DRAWS BE DAMNED

An attacking, high-risk approach could well become the staple of Test cricket

- AYAZ MEMON

Test cricket, considered the most conservative and sedate of the three formats, seems to be undergoing a dramatic makeover, if two matches played recently are any indication.

In the second India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur, the hosts forced a seven-wicket win in just over two days in a rain-curtailed match. On the face of it, this may seem unremarkable: history shows some matches have been briefer. Also, Bangladesh isn’t exactly the strongest side playing currently.

However, what set this game apart was the manner in which India changed the tempo to chase victory when the pitch and situation suggested a draw was the likely outcome.

The match was turned on its head by India’s high-octane batting. Scoring at more than eight runs an over, India overhauled Bangladesh’s score in double quick time, declaring with a 52-run lead to take the attack to Bangladesh again, this time with ball.

Under pressure, Bangladesh wilted, leaving cricket watchers the world over in awe at India’s ruthless, relentless quest for victory.

Less than a fortnight later, England pulled off an equally dramatic win over Pakistan on a flat, run-loaded pitch at Multan.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a whopping 556, a score that foretold a dull and dreary draw unless the pitch started misbehaving badly. Instead, the England batters, throwing caution to the wind, not only chased Pakistan’s score with gusto, but overhauled it in commanding fashion.

Joe Root, riding a magnificent purple patch, hit a double century. And the precocious Harry Brook hammered 317, the second fastest triple century in Test history behind Virender Sehwag (against South Africa in Chennai, 2008).