The World Test Cricket Championship 2023 final has been decided. Australia takes the title of Champions, the crown, and the rewards. Congratulations to the Aussies and commiseration to the losing Indian Team.
Sometime, maybe a year from today, when the dust settles, we can see the full picture. The postmortem for this 2023 Test match final, the examiner might give us the results of his yearlong review of the playing facts. Questions, what did happen, why did it happen, who is to blame and can this cricket tragedy, for such it must be seen through Indian eyes. Could this have been avoided?
The Australian eyes will see the 2023 test final through tears of joy and happiness as they recall the last two test match series when the Indian team creamed and pulverized the Australians, leaving their undergarments exposed. Yes! Revenge is sweet, and in this 2023 final, very sweet for the Australians whose prize was twice as nice because it was rivals team India on the losing side.
What happened? We are aware of the idiom that hindsight is 20/20. Indian Captain, Rohit Sharma and his team of advisers must be regretting the decision to invite Australia to bat first. It is conceivable that with no pressure nor anxiety, India’s batters may have produced, and their bowlers turn the table on Australia.
Why did this happen? Arguably, there are those in the camp who would say that this match is indicative and suggestive that test cricket is alive. That it is well, and it is growing. But is the reverse true? Is the popularity of the white ball cricket echoing the demise of the red ball version. The casual observer would have noted that team India’s batters appeared to be more prone to the cricket shot selections that is a staple in the white ball version of the T20 format. Those shot selection choices did not work well for the Indian batters in this final.
Who is to blame? Well, I have deliberated, but in truth, one man cannot deliver. So, I am waiting with patience for the jury panel to deliver a verdict.
Could this tragedy (for India) be avoided? The simple answer is yes, it could be avoided. But don’t ask me to tell you how. Cheers, felicitations, well done and well played to Australia. Commiserations to team India, thank you for at least showing up.
