

In my last blog (READ HERE), I mentioned about the intent! Test cricket should be played according to the situation and not by only single approach. England should take notes about how to play cricket sensibly, just pinch hitting from ball 1 doesn't help you always. India doesn't make flat pitches to play with bazball intent unlike England. We saw what England did when they toured India, they lost (4-1). To be honest that was some cricket played by India, these are some matches for which fans are waiting. With this win India almost confirmed their place in the WTC final but they still have to win atleast 4 matches. Sri Lanka do have an outside chance but as I mentioned in my last blog they have to beat South Africa in South Africa which is nearly impossible. 

STAND OUT PERFORMERS IN THIS SERIES:

The stand out performers in 2 match series were Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubhman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Akash deep.

ASHWIN: 

Ashwin was awarded the player of the match in the 1st test match and also player of the series for his exceptional performance with both bat and ball. He is amongst the best all rounders to play test cricket. He scored 114 runs with an average of 57, a bowling all rounder with 57 average is great. He also scored century in the first innings of first test. In terms of his bowling there was never a doubt, he is one of the greatest bowler India got. He took 11 wickets at an average of 19.27, stats clearly say why he was given the player of the series. 

BUMRAH:

Another exceptional bowler! I saw one tweet today, it says, is Bumrah and Ashwin playing together is similar to Mcgrath and Warne playing together? I agree to some extent but again I don't want to compare, all these players are legend in themselves. Bumrah is literally the cheat code, wicket nahi mil rahi? call Bumrah he will get it for sure! Bumrah is bowler who doesn't care about the conditions, he will deliver whenever team requires. He also took 11 wickets on 4 innings he played with an average of 12.82. I mean that's incredible! I found some unique stat of Bumrah on Internet, Bumrah with the old ball in home tests:

overs: 103.4

Wickets: 30

Average: 10.03 

Strike Rate: 20.73

Economy Rate: 2.9

*overs 26 to 80 only

What a record especially in Indian conditions. He has taken total 44 wickets in the 10 home test matches he played. Once in a generation bowler for sure.

AKASH DEEP:

He was incredible, since his debut against England he didn't look back and continued his form in test cricket. I have mentioned in my previous blog that Akash Deep is going to be in the playing 11 in BGT. He didn't bowl too much overs as compared to Ashwin and Bumrah but still he managed to get 5 wicket at an average of 20.4. He will keep on improving and I hope our new bowling coach doesn't damage his bowling. 

JADEJA:

Jadeja completed 300 wickets in test cricket, he has maintained his both batting and bowling pretty well. He scored 86 runs in the first test, he batted well when top order collapsed. Jadeja with Ashwin added 199 runs for the 7th wicket partnership. In bowling he took 9 wickets in 4 innings with an average of 15.44. He played a vital role in the series win.

Other players like Jaiswal, Gill and Pant were very good in batting. Even Rahul, Rohit and Virat were looking good in the last test match. Overall, very good performance from Indian team, hope they continue this form in the New Zealand test series too. Just when I was writing this blog, I saw news of Shami getting injured again. So there is high possibility that Bumrah might be rested and Yash Dayal might play. Mukesh can also make it to the squad before Dayal. Ruturaj will be selected as a backup opener, based on his Irani cup performance. 

Now India is scheduled to play 3 T20I against Bangladesh starting from 6th October, but before that Women's World cup is starting and I would try to cover all Indian team matches. Let's hope the women in blue bring home the prestigious trophy. I have already given my predictions for the T20 World cup (READ HERE). 

Thank you for reading, I am getting amazing response from you guys. Feedback is always welcomed and do give me suggestions to improve. I promise to make the blog more intresting for you, so that you will not get bore reading.

THANK YOU,

ADVAIT KADAM

(Sports Management Student)