5 iconic cricket rivalries and the names that can be used for those Test series
From the fabled Ashes to the euphoric Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there are plenty of captivating rivalries in Test cricket. Teams, with no love lost for each other, square off on the hallowed 22 yards for the flaming aim of procuring bragging rights. Quite a few high-profile Test series are being contested for glittering trophies which have been named after players or events of historical significance. However, there are also some absorbing rivalry-tinged series which take place without befitting names for the trophies up for grabs.
Also Read: 5 iconic cricketing series and the reasons for their names
Here are five suitable trophy names that can be used to celebrate some of the most historic rivalries in Test cricket. Apart from honouring those legendary players by using their names, christening the various series (both home and away) in such a manner also adds an extra dimension to the on-field action. Only iconic cricketers who have played against each other are considered for this segment. Those stalwarts, whose names are already in use for other trophies (either international or at senior domestic level), are excluded to avoid repetition.
#5 Lara-Tendulkar Trophy (India vs West Indies)
For the vast majority of the 90s, the title for the best batsman exchanged between Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar on a regular basis. Admittedly, Australia's Steve Waugh also figured prominently in the discussion. However, the Caribbean magician and gifted Mumbaikar dominated world-class bowlers across both Tests and ODIs. There cannot be a better way to honour the two batting legends other than extending their popular names to a trophy contested between India and West Indies.
Unlike some of the other rivalries in the modern era, the face-off between India and West Indies has rapidly swung in favour of the former as a result of the latter's drastic slip in standards during recent times. India have won each of the six previous Test series between the two teams. In fact, the last time that they lost a Test match to West Indies was way back in 2002.
The sharp reversal of fortunes can be construed as nature's way of evening the proceedings. After all, West Indies had won each of the first five Test series that they played against India. From 1983 till 2002, the Caribbean juggernaut did not lose a single Test series to the Indians.