South Africa vs West Indies 2nd test : What test cricket didn't need

With test cricket being labeled as ‘boring‘ and ‘slow’ by our adrenaline loving cricket enthusiasts , South Africa and West Indies exhibited some cricket that would be a testimony to ‘boredom’. In a pitch that was a bowler’s nightmare and a batsman’s paradise, all seemed lost the moment the pitch report was done. There was absolutely nothing in it for the bowler’s .South Africa won the toss and decided to put the West Indian bowlers through misery, and boy they did!

South Africa started the first day by piling up 296 runs in a day that was hardly eventful .Smith notched up his 100, and Jacques Kallis was well on his way to scoring one and even the generally active De Villers seemed passive. South Africa scored at a refreshing 4 runs an over till lunch time, after which they decided to drop shoulders and play out. They could have attacked the West Indies, which had two good bowlers. Instead they let the sandwiches in their stomach get the better of them and toned down. Kallis scored a ton the next day, so did De Villers and the Proteas decided to declare after Tea, after piling up a mammoth 543.

When the West Indian batsman came out to there were no two ways about it. Stick around and bat as long as you can, and eke out a draw because bowling out South Africa on day 4 for a cheap score is improbable. Chris Gayle adopted a cautious approach, as West Indies saw the day off by scoring 88 runs with the loss of just one wicket. Deonarine was looking fine, apart from the occasional hiccups but as soon as Gayle perished, South Africa smelt blood. Chanderpaul walked in like a gladiator , and took a hit on his helmet to a vicious Steyn bouncer , fought , battled and guided West Indies through. In an innings that oozed grit, determination and balance , Chanderpaul , accompanied by Nash hustled and harried past the South African bowling. Nash played with calm, and Chanderpaul showed why he can still be depended upon .Chanderpaul and Nash had turned Batman and Robin , saving the day for West Indies , at cricket’s expense. By the time, South Africa could get the better of Nash , the game was headed towards a draw barring a miracle. The normally ebullient Bravo resorted to caution and contributed to a dull day’s cricket as West Indies ended day 4 with a lead of three runs. The script was complete with South Africa completing the customary day 5 proceedings with a dull 236 runs, and Kallis continuing his amazing run of form. Chanderpaul was named the man of the match for his match saving heroics.

The Australians played a pivotal role in shaping up modern day’s test cricket where cricket was played with the intention of notching up a result than having a bland one , where batsmen came out and exhibited their wide array of defenses and the occasional drives. Test matches like this one take us back in time , and provide us hardly any moments to savor . Barbados hopefully doesn’t prove to be a dampener like this one.

By: Anerudh Balaji S.R.