What a fantastic performance from England in that first test match! Root led the way with the bat, alongside Sibley and Stokes, and then all of the bowlers contributed and worked exceptionally hard to get the 20 wickets needed. Throughout they dominated India in Chennai, and this is what makes this a remarkable performance.
But we will talk more about the test specifically (and the upcoming 2nd test) on our podcast on Thursday, for now we are going to quickly discuss 6 things we’ve learnt from this test:
1.) Joe Root is a sensational batsman, in sensational form. He scored an incredible double century in the first innings, looking in very little trouble yet again and even reaching his 200 with a big 6 off Ravi Ashwin. To then follow it up with a cracking 40 off 32 balls just showed he has it all. 2021 has started superbly for the skipper and only Kane Williamson could claim to be as good as him currently on form.
2.) England’s spinners are stronger than thought. For many it was the real concern for England, but (aided by Jimmy, Archer and Stokes) they showed they had the ability and belief within them to be match winners and remove the best batsmen in the world. Bess was the main man in the first innings, whilst Leach was the star in the second innings; with both bowling some beauties to remove Kohli, Sharma and Pujara. The exceptional thing is that they did this under heaps of pressure, especially Leach who was given the treatment by Pant in the first innings.
3.) England are becoming a really good Test side. Under Silverwood and Root they have come up with a strategy and have built a team to fit that strategy. Those players are now starting to gel and gain experience and confidence; making them a very dangerous test side. There’s still a couple of positions to be secured in the line up, but that’s not necessarily an horrendous thing. The strength in depth is also a big positive.
4.) Australia aren’t a very good test side, they are an average side. They were missing Smith and Warner so got away with the first loss to India at home, they then failed to beat a very poor England side away, and only drew thanks to one player (Smith), and this seems to have papered over cracks for them. But they have then lost at home to an under-strength India again, who have now been shown to not be the world-beaters the Aussies claimed. The Aussies have issues and no tests to fix them, England will have a real chance in the Ashes.
5.) New Zealand are the best team in the world. They may lack a world class spinner, but they have both a great batting line up, a great keeper and a great bowling attack; and are exceptionally consistent and hard working. India and England aren’t quite there yet but are battling for 2nd best, and should be battling for the number 1 spot in 12 months time. Australia have dropped down to 4th best.
New Zealand will win the World Test Championship later this year.
6.) Jimmy Anderson is the best bowler ever. No one else has been this good and consistent for this long. His longevity is unrivalled and he continues to get better and better, and that’s across the globe too. He doesn’t just do it on a cloudy day on a green seamer; in fact he bowled one of the best overs ever today on a dust bowl in the perfect blue skies of Chennai. Jimmy is the GOAT.
We’re sure plenty of people will disagree with a few of this points; mainly for points 4, 5 and 6! But we would love to hear what you think! And don’t forget to listen to our next podcast on Thursday, when we look back at the first test and ahead to the second test; as well as chatting to T20 star Pat Brown!
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