The game of cricket is nothing less than poker; a slice of luck or misfortune can make a world of difference.
For Ben Stokes’ England, things were sailing smoothly as they plundered 800-plus runs in less than two days to sting a hapless Pakistan outfit in the first test in Multan.
England had arrived on the shores expecting to replicate the deeds a year ago when they whitewashed the hosts 3-0.
Pakistan since then had looked depleted in the format, failing to come up with any strategy to beat teams at home.
The recent catastrophe against Bangladesh added insult to the wounds as they not only lost their maiden Test against the Tigers but an entire series as well.
On top of that, England had given them a battering.
England’s optimism was visible, and perhaps they had a little crack at the way the ground staff in Multan were looking to dry the wicket. Big fans, brushes, and everything went in to make the wicket spin – and boy, it did!
What more was that memories of England’s worst nightmare – their recent trip to India, which they lost 4-1 – came to the fore.
Ben Stokes’ would have remotely expected the wicket to turn the way it did by the end of the second day of the second Test.
Apart from Ben Duckett’s first innings century, England failed to conjure a single fifty across both innings.
Pakistan got the belief and they capitalised.
England captain Ben Stokes. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
England’s fortunes turned for the worse as they were dismantled in the decider and eventually lost the series 2-1.
Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussian – two gentlemen who made more reputation as commentators than they did as players – it was Eureka.
They found the moment to dive into their in-depth analysis. An analysis that comprised essentially England’s inability to play on turning tracks.
While it’s true that the ultra-offensive approach, to some extent, undermines the technique and temperament to play spin on turning tracks, still it’s not without merits.
It’s the same approach that made Test cricket look worthwhile in competition to the other formats of the game.
England’s red-ball cricket has been the most attractive and decisive since Ben Stokes took over as captain.
A few would still remember how hapless England were in the Test series against India at home, which brought the curtains on Joe Root’s captaincy.
Stokes essentially revolutionised a team that lacked clarity and was utterly clueless. Make no mistake, they were as bad as Pakistan just a few months ago.
Ever since Stokes’ and McCullum took duties, not only did they play an aggressive brand of cricket, but they played for results.
Only a team like this would have been able to force a turnaround in the Ashes after being 2-0 down to level in 2-2.
They could have won the fourth Test match and the series as well if the rain had not played spoilsport.
Whether it was in New Zealand, England, or their last tour of Pakistan, Bazball was certainly the most attractive brand of red-ball cricket in the history of the game.
A brand that, to some extent, incentivized other teams to become a bit dominant.
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