Comebacks, tragedies and the supernatural of 2012
The Tragic
The Indian cricket team had a disastrous run in the Test series’ following their World Cup victory. They were drubbed 4-0 by first by England in England, and then, by Australia, Down Under. They had hoped for redemption when England toured India for a 4-match Test series – as they are usually invincible on their home turf; almost. England, following their disastrous tours against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, were tipped to be pounded and whitewashed in India. But this time however, they proved that with practise and application, India can be beaten at home.
The Sad
There can be nothing more dismaying than the greats exiting the game. I have grown up following and coming to love the sport because of these great men who were an important part of the game. It has been the end of an era in a lot of ways last year. We saw greats like Brett Lee, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Mike Hussey, Mark Boucher, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Andrew Strauss call it quits from different forms of the game. Their era of cricketers came with a cut-throat, no-rubbish kind of an attitude and their voids will take some filling.
The Supernatural
Michael Clarke had a year that was nothing less than remarkable. Apart from having broken multiple batting records that included being the highest Australian run-scorer in a calendar year, the most number of double centuries in a year (4) etc, he contributed to victories with his adept captaincy. He led from the front, averaging a whopping 106.33 in the 11 Test matches he played last year.
Alastair Cook’s golden form saw no end to the tons of tons that he accumulated over the course of last year – especially against India in India. He was the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket in the last year, having amassed 1249 runs at an average of 48.03. Cook scored 4 centuries in his 4 Tests as Captain. Cook took over the reins when the team was in dire straits and not only has helped float their boat, but rather has given direction and motivation to them to rise to the top. With the upcoming back-to-back Ashes series, he will have a very important role to play for England.
Clarke and his counterpart Cook, had a lot in common last year – having led from the front, both ensured success for their respective teams.
The comeback
Monty Panesar’s comeback in India was nothing short of than spectacular. His comeback essentially changed the course of the series. Ever since he was picked for the Mumbai Test against India, England’s fortunes began to change. He was instantly effective and picked 11 wickets in the game (5/129 and 6/81) and was named Man of the Match. He followed that up with 5 wickets at Kolkata.
Marlon Samuels
Samuels, after his debut in 2000, showed a lot of promise but eventually disappointed. Following a ban for 2 years, he made a comeback in 2010 and scored 1005 runs in 22 matches at an average of 50.25. In West Indies’ campaign at the World T20 World Cup, he played a vital role in the final to see his team cross the line and win the coveted trophy that was essential for his team. For all we know, that win could act as a catalyst for a West Indian resurgence.