Looking at the stereotypes of the 10 Test-playing nations
Over the years, the game of cricket has evolved to a great degree. From timeless test matches, to 6-day matches and then finally the 5-day test matches took shape. Similarly the limited overs format was originally was a 60-overs affair, which was then curtailed to 50 overs. And, then the final revolution took place in the form of Twenty20 cricket.
All through the history, the game has witnessed a number of changes and minor tweaks to its format, all aimed at building a connect with the audiences. There have been mixed results, few changes have worked, few fell by the wayside, but then these are just two sides of any change process.
However, all across the history, there have been 'tags' or 'stereotypes' attached to the different countries which play the game. This has to do with the general culture and atmosphere in the political and social structure of the nation.
Here in this piece, we take a look at the list of current Test playing nations, and try to figure out their stereotype. However, in no means we say that these tags define the way these countries play their game, it is just an indication of how other countries view them.
#1 Australia
Talk of Australia and the words bullies, sledging and aggression prop up almost simultaneously. There is little doubt that the Australian team has been one of the top cricketing nations ever since the inception of the game and have dominated in all formats for one of the longest time. Even when their teams have not been at their peak, they never throw in the towel and fight it out till the end.
However, for all their cricketing prowess, the players cannot keep quiet on the field and love to get involved with the opposition players. They are notorious for trying to bully the opposition, and even if that means abusing or passing lewd comments which are nefarious to say the least.
They believe in mind games, which is just their version of getting under the skin of the opponents if things are not going according to their plans.