Background:
New Zealand defeated England by a one run margin in the second test at Wellington on 28 February. The two-match series ends tied at 1-1. The match is only the fourth to feature a team winning after following on.
Quick thoughts:
ESPNCricinfo’s Alan Gardner has done a nice recap of the match here. Test cricket has become far more results oriented in the past few years. The influence of limited overs batting on this change cannot be understated. However, all too often matches do end by the 4th day or less.
In that sense, the England New Zealand test is worth highlighting for a few other reasons as well:
- Rapid scoring in the 1st innings for a 400+ total (England scored at nearly 5 an over)
- Grinding century in the second innings by a batsman in slump, while following on, (Kane Williamson) to setup a target
- Rear-guard action after losing early wickets in the chase by England (Joe Root and Ben Stokes)
- Veteran fast bowler using short balls to get key wickets on day 5 to clinch the narrowest of wins
There were many other noteworthy contributions but this test as a whole provided the emotional, skill and entertainment value expected.
It is irrational to expect all of these ingredients to come together again any time soon in a test match. But even if half of the above happen (with logical variation) then we might be in for a wholesome experience.
I was recently speaking with the co-founder of a fan engagement-focused company, and he reiterated how sports were becoming shorter (a reflection of social behaviour). In that sense, Test cricket remains an anomaly. But long may it live!